Best time to surf Sydney – Bondi Beach
The best time to surf at Sydney – Bondi Beach is March–May, July, October, with waves of about 2.1 m and water around 21°C.
Bondi, New South Wales, Australia
Sports: Surfing
Best time to go: March–May, July, October
Bondi Beach is a curved sandy bay about seven kilometres east of central Sydney, set between two sandstone headlands. It faces east to south-east and picks up most south, east and north-east swells, which break as beach-break peaks over shifting sandbanks. Westerly and north-westerly winds blow offshore and are most common from autumn to early spring, roughly March to September; in summer north-east sea breezes often make it choppy by the afternoon.
The north end is usually gentler and suits beginners and surf lessons, while the south end, often called Backpackers, has a well-known rip that helps surfers paddle out but catches out swimmers. Lifeguards mark flagged swimming areas and separate zones for board riding, so check where surfing is allowed on the day and keep out of the flags. The beach is one of the busiest in Australia, and the line-up is crowded with all levels on any rideable day. The water is about 18 to 19 °C in winter, when a 3/2 wetsuit is usual, and 22 to 24 °C in late summer.
Month by month at Sydney – Bondi Beach
- January: 3 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 9 knots, waves 1.9 m, water 22°C, air 26°C (nights 19°C), 26 sunny days, 15 rainy days
- February: 3 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 8 knots, waves 1.9 m, water 23°C, air 27°C (nights 19°C), 22 sunny days, 15 rainy days
- March: 2 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 7 knots, waves 2 m, water 23°C, air 25°C (nights 18°C), 25 sunny days, 17 rainy days
- April: 2 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 7 knots, waves 2.1 m, water 22°C, air 23°C (nights 14°C), 27 sunny days, 13 rainy days
- May: 2 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 6 knots, waves 2.1 m, water 21°C, air 20°C (nights 12°C), 25 sunny days, 15 rainy days
- June: 2 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 7 knots, waves 1.9 m, water 20°C, air 17°C (nights 9°C), 26 sunny days, 7 rainy days
- July: 3 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 8 knots, waves 2.1 m, water 18°C, air 17°C (nights 9°C), 27 sunny days, 10 rainy days
- August: 2 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 7 knots, waves 1.8 m, water 18°C, air 19°C (nights 10°C), 27 sunny days, 10 rainy days
- September: 4 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 8 knots, waves 1.9 m, water 19°C, air 22°C (nights 11°C), 27 sunny days, 7 rainy days
- October: 4 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 8 knots, waves 2 m, water 19°C, air 23°C (nights 14°C), 27 sunny days, 12 rainy days
- November: 3 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 8 knots, waves 1.7 m, water 20°C, air 24°C (nights 16°C), 26 sunny days, 12 rainy days
- December: 3 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 8 knots, waves 1.8 m, water 21°C, air 26°C (nights 17°C), 28 sunny days, 9 rainy days
Surfing in Australia: March, April, May, July, October
When is the best time to go surfing at Sydney – Bondi Beach?
March–May, July, October, when the waves are biggest.
How warm is the water at Sydney – Bondi Beach?
18°C to 23°C over the year: a shorty or lycra in the warmest month, a 4/3 full suit in the coolest.
How windy is Sydney – Bondi Beach?
About 31 days a year with at least 2 hours of 15+ knots in the daytime, most in September.
Figures from 5 years of weather data (Open-Meteo).
Spots near Sydney – Bondi Beach
- Sydney Harbour – Rose Bay (3 km)
- Sydney – Manly Beach (11 km)
- Hawks Nest – Jimmy's Beach (158 km)
More: All spots in Australia · Surfing in Australia
Compare with: Sydney – Bondi Beach vs Sydney – Manly Beach · Sydney – Bondi Beach vs Crescent Head