Sydney is currently having a bit of a moment with its weather, and honestly, if you were planning a classic beach holiday this week, you might want to keep an umbrella nearby. We just saw some record-breaking rain. I’m talking about the wettest January day at Sydney Observatory Hill since 1988. Some spots like Palm Beach Golf Club recorded a massive 346mm in just 24 hours. That’s not just a "summer shower"; it’s a full-on tropical-style deluge caused by a deep feed of moist easterly winds hitting a coastal trough.
If you are looking at the sydney 14 day forecast, the good news is that the absolute worst of that flash flooding seems to be easing off as we head into the second half of January. But don't pack away the raincoat just yet.
What’s actually happening with the sydney 14 day forecast?
Basically, we are in a weird "borderline" La Niña phase. Usually, La Niña means a total washout for the East Coast, but the experts at the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) are calling this one "weak." It started late and it’s likely to end early. Because it’s weak, the weather is being less "textbook." Instead of constant rain, we’re getting these intense, localized bursts followed by humid, sticky sunshine.
For the rest of this week, things are looking a bit more manageable. Monday, January 19, is looking partly sunny with a high of 75°F (around 24°C). You’ve still got about a 27% chance of a shower during the day, so it’s not perfectly clear. Tuesday and Wednesday (January 20-21) are actually the "goldilocks" days of the week. We’re looking at mostly sunny skies and temperatures sitting right around 76°F to 74°F.
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It’s the kind of weather where you can finally hit Bondi or Manly without worrying about a sudden downpour ruining your fish and chips.
The humidity is the real story
While the temperatures look mild on paper—mostly staying in the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit—the humidity is sitting high. We're talking 60% to 90% humidity levels. It makes a 75°F day feel a lot heavier.
Here is how the next several days are shaping up:
- Thursday, Jan 22: Mostly sunny with a high of 76°F. The UV index is hitting 10, which is "very high." If you're out, you'll burn in minutes. Seriously, wear the zinc.
- Friday, Jan 23: A bit of a dip. Expect light rain and a high of 77°F.
- Saturday, Jan 24: It starts warming up. We're looking at 84°F with mostly cloudy skies.
- Sunday, Jan 25: This looks like the heat peak of the week, hitting 89°F (32°C).
Australia Day and Beyond
Looking further out into the sydney 14 day forecast, Monday, January 26—Australia Day—is looking pretty decent but humid. Expect a high of 84°F with a 50% chance of rain during the day. It’s a bit of a toss-up for those backyard cricket games. The rain chance stays present through the following Tuesday and Wednesday, with temperatures hovering in the low 80s.
By the time we hit the end of January (the 28th and 29th), the models are hinting at another potential round of more consistent rain. Some forecasts are showing a 70% to 90% chance of rain as we close out the month. It looks like summer 2026 wants to go out with a splash.
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Surprising stuff you should know
One thing people often miss about Sydney in January is the UV index. Even on those "mostly cloudy" days we have coming up, the UV is frequently hitting 9 or 10. You can get a nasty burn even when the sun isn't "out-out."
Also, the ocean is actually quite warm right now. Sea temperatures are around 22°C (72°F). If you can find a gap in the rain, it’s arguably the best time of year for a swim, provided the local councils haven't closed the beaches due to runoff after the heavy storms we just had. Always check the "Beachwatch" alerts before jumping in after a big rain.
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Actionable Tips for the Next 14 Days
- Download the BoM Radar: Don't just trust a static forecast. In this current setup, storms "pop up" quickly. Watch the radar if you’re planning a harbor cruise or a hike.
- Morning is your friend: Most of the rain chance in the current sydney 14 day forecast seems to hit in the late afternoon or overnight. If you want beach time, get there at 8:00 AM.
- Hydrate and Shade: With humidity staying above 60%, your body won't cool down as efficiently. Drink more water than you think you need.
- Flexible indoor plans: Have a backup list of indoor spots. The Powerhouse Museum or the Art Gallery of NSW are lifesavers when those sudden January downpours hit.
Basically, Sydney is being a bit temperamental right now. It's beautiful, lush, and green because of all that rain, but it’s definitely not the "dry heat" you might find in Perth or Adelaide. Pack for four seasons in one day, and you'll be fine.