Sydney water temperature
The sea off Sydney is warmest in February, around 74°F (23°C), and coolest in August, around 65°F (18°C).
Photo: Benh LIEU SONG (Flickr), CC BY-SA 4.0
Sea temperature by month
| Month | Sea | Feels | Air high |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 73°F (23°C) | Refreshing | 81°F |
| February | 74°F (23°C) | Pleasant | 80°F |
| March | 74°F (23°C) | Pleasant | 78°F |
| April | 72°F (22°C) | Refreshing | 74°F |
| May | 70°F (21°C) | Refreshing | 70°F |
| June | 67°F (20°C) | Cool: wetsuit for long swims | 65°F |
| July | 65°F (19°C) | Cool: wetsuit for long swims | 64°F |
| August | 65°F (18°C) | Cool: wetsuit for long swims | 67°F |
| September | 65°F (18°C) | Cool: wetsuit for long swims | 71°F |
| October | 67°F (19°C) | Cool: wetsuit for long swims | 74°F |
| November | 68°F (20°C) | Cool: wetsuit for long swims | 76°F |
| December | 71°F (21°C) | Refreshing | 78°F |
Average sea-surface temperature just offshore, 1991–2020. Water in shallow bays runs a little warmer on sunny afternoons.
On the water in Sydney
Questions
When is the water warmest in Sydney?
February, at about 74°F (23°C).
Can you swim in Sydney all year?
The water is comfortably warm (73°F/23°C or more) in February, March. Outside those months most people want a wetsuit for long swims.
Do I need a wetsuit to snorkel in Sydney?
In August, at 65°F, a 3 mm wetsuit makes a long snorkel much more comfortable. Many tours include or rent one.
