Sydney in December
In December, Sydney averages 25°C (77°F) during the day and 18°C (64°F) at night, with around 11 days of rain (78 mm total).
Peak seasonConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
December offers comfortable temperatures in Sydney, with some rain to plan around.
How December compares to the rest of the year in Sydney
December is in the middle of the year for warmth in Sydney (4th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (7th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 3°C above the annual average (22°C). December runs 1°C warmer than November (24°C) and warms a further 1°C into January (26°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Sydney
Times shown for Sydney local time (Australia/Sydney), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Sydney — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Sydney's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Sydney in December
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 December's tier (Peak season) and Sydney's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — December in Sydney
Sydney is in peak season during this month — expect bigger crowds at famous sights, higher hotel and flight prices, and longer queues. Restaurant reservations a few days out are advisable, and any boutique hotels you have your eye on should be booked weeks ahead. The trade-off: most attractions, restaurants, and seasonal services are fully open, the weather is at its most reliable, and the city feels at its most alive.
Why this tier: excellent tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — December in Sydney
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 — December
Across the year Sydney's sea swings from 17.7°C (July) to 23.4°C (February) — December sits at 20.8°C.
Sydney in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow 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 December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Sydney in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Sydney in December?
In December, Sydney averages a high of 25°C (77°F) and a low of 18°C (64°F) — generally warm.
Does it rain a lot in Sydney in December?
December can be fairly wet in Sydney, with about 11 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Sydney?
December is warm. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Sydney in December?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Sydney for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.