Sydney in January
In January, Sydney averages 26°C (79°F) during the day and 19°C (66°F) at night, with around 11 days of rain (102 mm total).
Peak seasonConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
January offers comfortable temperatures in Sydney, with some rain to plan around.
How January compares to the rest of the year in Sydney
January is one of the warmest months in Sydney (1st of 12) and one of the wettest months (2nd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 4°C above the annual average (22°C). January runs 1°C warmer than December (25°C) and stays flat into February.
January sunrise & sunset in Sydney
Times shown for Sydney local time (Australia/Sydney), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Sydney — January
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Sydney's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Sydney in January
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 January's tier (Peak season) and Sydney's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — January 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 Southern Hemisphere summer holidays
Sun & mosquito risk — January 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 — January
Across the year Sydney's sea swings from 17.7°C (July) to 23.4°C (February) — January sits at 22.4°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 January weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Sydney in January →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Sydney in January?
In January, Sydney averages a high of 26°C (79°F) and a low of 19°C (66°F) — generally warm.
Does it rain a lot in Sydney in January?
January can be fairly wet in Sydney, with about 11 rainy days on average.
Is January a good time to visit Sydney?
January 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 January?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full January packing list for Sydney for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.