Fall in Sydney feels like a breath of fresh air after the heat of summer. Average daytime temperatures drop from around 26°C in early March to about 18°C by the end of May, while nights cool from 19°C to 11°C. This slow change makes autumn one of the nicest seasons for exploring the city, since you avoid the extremes of summer or winter.
As autumn moves along, days get shorter. Evenings seem to arrive faster, and mornings linger in the dark a bit longer.
You’ll notice rain here and there, but it rarely gets out of hand. Humidity drops off pretty quickly too, so muggy days become less common.
This mix of sunny, breezy days with the occasional shower feels just right for getting outside or wandering through Sydney’s neighborhoods.
If you know what to expect, planning is a lot easier. Whether you want to walk the harbour, check out coastal trails, or catch a festival, understanding fall weather in Sydney helps you make the most of your trip.
Overview of Fall Weather in Sydney
During fall, Sydney shifts away from summer’s heat toward cooler, milder weather. Temperatures drop steadily, rainfall pops up more often, and clouds start to gather a bit more as the weeks go by.
Typical Fall Temperatures
Sydney’s fall runs from March through May. Highs usually start around 78°F (25°C) in early March and ease down to about 65°F (18°C) by late May.
Nights become noticeably cooler, with lows from 64°F (18°C) at the start of autumn to about 54°F (12°C) by the end.
This cooling trend makes it easy to enjoy the outdoors. By May, you’ll probably want a light jacket in the evenings.
The ocean holds onto some summer warmth, so early autumn beach trips are still on the table, though the water cools off as the weeks go by.
Daytime conditions stay mild, and you’ll rarely run into extreme heat. This steady drop in temperature is one of the main things people notice about Sydney’s climate in autumn.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| March | 25°C / 78°F | 18°C / 64°F |
| April | 22°C / 72°F | 15°C / 59°F |
| May | 18°C / 65°F | 12°C / 54°F |
Rainfall Patterns in Autumn
Sydney gets a moderate amount of rain in fall, but the timing can be unpredictable. March tends to bring heavier bursts, while April and May see steadier, lighter showers.
Monthly rainfall usually lands between 100–130 mm (4–5 inches).
You might see 7–10 rainy days each month. Most rain comes in short bursts or thunderstorms, not long drizzles all day. This means you’ll still get plenty of clear days mixed in.
Clouds show up more often as you head into May, so late autumn can feel a bit gloomier. If you’re out and about, an umbrella or light rain jacket is a smart move.
Rain spreads across the city, but coastal suburbs sometimes catch a bit more than the inland neighborhoods.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
Humidity drops off in fall, though you’ll still feel it at times. Early in the season, humidity sits around 65–70%, then slips closer to 60% by May.
The air feels lighter than in summer, which is a relief.
Winds usually stay light or moderate. If you’re near the coast, you’ll probably notice sea breezes in the afternoon. Inland, things feel calmer, though gusts do happen now and then.
Lower humidity and cooler temps combine to make the air crisp and comfortable. Sleep comes easier too, since sticky nights are rare.
Overall, wind and humidity settle into a nice balance, which is part of why Sydney’s autumn feels so livable.
Monthly Breakdown: March, April, and May
As fall unfolds in Sydney, temperatures slide down from summer highs, rain sticks around, and daylight hours shrink. You get comfortable weather for being outside, but you’ll notice changes in temperature, humidity, and rain as the months go by.
March Weather Highlights
March kicks off autumn in Sydney, with temperatures between 18°C (64°F) and 25°C (77°F). Days stay warm enough for the beach, but evenings start to cool off.
Rain picks up, with an average of around 129 mm (5 in), so expect more wet days than you’d see in summer.
Humidity usually sits between 57–62%, which can make afternoons feel a bit muggy. Still, you’ll get about 12.3 hours of daylight and lots of sunshine for exploring.
Sea temperatures hover around 23°C (73°F), so swimming still feels good in March. If you’re planning to be outside, pack light clothes and don’t forget a rain jacket or umbrella.
April Climate Details
April brings milder conditions, with highs near 22°C (72°F) and lows around 14°C (57°F). Nights get cooler, and the shift into autumn feels obvious.
