Snorkeling in Sydney
Snorkeling in Sydney comes down to warm, calm water. The most comfortable months are February and March, with highs around 79°F (26°C) and the sea at about 74°F (23°C).
Photo: Benh LIEU SONG (Flickr), CC BY-SA 4.0
Top snorkeling in Sydney
Snorkeling To Discover Sydney's Underwater WondersFrom $66View 
Private Snorkeling Tour In Sydney's Marine ReserveFrom $133View
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Local operators and places
Names that come up for snorkeling in Sydney:
- Snorkeling
How to pick a good snorkeling trip
- Check whether gear, a wetsuit and reef-safe sunscreen are included or extra.
- Morning trips usually have calmer, clearer water before the afternoon wind picks up.
- If you're a nervous swimmer, ask for a flotation vest and a guide in the water.
- Smaller boats reach quieter spots; big boats often moor at the busiest reef.
Sydney month by month
Averages for Sydney, 1991–2020; sea temperatures offshore, 1991–2020.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 81 (27) | 80 (27) | 78 (26) | 74 (24) | 70 (21) | 65 (18) | 64 (18) | 67 (19) | 71 (22) | 74 (23) | 76 (24) | 78 (26) |
| Low °F (°C) | 68 (20) | 68 (20) | 65 (18) | 60 (15) | 54 (12) | 50 (10) | 48 (9) | 49 (10) | 54 (12) | 58 (15) | 62 (17) | 65 (18) |
| Rainy days | 8 | 9 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 8 |
| Sea °F (°C) | 73 (23) | 74 (23) | 74 (23) | 72 (22) | 70 (21) | 67 (20) | 65 (19) | 65 (18) | 65 (18) | 67 (19) | 68 (20) | 71 (21) |
| Sunset (15th) | 8:09 pm | 7:48 pm | 7:14 pm | 5:33 pm | 5:03 pm | 4:53 pm | 5:04 pm | 5:25 pm | 5:47 pm | 7:08 pm | 7:36 pm | 8:02 pm |
Questions
When is the best time for snorkeling in Sydney?
February and March. Expect highs around 79°F (26°C) and the sea at about 74°F (23°C). The least comfortable months are July and August, when the sea drops to about 65°F.
How warm is the water in Sydney?
The sea averages 65°F (18°C) in August and 74°F (23°C) in February. Below about 75°F most people want a wetsuit for a long swim or dive.
Where can I book snorkeling in Sydney?
The tours above book on Viator. Compare group size, duration, what is included and the cancellation terms before you pick one.
