World-class modern amenities, stunning architecture, and a plethora of wildlife sanctuaries make Sydney a must-visit city in Australia. The capital city of New South Wales, Sydney, is a well-planned, idyllic city with a captivating skyline. With a predominantly sunny climate and lively atmosphere, the city is a great hit among tourists throughout the year, but experiencing summer in Sydney is a whole different fun. Sydney in January is perfect for living the beach life while indulging in a host of water sports - swimming, surfing, kayaking, and more. For adventure lovers, Sydney also boasts of experiential activities such as sky diving and Harbour Bridge climbing!
What makes Sydney in January Special?
- The Best Combo: There can't be a better combination than a summer vacation spent admiring the sun, sand, and sea! Lounging at the beachside takes on a different hue in January as you experience Sydney's relaxed and chill vibe.
- Superb Tourism: With summer vacay feels in the air, January is the perfect time to revel in Sydney's cheerful vibe. With tourists visiting here from across the globe, it's a great time to interact with different people while exploring the cultural aspects of the city.
- Pleasant Weather: Even peak-time summer weather is far more pleasant in Sydney than in other countries, so there's a lot for you to do and see, without feeling tired or dehydrated.
- An Abundance of Events: Sydney in January boasts an array of festivals with an impressive lineup of artists for the music carnivals.
Sydney in January : Weather
Sydney in January sees predominantly warm days with about 9 hours of sunshine in a day and an average temperature of 23°C, which can even reach up to 27°C during the afternoon. Rainfall is also expected for at least 15 days of the month, so be prepared for high humidity levels.
Sydney in January : Top Experiences
In light of COVID-19, a few attractions in Sydney have been temporarily suspended until further notice. Find out the live status for all major experiences through Headout's Attractions Reopening Tracker.
1
Sydney Bridge Climb
Take up the challenge of a lifetime and join experts as they climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge to glimpse the 360-degree panoramic view of the city’s skyline. The ascent time ranges from 1.5 hours to 3 hours, which you can choose based on different packages - either the regular or express variant.
January Timings
10:00 AM Onwards
3 Cumberland St, The Rocks NSW 2000,
Australia
Getting There ›
2
Sydney Harbour Cruises
A must-do activity if you’re visiting Sydney, the Harbour Cruises gives you a striking view of the most iconic landmarks in the city. Snack up on the refreshments, learn more about the harbour and its people, and enjoy the luxuriant feel of the wind in your hair, and cocktail in your hand!
January Timings
Depends on the chosen cruise.
Circular Quay Wharf No.6, Sydney Harbour, Sydney
Getting There ›
3
Sydney Opera House Tour and Dining
Visit the exquisite halls of the busiest performance arts center in the world - the Sydney Opera House, and learn all about how it came into being! You can also opt for a guided tour in your preferred language, and end it with a delightful culinary experience!
January Timings
Monday to Saturday - 09:00 AM to 08:30 PM
Sunday - 10:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000,
Australia
Getting There ›
4
Sydney Opera House Show
Witness the action of live theatre performances with shows of classics such as The Nutcracker, La Boheme, or Carmen at the impressive stage of the Sydney Opera House. January also hosts other events such as concerts by Solange, All You Need Is Love, Jon Hopkins, or Ella Mai!
January Timings
Depends on chosen show
Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000,
Australia
Getting There ›
5
Skydive Sydney
Kickstart your holiday in Sydney by jumping over 15,000 feet in free fall with state-of-the-art infrastructure and highly trained experts; Skydive Australia! Be prepared to experience the high-speed adrenaline rush and a beatific bird’s eye view of the Aussie landscape (either Newcastle or Wollongong) as you plunge down in near free-fall.
January Timings
Weekdays:
Check-in between 08:30 AM to 10:30 AM
Weekends:
Check-in between 11:00 AM to 01:00 PM
Sydney NSW,
Australia
Getting There ›
6
Blue Mountains
All you nature lovers need to embark on a trip to the verdant Blue Mountains for some picture-perfect views of Jamison Valley, Katoomba, and Scenic World. You’ll also get to see wombats, kangaroos, koalas, and emus - the wildlife that’s native to Australia at the Featherdale Wildlife Park.