Rain averages 110–120 mm (4–4.7 in), enough to keep things green but not soggy.
Humidity drops a bit, usually in the mid- to upper-50% range, so the air feels more comfortable. You’ll get about 11 hours of daylight, which is still plenty before evenings cool down.
The sea cools to about 21°C (70°F). That’s swimmable, but maybe not for long dips. April hits a good balance—moderate weather, smaller crowds, and pleasant conditions for exploring the city or coast.
May Weather Overview
By May, Sydney feels much cooler, with highs around 19°C (66°F) and lows near 11°C (52°F). You’ll want a light jacket, especially after sunset.
Rainfall drops a bit to about 100 mm (3.9 in), spread over several days.
Humidity keeps falling, averaging 55–58%, so the air gets crisper. Daylight shrinks to about 10.3 hours, so you might plan your outings a little earlier.
Sunshine hours also dip, with about 6 per day.
Sea temperatures fall to around 19°C (66°F). For most people, that’s a bit too chilly for swimming.
May is perfect for checking out Sydney’s cultural spots, harbor walks, and scenic lookouts, without the summer heat or heavy rain.
Daylight Hours and Sunshine in Fall
In fall, Sydney’s daylight hours slowly shrink, though sunshine hours stay fairly steady. You’ll definitely notice the change in both daylight and cloud cover as you go from March to May.
Average Daylight by Month
March gives you about 12.3 hours of daylight each day. That still feels like summer.
By April, daylight drops to around 11.3 hours, with evenings setting in sooner.
May brings it down to about 10.5 hours per day. This means you’ll want to adjust outdoor plans to fit in before sunset.
| Month | Average Daylight Hours |
|---|---|
| March | ~12.3 hours |
| April | ~11.3 hours |
| May | ~10.5 hours |
You’ll notice the difference most if you’re outside in the late afternoon. Shorter days also mean evenings can feel cooler.
Sunshine Duration and Cloud Cover
Even as daylight shortens, Sydney still gets a good amount of sun in fall. March averages about 7.5 hours of sunshine per day.
April dips a bit to around 6.8 hours, and May settles at about 6.0 hours daily.
Cloud cover slowly increases as the season goes on. Early fall is clearer, but by May, you’ll see overcast skies about 35% of the time.
Still, there are plenty of bright days, even if clouds show up more often.
This mix of sun and cloud keeps sightseeing comfortable. You get enough daylight for outdoor activities, and the softer sun makes it easy to stay out longer.
Outdoor Activities and Popular Destinations
Sydney’s mild autumn weather makes it a great time to get outside, especially since you avoid the worst of summer’s heat. Beaches, coastal walks, and city parks all feel more relaxed, and the crowds thin out a bit.
Exploring Bondi Beach in Autumn
Bondi Beach still draws a crowd in fall, since the water stays warm enough for swimming early in the season. Sea temperatures run from about 73°F (23°C) in March to 68°F (20°C) by May, so you can enjoy the surf if you don’t mind a little chill.
If you’re not into swimming, the sand is quieter, perfect for a walk or just lounging.
Lifeguards keep watch during the season, so swimming stays safe.
Bondi also kicks off the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, a 6 km trail with ocean views, cliffs, and quiet coves. Cooler air in autumn makes the walk a lot more pleasant.
Cafés and restaurants nearby stay open all year, so you can grab a meal with a beach view. Warm water, mild air, and fewer people make Bondi a solid pick in the fall.
Best Walks and Parks for Fall
Sydney’s parks and trails really shine in autumn, with highs between 65–75°F (18–24°C). Lower humidity and shorter days mean you can explore without overheating.
Some local favorites:
- Royal Botanic Garden: Easy to reach, with Opera House views.
- Barangaroo Reserve: Terraced lawns, picnic spots, and harbor views.
- Centennial Parklands: Wide open areas for cycling, jogging, or birdwatching.
For longer escapes, the Hermitage Foreshore Walk offers harbor views and quiet beaches, while Lane Cove National Park has bushland trails not far from the city.
