Does it snow in Sydney, Australia? (& best places to see snow near Sydney!)

With its beautiful coastlines and typically warm weather, you might wonder, does it snow in Sydney, Australia? Well, during my time living in Sydney, I was able to see snow in New South Wales! And, depending on the forecast each year, there are places you can go to see snow in the greater Sydney region.

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The only times to see snow in Sydney, Australia, are during the Winter, which runs from June to August. While temperatures don’t often get lower than their average of 8.8 to 17 degrees Celsius in the city, there are places with a higher altitude where the temperature drops closer to freezing.

For reference, July is Sydney’s coldest month, whereas June is the month with the highest average rainfall (about 132mm).

If you’re from the Northern Hemisphere, you’ll have to get used to the fact that the Christmas season is Sydney’s sunniest time of year – so you’ll have to make sure you visit in June, July, or August if you want to find the mysterious Australian snow in Sydney.

Does it snow in Sydney?

Yes and no – it occasionally snows in the Blue Mountains National Park, which is the World Heritage region west of Sydney. The Blue Mountains are easily accessible from Sydney city since it is only a 1-hour drive or 2-hour train ride, and are technically part of the greater Sydney region!

Elsewhere, snow in New South Wales is pretty much guaranteed – in fact, listed below is the Southern hemisphere’s largest ski resort. So if you don’t mind driving a little further out of Sydney to see snow, there are some beautiful places to travel to in the Winter months.

Where to see snow near Sydney

The Blue Mountains

As stated above, while you can’t see snow in the city center, which you probably already guessed, you can easily take a Wintery day trip to the Blue Mountains!

Snow in the Blue Mountains is still rare, so you’ll need to check the forecast in advance before heading there, hoping for snow. It usually just has five days of snow a year, so it’s a rare treat.

Be aware that even when it does snow, it’s often soft flurries rather than the kind that settles. That said, I’ll never forget when I saw photos of my friend seeing snow for the first time in the Blue Mountains! She was thrilled.

For a better guarantee of seeing snow in New South Wales, I recommend heading to one of the beautiful places below.

However, the Blue Mountains are beautiful in Winter, even without the snow. From the majestic Three Sisters rock formations to the stunning valleys, waterfalls, and viewpoints, it’s a great Sydney day trip. The area also holds a Yulefest from June to August, so there’s plenty of festive fun throughout the season, no matter the weather. 

Oberon

Meanwhile, just 2.5 hours from Sydney, Oberon is more likely to get snow as it lies at 1113 meters above sea level! Frost and snow are more regular here than in the Blue Mountains since it’s higher up. It’s a beautiful spot for a Winter walk or cosy evening beside the fire to warm up.

This is probably the most guaranteed spot to see snow near Sydney. It’s not guaranteed, but they do see snowfall every year.

Oberon is approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Sydney. 

Kosciuszko National Park

When I lived in Sydney, Kosciuszko National Park was where I saw snow! As a Brit, my friends almost didn’t believe me when I sent them photos of snow in Australia. Of course, this made the experience even more fun.

While I was there, I was lucky enough to experience a fantastic Yarrangobilly Cave tour – the perfect way to escape the Winter road. Best of all, after seeing these incredible limestone caves, you can take a dip in the thermal pool! This is the perfect Winter activity if you ask me.

You’ll also find the tallest mountain in mainland Australia here – Mount Kosciuszko is a towering 2228 meters tall!

Kosciuszko National Park is approximately a five-hour drive from Sydney. 

Perisher Ski Resort

Also located in Kosciuszko National Park is the fantastic Perisher Ski Resort – the perfect destination for a snow holiday in Australia. 

Perisher is the larger ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere! Covering 3000 acres, the resort has four different areas, 113 trails, and 47 lifts, all set around seven beautiful mountains. 

The resort is also roughly halfway between Melbourne and Sydney, so it’s the perfect spot in Eastern Australia for families to meet up from their respective locations.

Perisher Ski Resort is approximately a five to six-hour drive from Sydney. 

Snowy Mountains & Ski Resorts

The Snowy Mountains are part of the Australian Alps which run through New South Wales. Both the Snowy Mountains and Kosciuszko National Park (below) get snow. This year, sections of the alps had up to 60cm of snow! 

