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So, we know Australia is warm (and wet), but why?

With more than 340 sunny days on average per year, Sydney enjoys a Mediterranean-style climate for most of the year. Sure, heavy showers do happen from time to time, but you will swiftly dry off in the heat following them. Personally, I found that sometimes a heavy downpour was a nice relief from the constant hot temperatures. So, what are the reasons for Sydney's climate - both good and bad? Well, there are many aspects to this answer. Firstly, it is important to consider the trade winds. These mostly affect northern Australia, but since they blow all year and are also a part of the global circulation of the atmosphere, these effects will also reach places like Sydney. They collect moisture on their travel route eastward across the Pacific Ocean, and once they reach the eastern coast of Australia, this moisture is released and lead to enhanced rainfall on the east coast specifically. The strength of these trade winds determines the amount of rainfall experienced. But the trade winds are not the only answer! Rainfall on east coast of Australia (Sydney is located in the south-east) is also heavily affected by easterly troughs. These are regions of relatively low atmospheric pressure, and in Australia, it forms a boundary between the moist air located by the coast and the drier air which is found further inland. So, as the temperature steadily rises throughout the day, this trough will be pushed closer to the coast, which results in unstable air - ultimately leading to showers and thunderstorms. And boy, does Sydney have some impressive thunderstorms!

So this explains a little bit about the rainy, stormy days, but what about the warm weather? Well, Sydney is located in New South Wales, which experiences an arid/semi-arid climate, with a more temperate climate on the east coast. Sydney gets to enjoy the humid subtropical spectrum of the temperate climate, resulting in warm weather. An interesting aspect to note is that Australia's winters are relatively mild, and in some regions there is not much difference between summer and winter seasons. However, this is not uniform across the country as there are also regions where the seasons can vary more drastically. Another climate influence Sydney can experience is blocking highs. These are high pressure systems that usually form in the south and remain stationary. This phenomenon can occur at any time during the year, and can produce cold, warm, wet and dry weather. The type of weather induced depends on the geographical location and the other systems around the blocking high. So, the areas located beneath this high pressure might experience very dry, warm and stable conditions, whereas areas to the west of it might receive wet conditions instead.

These are but a few example of the different climate systems that effect Australia. The interaction between these systems is what controls Sydney's weather.

Seasons

Springtime in Sydney has temperatures that vary between 15-20°C which is excellent for anyone who wants to explore the city to its fullest - before it gets too warm! Spring starts in September and lasts until November. What stands out in this season is the low humidity, but still pleasant temperatures. Be prepared to face some rain showers though!

Summer in Sydney is felt between the months of December and February - with January often being the warmest month. For holiday goers from the northern hemisphere, this can almost be considered a tropical paradise. With an average day temperature of around 25°C it's definitely shorts and t-shirt weather on a daily basis. On the other hand, temperatures of 30°C and 40°C with high humidity can also happen, leaving most people (apart from the locals) feeling slightly overheated. However, if you are someone who overheats, then have no fear, as fresh breezes are a part of all coastal cities, even in sunny Sydney. The waterfront can be reached easily and quickly for those who need cooling down, and on the way are always multitudes of excellent ice cream parlours - definitely strategically placed! Autumn stretches between March and May, usually around 20°C, with relatively low humidity levels. This is when all the colors in Sydney really break out - both from the beautiful autumn leaves, and from the huge annual Mardi Gras celebration. Only downside to this season is that it is the wettest one of them all. Expect sudden downpours, or days of rain in succession. It is important to be well prepared for this season - unless you enjoy trying to dry your clothes in the sunny intervals.

Winter arrives in June and lasts until August. This is when it really gets cold (in Australian terms at least) with an average temperature of only around 7°C. But never fear! There is a still lot to do in this colder season, with activities such as whale-watching and the Sydney Winter Festival. All in all, Sydney experiences rather mild winters, if you are prepared, then it will be very enjoyable.

Why would you want to travel there?

So, why Sydney? Well there are many reasons to travel to this beautiful city, such as the temperate climate that we have talked about up until now. The nice thing about Sydney is that the seasons temperatures vary enough (in my opinion) for there to be comfortable temperatures for everyone. From the blisteringly hot summers to the milder winters, it really depends on what climate you are looking for. Knowing before-hand what the climate will be like is a great help when preparing to travel there, or simply when choosing what clothes to wear in the city. Sydney has a lot more to offer than just nice weather though. Thousands of activities are available in the city and there is bound to be something for everyone - both outside and inside.