These spots blend natural beauty with easy access, and autumn weather lets you enjoy them all day.
What to Pack for Fall in Sydney
Fall in Sydney means mild days, cooler nights, and the odd rain shower. You’ll want clothes that adapt to changing temperatures and a few basics for both sunshine and rain.
Clothing Recommendations
Temperatures usually run from about 15°C to 23°C (59°F to 73°F). Layers are your friend, so you can add or peel off as needed.
Pack lightweight long-sleeve shirts, t-shirts, and casual pants or jeans. A light sweater or cardigan comes in handy for chilly mornings or evenings.
If you’re planning to go out for dinner, throw in a dressier option or two.
Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers are a must for city exploring. For the beach, bring sandals or flip-flops, though the water might feel cool. If you’re heading to the Blue Mountains, pack sturdy shoes for hiking.
A simple fall packing list for Sydney might look like this:
- 3–4 t-shirts
- 2–3 long-sleeve tops
- 1–2 sweaters or cardigans
- 1 light jacket
- 2 pairs of pants/jeans
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Optional: dress outfit, sandals, sportswear
Rain and Sun Protection Essentials
Sydney’s fall weather likes to bounce between sunny spells and those quick, annoying showers. You’ll probably want to be ready for both.
Toss a compact umbrella or a light rain jacket into your bag for those surprise rain bursts. If you’re carrying electronics or paperwork, a water-resistant daypack cover can save you a lot of trouble.
The Australian sun doesn’t really take a break, even when it’s cooler outside. Pack sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), a good pair of sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.
A reusable water bottle is a must, especially if you’re wandering the city or heading out to the coast.
If you’re planning any beach time or a ferry ride, a quick-dry towel and a light beach bag will make your life easier.
Sensitive to bugs? You might want to bring some mosquito repellent, especially if you’ll be outside in the evening.
Comparing Fall to Other Seasons in Sydney
Sydney’s fall usually means mild temperatures, lower humidity, and shorter days. The season lands between the heat of summer and the chill of winter, which most travelers find pretty comfortable.
Fall Versus Spring Weather
Spring and fall in Sydney can feel similar temperature-wise, but they each have their own vibe. In fall, daily highs start around 78°F (25°C) and drop to about 65°F (18°C). Spring does the opposite, with temperatures climbing instead.
Humidity makes a noticeable difference. Fall brings a big drop in muggy days, going from roughly 31% of days to almost none by late May. In spring, humidity goes up as summer creeps closer, so late spring can feel pretty sticky.
Rainfall changes too. Fall rain slowly drops from about 3.4 inches per month to 2.8 inches. Spring gets more unpredictable showers. If you’re hoping for dry weather for walks and outdoor stuff, fall usually delivers.
Daylight shifts in opposite directions. Fall days get shorter by nearly three hours, while spring adds daylight at a similar rate. This really changes how much time you’ll have for sightseeing, with spring giving you those longer evenings.
Differences from Summer and Winter
Fall feels cooler and less humid than summer. Summer highs usually hit 80–86°F (27–30°C), and you’ll notice more muggy days and those sudden rainstorms that seem to come out of nowhere.
In fall, temperatures settle into the 60s°F (16–20°C), which makes hiking, wandering the harbor, or hitting the beach way more comfortable. You don’t have to deal with that intense heat.
Sydney’s winter, on the other hand, brings cooler weather than fall, but honestly, it’s still pretty mild compared to a lot of other cities. Highs in winter hover near 62°F (17°C), and lows can get down to about 47°F (8°C).
Fall doesn’t usually drop below 51°F (10°C), so you get to skip those extra-chilly mornings that show up in July.
Rainfall changes too. Winter actually comes out a bit drier overall, though you’ll see more cloudy days.
Fall mixes sunshine with moderate rain, so the days often feel brighter and just more balanced.
If you’re trying to figure out the best time to visit Sydney, fall really does hit that sweet spot. You dodge summer’s sticky humidity and winter’s cold mornings, and the water stays pleasant—usually around 68–73°F (20–23°C)—if you’re up for a swim or some coastal exploring.