January Timings
Depends on chosen tour.
New South Wales 2787,
Australia
Getting There ›
7
SEA Life Sydney Aquarium
Home to some of the most exotic and colorful aquatic life, you can dive with sharks, meet Gentoo penguins, or opt for a three-course meal with your special someone in a private dining experience at SEA Life Sydney! Enjoy a leisurely walk along the underwater aquarium and witness the vibrant hues of all the living organisms.
January Timings
Every day – 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
1-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney NSW 2000,
Australia
Getting There ›
8
A Day Trip From Sydney
Enjoy a weekend away from Sydney and take a day trip to some exciting locations around Australia. Head to Bondi beach and try your hand at surfing along the coasts, or lounge on the sand. You can also head to Australia’s North Coast, which is home to a Reptile Park, and watch bottlenose dolphins at Port Stephens.
January Timings
Depends on chosen tour.
Sydney NSW,
Australia
Getting There ›
9
Sydney Tower Eye
Standing tall at 820 feet, Sydney Tower Eye is an Observation Deck that offers a 360-degree view of all the essential landmarks in the capital city of New South Wales: Darling Harbour, the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and even a distant glimpse of the Blue Mountains. You can also get to experience Sydney coming to life in a unique 4D show!
January Timings
Every day – 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Last entry 8:00 PM)
100 Market St, Sydney NSW 2000,
Australia
Getting There ›
10
Sydney Zoo
Visit Sydney’s 100-year old Taronga Zoo for a unique hands-on experience with the native animals in their natural habitat. Besides clicking various marsupials, mammals, and reptiles, you can also pose for photos with koalas! Also, embark on a round trip on the Safari Sky cable car ride, which offers a scenic view of Sydney Harbour.
January Timings
Every day – 09:30 AM to 05:00 PM
Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088,
Australia
Getting There ›
Sydney in January : Events to Look Out For
Sydney Festival
6th - 26th January 2021
The Sydney Festival is a celebration of the energy and diversity of the city, and it brings people of different ethnicities together in cultural unison with cutting-edge art and brilliant performances in music, theatre, and dance.
Mov'in Boat Floating Cinema
Until 21 March 2021
Outdoor cinema has been taken to a whole new level where now you can watch your favourite movie on a classic rowboat! Relax on extra comfy seats tailored for each boat as you enjoy a blockbuster with your date, family or your close friends. You also have the option to arrive early if you wish to paddle around Darling Harbour prior to the screening! What are you waiting for?
WingFest
Until 28th February 2021
Get your hands on hot wings, beers and cocktails all summer with Winghaus by Bavarian. The three-month long celebration that started from 1st December 2020 will be running until 28th February 2021 giving all sorts of mouthwatering wings from the classic boneless chicken to vegetarian-friendly cauliflower that garantees to blow your mind.
Frozen
Until 2nd May 2021
Make your way down to the Capitol Theatre to witness Disney’s Oscar winning film, Frozen come to life. An inspiring tale of sisterhood and true love have been put together with the help of spectacular sets, costumes as well as sensational special effects that promises to whisk you away on a fairy tale land.
Humans 2.0
Until 20th January 2021
Watch some of the most stunning circus acts to be ever performed till date at the Carriageworks. Directed by Yaron Lifschitz, Humans 2.0 aims to push boundaries of what circus and acrobatics is today by towering pile of human excellence on display, celebrating the unique power and flexibility of the human race.
FOMO Sydney
Date: To Be Announced
FOMO Sydney features multiple-genres and famous Australian and International artists on one stage, at a one-day event. The lineup for 2020 includes artists such as Brockhampton, Octavian, Lizzo, Rico Nasty, to name a few. Book your tickets and unwind with music lovers across the world.
