The South Coast has a mild climate: warm summers, mild winters and rain spread through the year. It is a little cooler than Sydney.
Season by season
Spring (September–November)
Whales heading south with calves, warming days and quiet beaches.
Summer (December–February)
Warm water and the busiest time, especially at Hyams Beach.
Autumn (March–May)
Calm, clear water and fewer people. Excellent for snorkelling.
Winter (June–August)
Cool, often sunny, and whale season. Quiet and good value.
Month by month
| Month | Avg high / low | Wet days | Daylight | Our verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 25° / 17°C | ≈10 | ≈14.2 h | Peak season |
| February | 25° / 17°C | ≈10 | ≈13.4 h | Peak season |
| March | 24° / 16°C | ≈11 | ≈12.3 h | Best |
| April | 22° / 13°C | ≈10 | ≈11.2 h | Best |
| May | 19° / 11°C | ≈10 | ≈10.3 h | Good |
| June | 17° / 8°C | ≈10 | ≈9.9 h | Quiet & cheap |
| July | 16° / 7°C | ≈9 | ≈10.1 h | Quiet & cheap |
| August | 17° / 7°C | ≈8 | ≈10.8 h | Good |
| September | 19° / 9°C | ≈9 | ≈11.8 h | Good |
| October | 21° / 11°C | ≈10 | ≈12.9 h | Best |
| November | 22° / 13°C | ≈11 | ≈13.8 h | Best |
| December | 24° / 15°C | ≈10 | ≈14.4 h | Peak season |
Approximate long-term averages, rounded; daylight is the approximate time between sunrise and sunset mid-month (Sydney’s latitude). Seasons are reversed from the northern hemisphere: summer is December to February.
Festivals & events
- May–November Humpback whale migration; cruises from Huskisson.
- Summer Boom netting on dolphin cruises.
Crowds & booking ahead
Hyams Beach and Huskisson are very busy in the summer holidays and on long weekends, with parking restrictions. Visit midweek or outside summer for a calmer experience.
