Heading to Sydney in December? You’re in for sunshine, beach days, outdoor festivals, and summer vibes all around. December marks the start of Australia’s summer, and the city buzzes with locals and travelers making the most of the warm weather.
With average highs in the mid-20s (°C) and long days of sun, your packing list should focus on lightweight clothes, UV protection, and comfortable shoes for exploring from Bondi to the Opera House. Plus, don’t forget swimwear — Sydney’s beaches are iconic!
📝 Note: This article is all about what to pack for Sydney in December. Here you can find a huge and comprehensive list. Feel free to adapt to your needs, and share your tips in the comments!
Weather & Travel Context 🌦️
December is sunny, warm, and ideal for outdoor adventures. It’s also the start of Sydney’s peak travel season, so dress for the heat and pack light.
- 🌡️ Average high: 26°C / 79°F – hot in the sun, especially midday
- 🌙 Average low: 18°C / 64°F – balmy evenings
- 🌤️ Mostly dry, but some humidity and brief showers
- 🌊 UV index is high — sun safety is crucial
What to Pack for Sydney in December
Packing smart will help you make the most of your trip. Here’s everything you need to bring for a comfortable and stylish adventure.
Carry-On Suitcase / Travel Bag Duffle / Portable Steamer / Packing cubes / Luggage scale / Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones / Speaker / Portable Charger / Universal Travel adapter / Compact Hair Dryer / Eye Mask / Waterproof Toiletry Bag Hanging / Zipper Pouch / Water BOTTLE / Liquid I.V. Hydration Vegan
🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools
If you want more options to have everything organized and well packed, take a look at these suggestions.
1. Rolling Backpack / 2. Luggage (large) / 3. Luggage (small) / 4. Toiletry Bag / 5. Beach Bag / 6. Backpack / 7. Packing Cubes
- Carry-on suitcase – 🧳 ideal for light summer clothes
- Checked bag – 🛄 for longer stays or shopping hauls
- Duffle bag – 🎽 beach day or weekend trips
- Daypack – 🎒 for hikes, day tours, or festivals
- Packing cubes – 📦 organize airy, wrinkle-prone items
- Shoe bags – 👟 separate sandy footwear
- Toiletry bag – 🧼 leak-proof for sunscreen and skincare
- Document organizer – 📁 passport, ID, and travel papers
- Foldable tote – 🛍️ for beach trips or markets
- Laundry kit – 🧺 quick washes for sweaty clothes
- Luggage scale – ⚖️ helpful for souvenirs and surf gear
- Luggage lock – 🔒 peace of mind in hostels or airports
- Money pouch – 💰 for festivals or crowded areas
- Quick-dry towel – 🧻 for beaches or water adventures
- Neck pillow – 😴 for flights or long bus rides
- Sleep mask – 🛌 for hostels or bright summer mornings
👗 Clothes
- Tank tops & tees (4–6) – 👕 breathable cotton or linen
- Lightweight tops & blouses (2–3) – 👚 for evening dinners or museums
- Casual sundresses (2–3) – 👗 cool, comfy, and beach-friendly
- Shorts (2–3) – 🩳 go-to for daytime exploring
- Light skirts – 🩱 easy to dress up or down
- Light jeans or trousers (1–2) – 👖 for evening breezes or A/C
- Light sweater or cardigan – 🧥 just in case it cools down
- Activewear – 🏃♀️ for hikes like the Bondi to Coogee walk
- Pajamas – 🛏️ lightweight and breathable
- Swimsuits (2–3) – 👙 for beaches, pools, and day cruises
- Swim cover-up – 🧖♀️ throw on after the beach
- Underwear (7+) – 👙 opt for moisture-wicking fabric
