The biggest fun run on earth, Hyde Park to Bondi Beach over Heartbreak Hill. August is Sydney winter: cool, bright, and windy at the coast.
By Brett Heimlich, part-time runner.
Plan for about 49°F (9°C) at the 08:00 start, feeling like 44°F (7°C), with 78% humidity and 7 mph wind, warming to roughly 59°F (15°C) by the finish. It rained on 3 of the last 10 race days. Wear: Long Sleeve Tech Shirt, Capris or Light Tights, Running Cap, Waterproof Jacket.
49°F (9°C)
59°F (15°C)
3 of 10 years
46° to 54°F
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Conditions at the 08:00 start on the race's usual date each year (second Sunday of August). Years when the race was cancelled or moved still show that date's weather. Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 archive.
| Year | Start temp | Feels like | Finish | Humidity | Wind | Rain | Sky |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 51°F (11°C) | 49°F | 57°F | 96% | 6 mph | 0.35 in | Drizzle |
| 2024 | 47°F (8°C) | 44°F | 63°F | 96% | 4 mph | – | Overcast |
| 2023 | 52°F (11°C) | 49°F | 63°F | 80% | 3 mph | – | Overcast |
| 2022 | 50°F (10°C) | 42°F | 60°F | 69% | 12 mph | – | Mostly clear |
| 2021 | 54°F (12°C) | 50°F | 57°F | 81% | 10 mph | 0.10 in | Drizzle |
| 2020 | 46°F (8°C) | 42°F | 56°F | 87% | 6 mph | 0.86 in | Clear |
| 2019 | 47°F (8°C) | 38°F | 55°F | 57% | 12 mph | – | Mostly clear |
| 2018 | 47°F (8°C) | 40°F | 57°F | 65% | 8 mph | – | Clear |
| 2017 | 50°F (10°C) | 44°F | 64°F | 71% | 9 mph | – | Clear |
| 2016 | 49°F (9°C) | 45°F | 61°F | 79% | 4 mph | – | Clear |
Coldest start: 46°F (8°C) in 2020. Warmest: 54°F (12°C) in 2021. Wettest: 0.86 in in 2020.
Built from the 10-year average start conditions by the same engine as the live tool. Treat optional items as corral-only layers you can shed.
Long Sleeve Tech Shirt
Breathable moisture-wicking fabric
Waterproof Jacket
Breathable rain protection
Capris or Light Tights
3/4 length for moderate warmth
Light Gloves
Thin running gloves
Headband
Ear coverage without overheating
Running Cap
Keep rain out of eyes
Trail or Waterproof Shoes
Better grip and water resistance
✓ Worn by the author
Compression tight for 40 to 55°F, works under shorts
$78
✓ Worn by the author
Fast-drying micromesh tee for warm-weather miles
$75
Packable wind shell for cool morning miles
$115
✓ Worn by the author
Thin, ribbed quarter sock that keeps grit out
$36
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Over 2016 to 2025 the start averaged 49°F (9°C) (feels like 44°F (7°C)) with 78% humidity and 7 mph wind, warming to about 59°F (15°C) by the finish. It rained measurably on 3 of those 10 race days. The coldest start was 46°F (8°C) in 2020; the warmest was 54°F (12°C) in 2021.
For a typical 49°F (9°C) start: Long Sleeve Tech Shirt, Capris or Light Tights, Running Cap, Waterproof Jacket. Dress for about 15°F warmer than the start temperature, since the race itself adds that much, and plan to shed anything you only need in the corral.
The City2Surf is usually held on second Sunday of August. The next expected date is Sunday, August 8, 2027. Confirm on the official site, since dates occasionally move.
The live forecast on this page comes from Open-Meteo and unlocks 16 days before the race. Forecasts inside 7 days are reliable for temperature within a few degrees; rain timing firms up in the last 2 to 3 days. Until then, the 10-year history above is the best planning guide.
Get a what-to-wear call for the live forecast at your exact location, free, no signup.
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