Is autumn the best time to visit Sydney? Well, there's no real best time that's applicable to all. It really depends on what you want to see, do, experience — and how much you're willing to spend.
The Australian autumn starts on March 1 and ends on May 31.
In some years, the climax of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, which starts in February, occurs in the first few days of autumn. This is when its nighttime parade winds through the city streets to Moore Park. For many this is a spectacle not to be missed.
March is also the month of Sydney's St Patrick's Day parade which occurs during a weekend close to St Patrick's Day itself.
Of course, autumn is Easter showtime, too.
Anzac Day is marked on April 25 and there will be Anzac Day dawn services and the annual Anzac Day parade will be held in the city.
Generally autumn is a quieter — and less expensive — time than the Sydney summer.
Autumn weather
Expect cooler conditions. The average temperature should range from around 15°C (59°F) at night to 22°C (72°F) in the daytime in mid-autumn.
Expect from 120mm to 135mm of rain in a month, with the most rain in March.
Autumn accommodation
Prices will generally be lower, except during the school holidays at Easter time.
Autumn activities
Particularly in the early autumn, the weather's still fine for the beach and Sydney beaches line the eastern shoreline.
The weather's cooler for a walking tour of Sydney. Visit The Rocks, the Sydney Opera House, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Hyde Park, Chinatown, Darling Harbour.
Go surfing, try windsurfing. Go hang-gliding and paragliding.
Take a harbour cruise. At the very least, cross the harbour to Manly.
Drive up the Blue Mountains and meet the Three Sisters. Take a daytrip north, south and west of Sydney.
Go bushwalking.
Take a breather at the Royal National Park.
Sample Sydney cuisine.
Surviving Sydney
See our travel guide.
The Best Time to Visit Sydney > Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