- Bras (3–4) – 🧺 regular and sports bras
- Socks (3–5) – 🧦 for sneakers or hiking
💆 Skincare
- Cleanser – 🧴 gentle after sun exposure
- Toner – 💧 refresh and balance your skin
- Light moisturizer – 🧴 hydrating but non-greasy
- Broad-spectrum SPF 50+ – ☀️ absolute essential
- After-sun gel – 🌿 aloe vera to soothe any burns
- Makeup remover – 🧽 micellar water or wipes
- Exfoliator – 🛁 1–2x a week to remove sweat buildup
- Eye cream – 👁️ protect against UV-related puffiness
- Facial mist – 💦 cool down on hot days
- Lip balm with SPF – 💋 sun protection for lips
- Spot treatment – 🎯 for breakouts from heat or sunscreen
💄 Makeup
- Tinted moisturizer or BB cream with SPF – 💄 light and protective
- Concealer – 👁️ for evening touch-ups
- Powder – 🌬️ set makeup and reduce shine
- Blush – 🌺 adds color to sunkissed skin
- Highlighter – ✨ glow for beach-to-bar vibes
- Bronzer – 🌞 match your sunny glow
- Eyeshadow palette – 🎨 neutrals or light shimmer
- Waterproof eyeliner – ✒️ sweat and swim-safe
- Waterproof mascara – 👁️ beach-proof lashes
- Brow gel – 🧴 keep brows in place in heat
- Lip tint or gloss – 💄 easy and lightweight
- Setting spray – ❄️ long-lasting in the heat
- Brushes – 🖌️ mini travel-friendly kit
💇 Hair Care
- Brush or wide-tooth comb – 💇♀️ post-beach detangling
- Hair ties + clips – 🧷 keep it off your neck
- Shampoo/conditioner – 🧴 travel-size or reef-safe if swimming
- Dry shampoo – 🌬️ refresh without washing
- Heat protectant spray – 🔥 if you use styling tools
- Leave-in conditioner – 💧 helps with saltwater damage
- Mini hairdryer – 💨 most places have them, but pack if unsure
- Travel straightener or curler – 💁♀️ small and dual voltage
- Hair accessories – 🎀 bandanas, clips, or beachy headbands
👟 Shoes & Accessories
- Comfortable walking sandals – 🩴 everyday wear
- Sneakers – 👟 for walking tours or hikes
- Flip-flops – 🩴 beach, pool, or hostel showers
- Water shoes – 🥾 optional for rocky coves
- Wide-brim hat – 👒 protect from intense sun
- Cap or visor – 🧢 sporty sun coverage
- Sunglasses (polarized) – 🕶️ essential for bright days
- Light scarf or wrap – 🧣 for windy ferries or plane rides
- Jewelry – 💍 minimal and water-friendly
- Waterproof tote or beach bag – 🏖️ stylish & practical
- Umbrella – ☔ summer storms happen fast
📑 Documents & Essentials
- Passport + copies – 🛂 keep backups in email/cloud
- Visa (if required) – 📄 check Australia’s eVisitor or ETA system
- ID card or driver’s license – 🪪 helpful for local travel
- Travel insurance – 🏥 medical + activity coverage
- Flight/train tickets – 🎟️ digital and paper copies
- Accommodation confirmations – 🏨 print and email versions
- Cash + cards – 💳 both are widely accepted
- Emergency contacts – 📱 store offline and online
- Offline maps + apps – 🗺️ for beaches and hiking trails
- Notebook + pen – 🖊️ jot down plans or journal
- Wallet – 👛 compact and secure
- Valuables – 💎 only essentials, leave the rest at home
🚑 First Aid
- Band-aids – 🩹 for flip-flop blisters
- Sunscreen – 🧴 bring extra, it’s pricey in tourist areas
- After-sun lotion – 🌿 for accidental burns
- Allergy meds – 🤧 pollen can flare up
- Pain relievers – 💊 headaches or sun exhaustion
- Antiseptic wipes – 🧽 quick wound clean-up
- Gauze + tape – 🩼 handy for beach scrapes
- Motion sickness tablets – 🛥️ for ferries or boat tours
- Mini scissors – ✂️ travel-friendly only
