Weather in Sydney in February

How February compares

February is the 2nd warmest month of the year in Sydney and ranks 37th of 134 destinations we compare for February - see where else is hot in February. Against London's average high of 7.9°C in February, Sydney is 17.2°C warmer by day and 17.5°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in February

The typical February day in Sydney peaks at 25.1°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 29.1°C or more. Roughly 1 in 2 days top 25°C and 1 in 14 pass 30°C. Nights average 19.5°C; one night in ten drops to 17.1°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest February day here reached 39.2°C (2017-02-10) and the coldest night 13.9°C (1992-02-17).

Rain in February

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 11 days with 1 mm or more, 87 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest February was 1992 with 297 mm, the driest 1991 with 12 mm. Humidity averages 75%.

Sea temperature in February

The sea averages 23.0°C - warm enough to swim (22°c+). Depending on the year it ranges from 22.2°C to 23.8°C. This is the warmest the sea gets here all year.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 5.7 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 13.2 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:30 and sets about 19:49 local time in mid-February. Average cloud cover is 57%.

Is February a good time to visit Sydney?

It is a reasonable choice: hot days but expect showers. The best months for Sydney on our scoring are December, January, February; months averaging 25°C or more: Jan, Feb.

Warm days, with humidity to consider

February suits travellers who enjoy summer warmth without needing extreme heat. The average high is 25.1°C, though that is not a daily promise: 47% of days reach 25°C. Humidity of 75% can make the warmth feel more tiring, especially when you are walking around at midday. Put more active plans towards the morning and leave room for shade and breaks later on. Average night lows of 19.5°C mean evenings generally call for light clothing rather than winter layers. A light extra layer is still sensible, as the coolest nights can feel noticeably fresher than the daytime conditions suggest.

Plan for rain, not a washout

Rain is the main compromise in choosing February. There are about 10 rainy days, so a trip built entirely around outdoor time leaves little flexibility when the weather turns. Pack a compact umbrella or a light waterproof that will not feel too heavy in humid conditions, and keep indoor alternatives available. Sunshine averages about 5.7 hours within 13.2 hours of daylight: there is plenty of daylight for plans, but daylight does not mean clear skies. This month is a better fit if you can move a swim or a longer walk to a brighter spell rather than fixing everything in advance.

Good swimming weather, with a long journey attached

The sea is a strong reason to choose February. At an average of 23°C, with a year-to-year range of 22°C to 24°C, the water falls into comfortable swimming territory rather than the bracing category. That makes time in the sea a realistic part of your holiday, although water temperature alone does not establish safe swimming conditions. The practical drawback for a UK traveller is the journey: a flight from London takes about 22 hours. February makes sense if warm days and swimming justify that long-haul commitment for you, and you are happy to accept some wet weather alongside them.