Sydney in December

Peak prices, New Year's Eve closures around the harbour.

All twelve months in one grid — weather, crowds and prices, with gaps left as unknown.

December is rated mixed. These months rate higher:

• MarchGreatWarm; sea still warm; fewer crowds.
• AprilGreatMild; Easter and Anzac Day crowds.
• OctoberGreatOne of the best months; long weekend crowds.
• NovemberGreatWarm; UV high.

• SydneyHighs around 26 °C (79 °F), lows around 18 °C (64 °F), rain on about 11 daysHighs around 79 °F (26 °C), lows around 64 °F (18 °C), rain on about 11 days
• South-east coast, Australia · Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaidebest weather

  Summer is beach season and school-holiday peak; Melbourne swings between cool and 40 °C (104 °F) in a day. Winter is mild and sunny in Sydney, grey and cool in Melbourne.Summer is beach season and school-holiday peak; Melbourne swings between cool and 104 °F (40 °C) in a day. Winter is mild and sunny in Sydney, grey and cool in Melbourne.

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

• Christmas and New Year's Eve

  25 Dec, 31 Dec · Harbour

  Fireworks and foreshore closures; transport crowded.

• New Year's Eve

  Dec 31

  Harbour foreshores close to walk-ups; transport is crowded and hotels sell out.

• New Year big impact

  31 Dec – 1 Jan · Australia

  Sydney Harbour fireworks: vantage points ticketed or claimed from morning; beds book out months ahead.

• Summer school holidays big impact

  Mid-Dec to late Jan · Australia

  Coast, campsites, ferries and Tasmania fill; prices peak.

Crowds · Australia overall

High

Prices · Australia overall

High

Australia overall: Summer holidays begin; bushfire risk and heatwaves in the south, wet season in the north; book everything early.

High-price month: see what to book ahead.

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Sydney, side by side.

• A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast

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