Last updated: February 26, 2025
January in Sydney, Australia brings a lively summer atmosphere, with temperatures often soaring to a maximum of 34°C (93°F) and an inviting average of 23°C (74°F). While the days bask in warm sunshine, nights cool off to a comfortable 16°C (62°F). This month experiences a moderate humidity level of 65%, creating a pleasant tropical feel. Rainfall is relatively light, with 42 mm (1.7 in) spread over 9 days, allowing plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures. Whether you're lounging on the iconic beaches or exploring the vibrant city life, January offers a delightful blend of summer heat and refreshing breezes.
In Sydney, January basks in warm summer temperatures, where the average hovers around a pleasant 23°C (74°F). With minimums around 16°C (62°F) and maximums soaring up to 34°C (93°F), the month invites both sun-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts to explore its beautiful beaches and vibrant city life. As the month transitions into February, temperatures slightly rise, but January remains characterized by its ideal warmth, making it a highlight of the Australian summer. This trend of gradually increasing heat continues into February before cooling down in March, indicating a dynamic climate that ebbs and flows, offering a mix of balmy days followed by refreshing changes.
In January, Sydney experiences a relatively dry spell, with precipitation totaling just 42 mm (1.7 in) over approximately 9 days. This establishes the month as one of the least rainy in the year, especially when compared to the much wetter months that follow. February sees a significant increase, with rainfall skyrocketing to 125 mm (4.9 in) across 13 days, signaling a transition into the rainy season. As the months progress into March, precipitation continues to rise, peaking at 185 mm (7.3 in) over 18 days, marking it as the rainiest month of the year. This upward trend tapers off as April returns to a drier pattern with only 40 mm (1.6 in) and stays relatively consistent through to July, where rainfall dips again to 54 mm (2.1 in). Overall, January sets the stage for a fluctuating precipitation cycle that defines Sydney's climate, highlighting the stark contrast between its dry beginnings and the wet, lush depths of summer.
In January, Sydney experiences an average humidity of 65%, providing a warm and slightly humid start to the year. As summer progresses, humidity levels rise, reaching 69% in February and peaking at 75% in April. This trend of increasing humidity continues into early winter, with levels remaining relatively high throughout May and June, before gradually declining. By October, the humidity drops significantly to 55%, signaling the arrival of drier conditions as spring sets in, and the trend of decreasing humidity persists through the latter part of the year, culminating in 63% by September and only 57% in November. This fluctuation underscores the shift from the humid summer months to a more comfortable and drier climate as the year progresses.
In January, Sydney experiences a notably high UV Index of 14, categorizing it as extreme and resulting in a quick burn time of just 10 minutes. This trend of intense sun exposure continues into February, with the UV Index at 13, maintaining the same extreme classification. As summer transitions into autumn in March, the index slightly recedes to 11 but remains in the extreme zone. By April, the UV Index drops to 8, entering the very high category, which still warrants caution with a 15-minute burn time. The subsequent months see a gradual decline in UV intensity, with indices falling to moderate levels by May and June, providing slightly safer conditions for outdoor activities. However, the UV levels remain notable, requiring sunscreen vigilance. As the year progresses, the UV Index fluctuates, peaking again in December at 14. Overall, Sydney's UV levels demonstrate a clear seasonal pattern, emphasizing the importance of sun safety year-round. For more detailed information, visit Sydney UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
In January, Sydney basks in a delightful 251 hours of sunshine, firmly establishing the city as a summer paradise. As the months progress, this sun-soaked trend continues to rise, peaking in December with an impressive 319 hours, creating a vibrant atmosphere that lures both locals and tourists alike. Notably, November and October also shine brightly, offering 305 and 297 hours of radiant sunlight respectively. This gradual increase in daylight hours reflects the city’s transition from the warm summer months to the slow embrace of spring. As Sydney’s sun-drenched days accumulate, it becomes clear that the warmth of summer lingers well into the end of the year, painting the skyline with golden hues and fostering a zest for outdoor activities.
In January, Sydney enjoys a 47% chance of sunny weather, setting the stage for a warm start to the year. This sunny outlook is relatively favorable compared to the cooler months ahead, with sunshine probabilities dipping to 41% in February and 38% in March. Interestingly, the city's likelihood of clear skies makes a notable rebound in April (68%) and August (68%), suggesting that as summer wanes, sunshine returns with renewed vigor. November marks a dip to 25%, hinting at the arrival of spring showers, while December sees a modest 42% chance of sunny days. Overall, January stands out as a month that balances warmth and light, inviting residents and visitors alike to embrace the outdoor lifestyle Sydney is famous for.
