Weather in Sydney in October

How October compares

October is the 7th warmest month of the year in Sydney and ranks 91st of 134 destinations we compare for October - see where else is hot in October. Against London's average high of 14.6°C in October, Sydney is 6.9°C warmer by day and 5.3°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in October

The typical October day in Sydney peaks at 21.5°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 26.7°C or more. Roughly 1 in 6 days top 25°C and 1 in 40 pass 30°C. Nights average 13.7°C; one night in ten drops to 10.9°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings - it is genuinely cool after dark. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest October day here reached 34.0°C (2019-10-25) and the coldest night 8.3°C (2019-10-19).

Rain in October

Some rain (4-8 rainy days): about 8 days with 1 mm or more, 51 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest October was 2004 with 143 mm, the driest 2002 with 5 mm. Humidity averages 68%.

Sea temperature in October

The sea averages 18.6°C - bracing (18-22°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 18.0°C to 19.2°C. For the warmest sea here, come in February (23.0°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 6.7 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 12.9 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:14 and sets about 19:08 local time in mid-October. Average cloud cover is 48%.

Is October a good time to visit Sydney?

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

Warmer than London, without dependable summer heat

Sydney's average October high is 6.9°C above London's 14.6°C, a useful difference if you want to spend more of your holiday outdoors. Light clothing should work on warmer afternoons, but packing only for heat would be a mistake. Days reach 25°C just 18% of the time, and 30°C heat is unusual at 2%. That makes October a sensible choice if sustained heat would limit your plans, rather than something you actively want. Keep a warmer layer handy after sunset: the average night is cool, and the coldest nights can fall to 10.9°C or lower. Plan for changes rather than a fixed summer wardrobe.

Useful daylight, with some wet-weather flexibility

October gives you about 12.9 hours of daylight, leaving plenty of room to arrange outdoor plans around the weather. Sunshine averages about 6.7 hours a day, so don't expect clear skies throughout that daylight window. There are about 8 rainy days during the month: enough to justify a light waterproof and some flexibility, but not a reason on its own to rule out the trip. These averages don't tell you how rain will fall during your stay, so avoid building the whole holiday around dry-weather plans. Put the most weather-dependent activities on promising forecast days, and keep less weather-sensitive plans easy to move.

Better for time by the sea than warm-water swimming

The sea is the main compromise if you're picturing a swimming holiday. October's average water temperature of 18.6°C is bracing, and the year-to-year range of 18°C to 19°C offers little reassurance for anyone who dislikes cool water. A short dip may suit you; lingering in the sea is a different proposition. Consider a wetsuit if you intend to spend longer in the water, and bring something warm to put on afterwards. October makes more sense for a mixed city break with time by the coast than a trip centred on swimming. December, January and February are the stronger overall weather choices if your dates are flexible.