Weather in Sydney in March

How March compares

March is the 4th warmest month of the year in Sydney and ranks 46th of 134 destinations we compare for March - see where else is hot in March. Against London's average high of 10.5°C in March, Sydney is 13.3°C warmer by day and 14.8°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in March

The typical March day in Sydney peaks at 23.8°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 27.1°C or more. Roughly 1 in 3 days top 25°C and 1 in 45 pass 30°C. Nights average 18.1°C; one night in ten drops to 15.6°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest March day here reached 37.0°C (2018-03-18) and the coldest night 11.7°C (2018-03-27).

Rain in March

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 11 days with 1 mm or more, 70 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest March was 2017 with 242 mm, the driest 1998 with 17 mm. Humidity averages 75%.

Sea temperature in March

The sea averages 22.7°C - warm enough to swim (22°c+). Depending on the year it ranges from 21.9°C to 23.6°C. For the warmest sea here, come in February (23.0°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 5.9 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 12.2 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:55 and sets about 19:14 local time in mid-March. Average cloud cover is 52%.

Is March a good time to visit Sydney?

It is a reasonable choice: warm 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 a layer for the evening

Sydney feels considerably warmer than London in March: its average daytime high is 13.3°C higher. Light clothes are a sensible starting point, though a light jumper gives you flexibility after dark. The coldest 10% of nights fall to 15.6°C or lower, so packing only for summer heat would be a mistake. At the warmer end, 10% of days reach 27.1°C or more; keep outdoor plans flexible and take a shaded break if midday feels uncomfortable. Humidity averages 75%, which can make the warmth feel less comfortable if you dislike humid conditions. This month suits travellers who prefer warmth to sustained heat.

Plan around rain rather than expecting clear skies

March falls on the wet side, with about 11 rainy days, so leave room to rearrange outdoor plans. That does not mean every affected day is a write-off, but it does make a fixed schedule of swimming and outdoor time less dependable. Bring a lightweight waterproof and have an indoor alternative ready when the forecast looks poor. Sunshine averages about 5.9 hours within 12.2 hours of daylight: there is daylight for unhurried days out, but you should not expect uninterrupted sunshine. If dry weather is your main reason for travelling, the rain is the strongest argument against choosing March.

Swimming is a reasonable part of the plan

The sea is warm enough for swimming by the temperature guide, rather than being something to brave briefly. Its year-to-year March range is 22°C to 24°C, making a swim a reasonable part of your plans if those temperatures suit you. Air temperature and rain still matter, so keep your swimming day flexible rather than fixing it before arrival. Pack swimwear alongside your rain layer; neither is an odd choice this month. December, January and February rate better overall, but March remains a sensible option if you value warm days and swimmable water and can accept some disruption from wet weather.