New South Wales

Climate in New South Wales

The climate in New South Wales ranges from temperate along the coast, to semi-arid or arid in the far west, and alpine in its highest mountain regions. On the coastal fringe summers tend to be warm and humid (December to February), while winters are cool rather than harsh. The hottest areas are generally the inland north-west, whereas the coldest are the high country such as the Snowy Mountains, where snow and frost can persist for long spells in winter (June to August).

In Sydney, the climate is best described as temperate. In summer, average daytime temperatures sit between 65 and 78°F (18 and 26°C). In winter, the usual range is between 46 and 64°F (8 and 17°C). Rainfall is quite evenly spread through the year, though spring is often one of the drier periods. The peak travel season runs from December through February, but many visitors find that the months between September and May offer the most pleasant weather and fewer crowds.