Average temperature: 19 - 26°C

Summer is the most popular time to visit Sydney and New South Wales. The city springs to life over the Christmas period and celebrations attract visitors from around the globe, wishing to see the world-famous firework display over the Sydney Harbour Bridge on New Year’s Eve. Lesser known to international tourists, Boxing Day sees the start of the thrilling Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race – not to be missed if staying in the heart of the city.

Hotel prices will be at their peak during this time and attractions such as Sydney’s BridgeClimb and a backstage tour at the Sydney Opera House will be busy, so plan early and book ahead. However, if you’re looking to get out of the city, long daylight hours bring the perfect opportunity for a coastal road trip. It’s the ideal time to swim in the sparkling waters of Jervis Bay, or explore the hip, surfer town of Byron Bay.

Top tip: Want to experience the warmer weather but avoid the crowds? Visit in February when the summer holidays are over and children are back at school.

Average temperature: 15 – 23°C

Autumn is a great time to visit Sydney and New South Wales. Whilst these months bring milder temperatures, you will still find blue skies and warm waters, without the need to pack your winter jumpers! If you want to avoid the crowds but still visit the state’s major attraction, this is the perfect time to visit.

Autumn brings the start of many major, world-class festivals across Sydney. Mardis Gras, one of the world’s largest LGBTQIA+ pride events, begins at the end of February with its signature Parade taking place in Darlinghurst in March. May brings the start of Vivid Sydney, the world’s largest annual festival of light, where the city becomes the canvas for astounding light shows. Don’t miss the Vivid Light Walk, a free, continuous trail of large-scale projections, laser shows, drone displays, and interactive installations across Sydney Harbour.

If wine tasting is your thing, you cannot miss the Hunter Valley. Just 3 hours’ drive north of Sydney, this wine region offers cool mornings, sunny afternoons and vineyards that transform into beautiful shades of red, orange and gold. Autumn is also when the grape-harvest season begins, giving visitors the chance to observe or take part in the wine-making process.

Average temperature: 9 - 17°C

Whilst the UK & Ireland experience hotter weather, these months are Sydney and New South Wales’ coolest. There’s still plenty of sun for a pleasant visit, attractions will be quieter and accommodation will be cheaper.

June is the start of whale watching season in New South Wales, where thousands of humpback whales migrate along the coast. At the beginning of the season, whales travel north (known as the Humpback Highway) to warmer breeding waters, before migrating to the south from September to November. For a chance of seeing these magnificent beasts, book a Sydney Whale Watch Cruise or visit one of the scenic headlands along the Coffs Coast.

When you think about skiing destinations worldwide, Australia won’t necessarily be the first place that comes to mind. However, did you know there are multiple locations where you can hit the slopes? One of Australia’s most popular destinations is Perisher, located in the Snowy Mountains in New South Wales, the highest mountain range on mainland Australia.

Average temperature: 11 – 23°C

The warmer weather and longer days begin to return in Spring. During this shoulder season you will see beautiful flowers on display, humpback whales migrating south along the coastline and an abundance of outdoor activities and festivals.

The Bowral Tulip Festival returns from September to October, one of the famed spring events across the state, only a 90 minute drive from Sydney. Held at the town’s Corbett Gardens, guests can witness over 80,000 tulips in a magical array of colours, along with entertainment and food stalls.

In October and November, Sydney’s jacaranda trees start to bloom, turning the streets vibrant shades of purple. Head to Circular Quay and The Rocks to witness this spectacle with the Sydney Harbour Bridge as your backdrop.

One of Sydney’s most popular events during this season is Sculpture by the Sea, the largest free outdoor sculpture exhibition in the world. The city’s famous Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk transforms into an outdoor display of over 100 sculptures from Australian and international artists, set against the stunning beaches of Bondi and Tamarama.

New South Wales is a year-round destination, meaning that the best time to visit is based on what you want to do and why you want to visit.

If the long summer days, hot weather and New Years’ celebrations are your priority, visit during Australia’s summer months. If you want to see the highlights of Sydney and New South Wales with fewer crowds in cooler temperatures, visit during one of the shoulder seasons of Spring or Autumn. Finally, if whale watching or skiing is what you’re after, a visit during winter would be the best option.

When you want to visit is down to you, so let Trailfinders plan your perfect holiday to Sydney and New South Wales.