Oszea Coastal Sand sneakers on a wet Sydney harbourside path after a storm

Wet-Weather Guide to Sydney: Rain, Storms and What to Wear on Your Feet

Sydney gets about 1,213 mm of rain a year on average, and the wettest stretch runs from February to June, peaking in March and June, according to Bureau of Meteorology records for Observatory Hill (1858–2020). Late winter and spring are the driest months. In practice, Sydney rain comes in two flavours: short, sharp summer thunderstorms and longer, heavier soakings in autumn and early winter, so plan for both.

Sydney, 7:42pm: a summer storm hits harbourside dinner plans.

Sydney rainfall by month

The longest rainfall record in Sydney comes from the Bureau of Meteorology station at Observatory Hill (site 066062), which recorded rain from 1858 until the station closed in August 2020. Its long-term averages are still the best picture of how the year usually runs.

Month Mean rainfall (mm) Mean days with 1 mm+ of rain Mean max temp (°C)
Jan 101.2 8.6 26.0
Feb 119.3 9.0 25.8
Mar 131.6 9.9 24.8
Apr 126.5 8.9 22.5
May 117.4 8.6 19.5
Jun 133.1 8.8 17.0
Jul 96.3 7.4 16.4
Aug 80.2 7.1 17.9
Sep 68.1 7.1 20.1
Oct 76.7 7.9 22.2
Nov 83.8 8.3 23.7
Dec 77.1 7.9 25.3
Year 1,213.4 99.5 21.8

Source: Bureau of Meteorology climate statistics, Sydney (Observatory Hill) 066062. Rainfall 1858–2020; rain days 1858–2020; temperature 1859–2020.

Two things stand out. First, Sydney only averages about 100 days a year with 1 mm or more of rain, yet it gets more rain overall than many wetter-feeling cities, because when it rains, it really rains. Second, the number of rain days barely changes through the year (roughly 7 to 10 a month), but the amount per day jumps in autumn and June. We compared Sydney with Melbourne and Brisbane in Rainy Days in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

Summer storms vs autumn and winter rain

Storm season (roughly October to April)

The Bureau of Meteorology describes October to April as Australia's peak severe weather season. Thunderstorms form quickly and can bring heavy rain, damaging winds, large hail, lightning and flash flooding, and the east coast carries the highest risk. In Sydney that usually looks like a hot, humid afternoon that turns into a short, violent downpour, with gutters overflowing for half an hour and then sunshine again. NSW SES also notes that southerly busters are common in the warmer months along the coast, with a sudden wind change and temperature drop.

Autumn and early winter: east coast lows

The heavier, longer rain events tend to come later. The Bureau explains that east coast lows, intense low-pressure systems off the NSW coast, can happen at any time but are more common in late autumn and winter, with the highest frequency in June. They can bring heavy, widespread rain, gale-force winds and big, prolonged swells. That lines up with the Observatory Hill averages: March and June are the two wettest months.

Whatever the season, the most useful habit is to turn on warning notifications in the BOM Weather app for your suburb, as the Bureau recommends.

Rainy-day things to do in Sydney

The City of Sydney's own rainy-day suggestions include:

  • Galleries: the Art Gallery of NSW, the Museum of Contemporary Art near Circular Quay, and White Rabbit Gallery for contemporary Chinese art.
  • Museums: the Australian Museum, the Powerhouse, the Australian National Maritime Museum and the Sydney Jewish Museum.
  • Libraries: City of Sydney Library has nine branches, including Customs House at Circular Quay.
  • Indoor swimming: Cook and Phillip Park Pool, Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre, and the Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre.
  • Cinemas: Golden Age Cinema and Bar in Surry Hills and Palace Verona in Paddington.
  • Music: City Recital Hall in the city centre.

Wet commutes: ferries and light rail

  • Ferries. Big swells can stop services crossing the Heads. In June 2019, for example, all Manly to Circular Quay ferries were suspended in rough seas and replacement buses ran instead. If an east coast low is forecast, check Transport NSW before heading to the wharf.
  • Light rail. The CBD and South East Light Rail runs from Circular Quay along George Street to Central, then on to Moore Park and two branches to Randwick and Kingsford. On a wet day it's a handy way to skip the walk up George Street, but you'll still be on open platforms.
  • The last 200 metres. Most soakings happen between the station and the office. In a summer storm, waiting ten minutes under cover often beats walking through a flooded crossing.
  • Never walk or drive through floodwater. Flash flooding is a real risk in storms, and stormwater moves faster and runs deeper than it looks.

Coastal walks in the wet

Bondi to Coogee

Destination NSW describes the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk as about 6 km one way, taking around 2 to 3 hours, passing Tamarama, Bronte, Waverley Cemetery, Clovelly and Gordons Bay. It's rated Grade 2, partly paved, with occasional steep sets of stairs, especially around Gordons Bay. Dogs are allowed on a lead.

In light rain it can be a lovely, quiet walk, but be honest with yourself about conditions:

  • Wet sandstone and stairs get slippery, so slow down on the descents.
  • Stay well back from rock platforms and cliff edges when the swell is up, especially during an east coast low.
  • Don't start the walk with a thunderstorm warning current; the track is exposed, with little shelter between beaches.
  • Use public transport if you can, as parking at both ends is limited, and it lets you bail out at Bronte or Clovelly if the weather turns.

For longer bush walks after rain, such as tracks in the national parks around Sydney, a proper hiking boot or trail shoe is the right tool. See our hiking and trail shoe guide.

What to wear on your feet

Sydney's wet days are usually warm and humid, so heavy boots are overkill and thin canvas shoes are soaked in minutes. What helps most is a shoe that keeps rain and puddles out but still breathes, because sweaty feet in February are their own kind of wet. We explain why in Are Waterproof Shoes Breathable?

We make Oszea, so take this with that in mind: our Tasman Essentials and Urban Essentials are waterproof everyday sneakers with a ZEA-TEX 4-layer construction (a breathable knit outer, a waterproof membrane, a flexible elastomer layer and a soft inner lining). They're built for rain, puddles and wet grass on a commute or a paved coastal walk. They're not for wading through floodwater or rock-hopping, and they're not hiking boots or trail shoes. After a soaking, wipe them clean and let them air dry; our guide on how to dry wet shoes has more.

FAQ

What is the wettest month in Sydney?

June and March, almost level. Observatory Hill averages 133.1 mm in June and 131.6 mm in March (1858–2020).

What is the driest month in Sydney?

September, with an average of 68.1 mm at Observatory Hill (1858–2020).

How many rainy days does Sydney get a year?

About 99.5 days a year with at least 1 mm of rain, based on Observatory Hill records from 1858 to 2020.

When is storm season in Sydney?

The Bureau of Meteorology treats October to April as the peak severe weather season, when thunderstorms, hail and flash flooding are most likely.

Is the Bondi to Coogee walk OK in the rain?

In light rain, yes, with care on wet stairs and sandstone. Skip it during thunderstorm warnings or big swells, and keep away from rock platforms.

Sources

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