01Weather
Sydney weather in January
Afternoons in January average 28.4 °C (83 °F) and nights cool to 20.2 °C (68 °F). The month brings about 76 mm (3.0 in) of rain spread over roughly 8 days. Compared with December it is 0.7 °C warmer; February is 0.7 °C cooler again.
What the averages hide
| In a typical January | Value | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Warm afternoons (90th percentile) | 34 °C / 94 °F | one day in ten is at least this warm |
| Cool afternoons (10th percentile) | 23 °C / 74 °F | one day in ten stays below this |
| Cold nights (10th percentile) | 17 °C / 63 °F | one night in ten is colder than this |
| Days above 30 °C (86 °F) | 9.6 | per month, average 2016–2025 |
| Nights at or below 0 °C (32 °F) | 0.0 | frost mornings per month |
| Chance of rain on any given day | 25 % | at least 1 mm |
| Hottest / coldest January day 2016–2025 | 43.7 °C / 14.3 °C | extremes in the ten-year record |
02Daylight
Sunrise, sunset and the length of the day
| Date | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 January | 05:48 | 20:09 | 14.4 h |
| 15 January | 06:00 | 20:08 | 14.1 h |
| 31 January | 06:16 | 20:01 | 13.8 h |
Daylight shrinks by about 36 minutes over the month. Times are local (Australia/Sydney).
03Crowds
How busy Sydney is in January
very busy The main sights are very busy in January. What drives it:
- Australian summer school holidays all month
- Sydney Festival
- Australia Day on 26 January
04Public holidays
Public holidays in January 2027
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| 1 Jan 2027 | New Year's Day |
| 26 Jan 2027 | Australia Day |
On public holidays many shops close and museums run on Sunday hours; check opening times for the day before and after as well.
05Events
What's on in Sydney in January
Every year in January
| Event | When | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney Festival | January, citywide arts | culture |
| Australia Day | 26 January, Harbour events | national |
07Packing
What to pack for Sydney in January
- light, breathable clothing
- sun hat and sunscreen
- refillable water bottle
- a compact umbrella for occasional showers
- something for heat: 10 days a month pass 30 °C on average
08Editor's notes
What the numbers don't tell you
January is high summer, hot and often humid, with afternoons around 27 °C and days above 35 °C in a heatwave, Australian school holidays all month, the Sydney Festival filling parks and theatres with a free opening weekend and Australia Day on 26 January bringing ferries, flypasts and fireworks to the Harbour. Beaches are packed and hotel rates at their peak. Afternoon southerly busters bring sudden relief.
Rain falls on about eleven days, often as late-afternoon storms. Sea temperatures are around 23 °C. The Sydney Cricket Ground hosts the New Year Test in the first week. Bushfire smoke can affect the city in a bad season. The Opera House and the Bridge Climb run at capacity. For the warmest sea and the Mardi Gras season, see February.
09Compare
Sydney month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Sun h | Crowds | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28 °C | 20 °C | 8 | – | very busy | Good |
| February | 28 °C | 20 °C | 10 | – | busy | Good |
| March | 26 °C | 19 °C | 11 | – | busy | Good |
| April | 24 °C | 16 °C | 9 | – | busy | Good |
| May | 21 °C | 12 °C | 6 | – | moderate | Excellent |
| June | 18 °C | 10 °C | 10 | – | moderate | Excellent |
| July | 19 °C | 9 °C | 8 | – | moderate | Excellent |
| August | 20 °C | 10 °C | 6 | – | quiet | Excellent |
| September | 22 °C | 12 °C | 7 | – | moderate | Excellent |
| October | 24 °C | 15 °C | 8 | – | busy | Excellent |
| November | 26 °C | 17 °C | 8 | – | busy | Excellent |
| December | 28 °C | 19 °C | 8 | – | very busy | Good |
Not sure about January? See the best time to visit Sydney.
10Elsewhere
January in nearby cities
| City | High | Rain days |
|---|---|---|
| Melbourne in January | 28 °C | 6 |
| Singapore in January | 30 °C | 11 |
| Bangkok in January | 33 °C | – |
| Tokyo in January | 10 °C | 4 |
| Kyoto in January | 10 °C | 6 |
| Shanghai in January | 10 °C | 11 |
11FAQ
Sydney in January: your questions
Is January a good time to visit Sydney?
January is a good month to visit Sydney. Daytime highs average 28 °C (83 °F), rain falls on about 8 days, and hotel arrivals run above the yearly average, so the main sights are very busy.
What is the weather like in Sydney in January?
Expect warm days around 28 °C (83 °F) and nights near 20 °C (68 °F). One January in ten brings afternoons above 34 °C, and one in ten stays below 23 °C.
Does it rain a lot in Sydney in January?
January brings about 76 mm (3.0 in) of rain over roughly 8 days, which is fairly dry by Sydney standards. On any given day the chance of at least 1 mm of rain is 25 percent.
What should I wear in Sydney in January?
Pack light, breathable clothing, sun hat and sunscreen, refillable water bottle.
Is Sydney crowded in January?
The main sights are very busy in January. Main drivers: Australian summer school holidays all month; Sydney Festival; Australia Day on 26 January.
What time does it get dark in Sydney in January?
Around the middle of January the sun sets at about 20:08 and rises at 06:00, giving 14.1 hours of daylight.