In Sydney, Australia, January shines bright with an impressive 14 hours of daylight, marking it as the peak of summer. As the seasons transition to February and March, sunlight gradually wanes, providing 13 and 12 hours respectively. This trend continues into autumn, with April and May offering shorter days at 11 and 10 hours. A noticeable dip occurs in June, where daylight reaches its low point at 9 hours, coinciding with winter's embrace. However, as spring approaches, daylight begins to lengthen again, climbing back to 10 hours in both July and August. By the time October rolls around, the days begin extending to 12 hours, hinting at the impending arrival of longer days. November boosts daylight back to 13 hours, leading to a full-circle return in December where Sydney again basks in 14 hours of sunlight, echoing the brilliance of January. This cyclical pattern of daylight duration not only enhances the seasonal experiences but also showcases the vibrant rhythm of life in this beautiful city.
In Sydney during January, the winds whisper at an average speed of 5.2 m/s (12 mph), slightly calmer than the following month but still consistent with the breezy conditions typical for the start of the year. As the summer progresses into February, wind speeds edge up slightly to 5.3 m/s, hinting at a gentle but persistent breeze that inspires both beachgoers and picnickers alike. However, as March rolls in, the winds strengthen notably, reaching 5.7 m/s (13 mph), evoking the arrival of cooler autumn weather ahead. This peak in wind speed transitions into a noticeable drop in April, where gusts calm to 3.5 m/s (8 mph), leading to a gentle lull as the season shifts. Throughout the remainder of the year, from May to December, Sydney maintains a varied but moderate wind profile, oscillating mostly between 4.6 m/s (10 mph) and 5.7 m/s (13 mph). Overall, January's gentle winds set the stage for seasonal variations, creating an inviting atmosphere for outdoor adventures as Sydneysiders embrace the changing breezes of the year.
The weather in Sydney changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of January's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Sydney and find detailed weather information for every month.
January and February present a notable shift in weather conditions. While January experiences a minimum temperature of 16°C (62°F) and averages around 23°C (74°F), February sees a slightly warmer minimum of 17°C (62°F) and maintains a similar average temperature. The maximum temperatures in both months are comparable, peaking at 34°C (93°F) in January and slightly increasing to 35°C (95°F) in February. However, February is significantly wetter, with precipitation increasing sharply to 125 mm (4.9 in) over 13 days compared to January's 42 mm (1.7 in) over 9 days. Additionally, humidity rises from 65% in January to 69% in February, making February feel a bit more humid. For a detailed look at weather patterns, check out Sydney weather in February.
In comparing January and March weather, January typically enjoys slightly warmer temperatures with averages around 23°C (74°F), while March sees a minor dip to an average of 22°C (71°F). However, March brings significantly higher precipitation, with 185 mm (7.3 in) over 18 days, compared to January's 42 mm (1.7 in) across 9 days. Additionally, humidity levels are elevated in March at 72%, compared to January's 65%. For more details, you can check out Sydney weather in March.
In comparison to January, April experiences cooler temperatures, with minimums dropping from 16°C (62°F) to 12°C (54°F) and average temperatures decreasing from 23°C (74°F) to 19°C (67°F). The maximum temperature in April is also lower, reaching 30°C (86°F) compared to January's peak of 34°C (93°F). Both months see similar levels of precipitation, with January slightly higher at 42 mm (1.7 in) versus April’s 40 mm (1.6 in). Interestingly, while January has a humidity level of 65%, April is a bit more humid at 75%. For more detailed insights, you can check Sydney weather in April.
In January, the weather is notably warmer, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 16°C (62°F) to a maximum of 34°C (93°F), averaging around 23°C (74°F). The month sees relatively low precipitation at 42 mm (1.7 in) across nine days and a comfortable humidity level of 65%. In contrast, May experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 8°C (46°F) and a maximum of 24°C (76°F), averaging just 17°C (62°F). Precipitation increases to 63 mm (2.5 in) over the same number of days, accompanied by higher humidity at 74%. For more detailed information, you can check Sydney weather in May.