The aptly named Snowy Mountains have some of the best ski resorts near Sydney, so if you’re after snow because you’re a fan of Winter sports, this is the place to visit! 

You’ll even find the longest ski run in Australasia in Thredbo, the 5.9km Thredbo Supertrail! Though there are plenty of options for beginners and advanced skiers alike. 

The Snowy Mountains ski resorts are open from June to October. Even if you don’t snowboard or ski, you can still find a cosy cabin in Thredbo or Jindabyne to enjoy the snow.

Thredbo is approximately a five to six-hour drive from Sydney. 

Orange

While snow isn’t guaranteed, Orange had its highest snowfall in 30 years last year! So And nonetheless, it’s a great Winter destination. For wineries in the countryside and brisk walks around the open spaces or historic buildings, it’s a popular spot for a cosy Australian girls’ trip or Winter getaway.

Orange is approximately a 3.5-hour drive from Sydney. 

Family-friendly places to see snow near Sydney

If you’re looking for a kid-friendly Winter destination, then you can check out Snow Time in the Gardens in Hunter Valley. Described as the place to be for winter fun, the gardens offer frosted attractions such as an ice skating rink, a toboggan, and a ‘Snow Play Zone.’

As you might have guessed, all the snow seen here is artificial! When we can’t get to the snow, they’ll bring the snow to us!

Hunter Valley is approximately a three to four-hour drive from Sydney. 

Alternatively, Corin Forest Mountain Resort is a great option. Corin Forest is a ski resort that never snows (although it rarely gets a little snowfall). 

The resort uses its special snow guns to create real snow, and then they smooth the snow across the hills to create a stunning Wintery alpine environment.

After this manmade Winter Wonderland is created, you can enjoy snow sports, alpine slides, and skiing. The gentle slopes are perfect for beginners, kids, and families who want to try skiing or snowboarding for the first time. 

Corin Forest Mountain Resort is approximately a four-hour drive from Sydney. 

Tips for visiting snowy destinations near Sydney:

• Remember to bring sunscreen! Even in the Winter months, the sun can shine bright. Be sure to put sunscreen on your face, neck, and other exposed areas.
• You’ll also need sunglasses! Even if you’re not skiing, bright white snow can be disorientating and hard to look at.

• Wrap up warm with different layers to choose from. 

• Use snow chains, or have some ready in your car, as you might need them to drive in the Kosciuszko National Park or the Snowy Mountains.

• Drive carefully and safely, especially if there is a chance of dangerous black ice. And pullover with your hazard lights on if there is heavy hail or snow. 

Has it ever snowed in Sydney city?

It is very rare for it to snow in Sydney, so it’s unlikely it’s something even Sydney locals will ever see. The city does get some crazy weather events, such as thundering lightning storms and, on rarer occasions, thick hail, which can look like snow, but it isn’t actually the same thing.

When did it last snow in Sydney?

It last snowed in Sydney in 1986, but it could barely even be considered snow. While colder Melbourne saw a few proper bursts of snow that year, Sydney’s offering would be considered more similar to sleet!

The last time a proper snowfall was recorded in Sydney was 1836! According to documentation, up to 4cm of snow fell on Hyde Park that June, with snowfall seen across the city and even on Bondi Beach! However, today’s meteorologists are quick to burst the bubble and point out that this, too, could have been hail. Oops!

That’s very hard to imagine now. Unfortunately, Sydney temperatures do not drop to freezing (or just above freezing), which is the temperature required for snow. Even the cooler Winter climates in Melbourne rarely get that low.  

Conclusion – Sydney snowing aside, it’s still a great Winter destination

As you’ve read, the answer is complicated. But thankfully, there are some fantastic places to visit near Sydney in Winter. 

For guaranteed snow, go to the Snowy Mountains or Perisher, or hedge your bets and try to see Blue Mountain’s beautiful rare snowfalls. 

But even if it doesn’t snow in Sydney, it’s still an excellent Winter destination! The temperatures are mild (locals still swim in the ocean pools and beautiful shorelines), and the city thrives with Winter markets, festive pubs, and even an ice rink at Darling Harbour.

The cooler temperatures also mean Winter is a beautiful time to hike along the coastal walks or see wildlife. In fact, the best time to see whales in Sydney is between May and November. The whale migration is high in late June and early July, making it the perfect Wintery activity.