Australia Day
26th January 2021
Lots of residents in Australia gather in parks and lawns with friends and family to celebrate Australian Day. Most families like to picnic and barbecue in the outdoors besides indulging in games and sports. Besides watching a fireworks display, there are plenty of events which take place around the city on the art and culture front too!
Sydney in January : Essentials
LanguageEnglish
Time zoneGMT+11
Country Code+61
Socket Type I
CurrencyAustralian Dollar
Weather in Sydney in January
Warm and sunny days with a hint of rainfall pretty much sums up the weather in Sydney around January. Summer here sees an average temperature of 23 °C, which can go to an all-time low of 19°C during the nights or highs of 26°C during the daytime. The sea breeze is usually pleasant and refreshing, making up for the warm weather throughout.
Where to stay in Sydney in January
Sydney offers a lot of choices for tourists on the accommodation front. Leisure holidayers can opt for luxury accommodation at the premier hotels around the city, and budget travelers can choose from a wide range of hotels and hostels across Sydney. Here are a few of our suggested picks:
What to pack for Sydney in January
Summer in Sydney sees tourists dressed in comfortable cotton wear. It's the right season to flaunt a whole lot of casuals such as cotton shirts, shorts, and dresses. It's always a good idea to carry jackets to layer up your clothes during the evenings and nights. Remember to pack an umbrella and sunscreen if you don't want to get too much of a tan!
Getting around in Sydney in January
Sydney runs an efficient transport system that uses an integrated smartcard - Opal, which can be used as currency on ferries, buses, trains, and light rail. Get a card and top it up with credit at many convenience stores and news agencies, and just remember to tap it on and off during your journey to record the fare. The trains are cheaper during the off-hours (between 9 AM to 4 PM). It's a good idea to avoid traveling between 7 AM to 9 AM as the morning rush can be intense. You can also use buses to travel within the city, just remember to buy tickets before boarding!
Sydney in January : Seasonal Delicacies
The Chicken Parmigiana has a shared history with its Italian counterpart and is made of breaded chicken breast topped with melted parmesan cheese. Most restaurants use tomato sauce to complement the cheese and chicken. You can find a mean parmigiana at The Glenmore Hotel.
The Lamingtons are unique to Australia and are commonly referred to as the national cake of the region. It comprises a square sponge cake that’s dipped in chocolate and coated with desiccated coconut. Head over to Flour and Stone Bakery and sample the different variants of this cake here! You can also take them back for friends and family!
A unique take on the meringue crust, Pavlova is a famous Australian delicacy that is believed to have been invented in 1920 on account of the famous Russian ballerina, Anna Pavlova’s visit to the city. The Pavlova’s meringue crust is topped with fruits and whipped cream of different flavors. Head to City Extra for a divine slice of this sweet dish.
Your trip to Sydney would be incomplete without sampling the National Animal of Australia - the Kangaroo. You could try a steak or a burger at Meat District Co for some amazing Kangaroo delicacies. Not only is this meat rich in protein and iron, but the Omega-3 content is pretty high too!
Regardless of which season you’re visiting Sydney in, you must have the classic Aussie meat pie! The crunchy and flaky exterior pastry is complemented by a thick, gravy-filled interior of minced meat, mostly beef or lamb. The Pie Tin has some of the most flavorful meat pies in all of Sydney!
Tips for Visiting Sydney in January
- The summer heat can get a bit intense, so it's a good idea to get your day started early on. Most cafes begin serving breakfast and coffee by 7 AM.
- The pleasant weather makes long walks and explorations worthwhile, so if you feel you’re up for it, you can easily explore the Central Business District and the surrounding areas on foot.
- If you're traveling via the public transport network, you'll have to account for sudden delays and ensure you have enough buffer time to reach your destination.
- Even though summer season calls for a lot of sunshine, Sydney in January gets its fair share of rainfall, so don't venture out without an umbrella unless you like getting drenched!
- The Aussie sun can leave you with an unhealthy tan, so a sunscreen of SPF 30+is a must! Also, keep consuming plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
Month-By-Month Guide To Visiting Sydney
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