In January, Sydney experiences warmer weather with minimum temperatures around 16°C (62°F) and maximums reaching up to 34°C (93°F), making it a popular time for outdoor activities. The average temperature of 23°C (74°F) accompanies relatively low precipitation of 42 mm (1.7 in) over about 9 days, along with a humidity level of 65%. In contrast, June presents a cooler and wetter climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 8°C (47°F) to a maximum of 22°C (72°F), and an average of 14°C (58°F). The precipitation increases significantly to 108 mm (4.3 in) over 15 days, along with a higher humidity of 72%. For more information, check out Sydney weather in June.
The weather in January is significantly warmer than in July, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 16°C (62°F) to a maximum of 34°C (93°F), and an average of 23°C (74°F). In contrast, July experiences much cooler conditions, with temperatures dipping to a minimum of 6°C (44°F) and peaking at 23°C (74°F), resulting in an average of just 14°C (57°F). Despite July's lower temperatures, it sees slightly higher precipitation levels at 54 mm (2.1 in) over 6 days, compared to January's 42 mm (1.7 in) spread over 9 days. Additionally, humidity is marginally higher in July, at 68%, compared to 65% in January. For more detailed insights, check out Sydney weather in July.
In January, Sydney experiences warm weather with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 16°C (62°F) to a maximum of 34°C (93°F), averaging around 23°C (74°F). The month sees an average precipitation of 42 mm (1.7 in) over approximately 9 days, with humidity levels sitting at 65%. In contrast, August brings cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 8°C (46°F) and a maximum of 22°C (72°F), averaging only 14°C (58°F). August has slightly higher rainfall, totaling 53 mm (2.1 in) over 6 days, and humidity increases slightly to 67%. For more detailed information, you can check Sydney weather in August.
In January, the weather is noticeably warmer, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 16°C (62°F) to a maximum of 34°C (93°F), and an average of 23°C (74°F). The humidity sits at 65%, contributing to the heat, and there is about 42 mm (1.7 in) of precipitation over nine days. In contrast, September brings cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 10°C (50°F) and a maximum of 28°C (83°F), leading to a much lower average of 16°C (61°F). The month experiences slightly more precipitation, with 49 mm (1.9 in) over just eight days and a similar humidity level of 63%. For more detailed insights on September weather, you can check Sydney weather in September.
In January, Sydney experiences warmer weather, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 16°C (62°F) to a maximum of 34°C (93°F) and an average temperature of 23°C (74°F). The month sees about 42 mm (1.7 in) of precipitation over approximately 9 days, accompanied by a higher humidity level of 65%. In contrast, October's weather is cooler, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 12°C (54°F) to a maximum of 29°C (84°F) and an average of 18°C (65°F). This month experiences increased rainfall, with 85 mm (3.4 in) over 12 days, and lower humidity at 55%. For a more detailed look at October conditions, you can visit Sydney weather in October.
In January, the weather in Sydney tends to be warmer, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 16°C (62°F) to a maximum of 34°C (93°F) and an average temperature of 23°C (74°F). The month experiences moderate humidity at 65% and sees about 42 mm (1.7 in) of precipitation over 9 days. In contrast, November is slightly cooler, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 13°C (56°F) to a maximum of 34°C (94°F), and an average temperature of 19°C (67°F). November also has a bit more rainfall, with 85 mm (3.3 in) distributed over 10 days, but with lower humidity at 57%. For more detailed information, check out Sydney weather in November.
In comparing the weather between January and December, January tends to be warmer, with average temperatures reaching 23°C (74°F) compared to December's average of 21°C (70°F). The maximum temperatures in January can soar to 34°C (93°F), whereas December peaks at 30°C (87°F). However, December experiences more precipitation, totaling 78 mm (3.1 in) over 11 days, compared to January's 42 mm (1.7 in) across 9 days. Both months have similar humidity levels, with December slightly higher at 68% compared to January's 65%. For more details on December weather, check out Sydney weather in December.
January in Sydney stands out as the warmest month of the year, basking in plenty of sunshine and higher temperatures that can reach up to 34°C (93°F). Unlike the cooler months, this period embraces a vibrant atmosphere, with humidity levels around 65% adding to the summer feel. While rain does make an appearance, with about 42 mm falling over approximately 9 days, these showers are often brief and they help to refresh the landscape. For those looking to enjoy the lively summer vibe, January offers a unique experience that contrasts with the milder and wetter conditions typical of other months. Discover more about Sydney's climate throughout the year in detail at Sydney Climate.