- Tweezers – ✂️ splinters or insect bites
🧼 Health & Hygiene
- Prescriptions – 💊 labeled and in original containers
- Hand sanitizer – ✋ always carry one
- Toothbrush + paste – 🪥 keep breath beach-fresh
- Floss – 🧵 compact and helpful
- Deodorant – 🧼 choose extra strength for heat
- Razor – 🪒 beach grooming essential
- Feminine hygiene products – 🩸 bring your preferred brand
- Body wipes – 🧻 when showers aren’t close
- Perfume – 🌸 go light or use body mist
- Mirror – 🪞 pocket-size is enough
- Eye drops – 👁️ for dust or dryness
- Contact lenses + solution – 👓 pack backups
- Tissues – 🧻 handy for public restrooms
📱 Tech & Electronics
- Phone – 📱 with roaming or local SIM/eSIM
- Chargers – 🔌 for all your gear
- Power bank – 🔋 beach days = battery drain
- Plug adapter (Type I) – 🔌 for Aussie sockets
- Camera – 📷 optional, phones do great too
- GoPro or waterproof camera – 📸 for beach adventures
- Headphones – 🎧 for flights and long walks
- E-reader – 📚 perfect for beach reading
- Offline maps + transit apps – 🗺️ helpful without signal
- Cloud/photo storage – 💾 back up memories
🎧 Entertainment
- Books – 📖 beach reads or travel guides
- Podcasts – 🎧 preloaded for offline listening
- Shows/movies – 📺 downloaded on your device
- Journal – 📓 record your Aussie adventures
- Cards or games – 🃏 for downtime with friends
- Travel guidebook – 🗞️ includes restaurant + beach recs
🎁 Extras
- Snacks – 🍫 granola bars or trail mix for hikes
- Reusable water bottle – 🚰 stay hydrated under the sun
- Shopping tote – 🛍️ great for local markets
- Eco-friendly detergent – 🧼 quick washes while traveling
- Sewing kit – 🪡 for minor rips or buttons
- Safety whistle – 📣 solo traveler tip
- Lint roller – 👔 if you’re attending events
- Travel blanket – 🛏️ great for picnics or flights
- Sand remover powder – 🧼 baby powder works wonders
- Melatonin – 🌙 helpful for adjusting time zones
🌍 Travel Tips
- Stay sun-safe – ☀️ reapply SPF often
- Use public transport – 🚋 Opal card works on ferries, trains, and buses
- Plan beach visits early – 🏖️ avoid midday heat
- Stay hydrated – 🚰 always carry water
- Keep digital & printed tickets – 🎟️ for events or flights
- Book attractions ahead – 🧾 December = high season
- Notify your bank – 🏦 avoid card blocks
🛂 Visa Tips
- Apply for eVisitor or ETA visa – 🌏 required for most tourists
- Check passport validity – 🛂 should be valid for entire stay
- Print visa confirmation – 📄 even if it’s digital
- Proof of return/onward ticket – 🎟️ may be requested
- Know what’s restricted – 📦 Australia has strict customs
⭐ Must-Haves
- Passport + visa – 🛂 your ticket in
- Travel insurance – 🏥 essential in summer season
- Phone + adapter – 📱 never lose charge
- Credit card + some cash – 💳 not all places accept cards
- Reusable bottle – 🚰 always carry one
- Daypack – 🎒 for every day out
- Beachwear – 👙 you’re going to need it
- Sunscreen – 🧴 don’t rely on buying it there
- Light clothing – 👗 cotton & linen are best
- Offline bookings – 🧾 always have backups
👍 Good-to-Have
- Sandals with arch support – 🩴 comfort all day
- Snorkel gear – 🤿 optional, but fun for reef areas
- Travel fan – 🌬️ pocket-size to beat the heat
- Cooling towel – ❄️ useful for hikes
- Sleep mask & earplugs – 😴 bright mornings
- SIM or eSIM – 📶 local data is affordable
- Foldable shopping bag – 🛍️ for eco-friendly market hauls
