Sydney in August

In August, Sydney averages 18°C (64°F) during the day and 9°C (48°F) at night, with around 9 days of rain (81 mm total).

High season

Conditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.

August is a great month to visit Sydney: pleasant temperatures and relatively few wet days.

18°C
Avg high
9°C
Avg low
9
Rain days
81 mm
Rainfall

How August compares to the rest of the year in Sydney

10th
warmest month of the 12
11th
wettest month of the 12
7%
of yearly rainfall falls in August
10 h 50 min
daylight on the 15th

August is one of the coolest months in Sydney (10th of 12) and one of the driest months (11th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 4°C below the annual average (22°C). August runs 1°C warmer than July (17°C) and warms a further 2°C into September (20°C).

August sunrise & sunset in Sydney

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:34 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
5:24 PM
Day length
10 h 50 min

Times shown for Sydney local time (Australia/Sydney), calculated for the 15th of August. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Sydney — August

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of August, in Sydney's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:34 AM – 6:14 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:14 AM – 7:14 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
4:44 PM – 5:44 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
5:44 PM – 6:24 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Fair
Core only briefly above the horizon — a marginal month even from dark sites near Sydney.

📅 When to book — Sydney in August

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on August's tier (High season) and Sydney's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
3-4 months
Prices are above off-season but not the absolute peak. Tuesday/Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekend ones.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
3-5 months
Wide selection still available at this lead time. Premium properties book first; consider 'last-minute deal' availability at 2-week mark if your dates are flexible.

Crowds & pricing — August in Sydney

High season

This is a busy month in Sydney — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.

Why this tier: excellent tourism weather

Sun & mosquito risk — August in Sydney

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
7.8
High
Cover up and apply SPF 30+ for any outdoor activity longer than 30 minutes.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●○○○
Low
Mosquitoes present but manageable. Pack repellent (DEET 10-20%) for evenings near water.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Sea temperature in Sydney — August

17.7°C (64°F)
cool
swimmable but bracing — wetsuit helps for long sessions

Across the year Sydney's sea swings from 17.7°C (July) to 23.4°C (February) — August sits at 17.7°C.

Sydney in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 26°C / 79°F 19°C / 66°F 102 mm 11
February 26°C / 79°F 19°C / 66°F 117 mm 11
March 25°C / 77°F 17°C / 63°F 130 mm 12
April 22°C / 72°F 14°C / 57°F 127 mm 11
May 19°C / 66°F 11°C / 52°F 121 mm 11
June 17°C / 63°F 9°C / 48°F 131 mm 11
July 17°C / 63°F 8°C / 46°F 98 mm 9
August 18°C / 64°F 9°C / 48°F 81 mm 9
September 20°C / 68°F 11°C / 52°F 69 mm 9
October 22°C / 72°F 13°C / 55°F 77 mm 10
November 24°C / 75°F 16°C / 61°F 84 mm 10
December 25°C / 77°F 18°C / 64°F 78 mm 11

Other cities with similar August weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Sydney in August →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Sydney in August?

In August, Sydney averages a high of 18°C (64°F) and a low of 9°C (48°F) — generally mild and pleasant.

Does it rain a lot in Sydney in August?

August sees occasional rain in Sydney, with about 9 rainy days on average.

Is August a good time to visit Sydney?

August is mild and pleasant. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Sydney in August?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings. See the full August packing list for Sydney for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Sydney on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.