Packing lists

What to pack for Sydney in December

December is early summer in Sydney, and the city lives outdoors. Days are warm and sunny, the beaches are busy, and Christmas lunch is often a barbecue by the water. It is also the lead-up to New Year's Eve, when the harbor fireworks draw huge crowds. Summer storms roll through some afternoons, and the odd heat wave pushes past 95°F.

So the list is mostly light summer clothes and swimwear, with serious sun protection. The Australian sun is fierce, and the UV index is extreme on most December days. Sydney is casual, but it dresses up a little for dinner and bars, so pack something smart.

Checked

The weather

Daytime high
77°F
25°C, with occasional heat waves.
Overnight low
64°F
18°C. Pleasant evenings by the harbor.
Sea temperature
70°F
21°C. Refreshing, and warming through summer.
Daylight
14.5 h
Sunset around 8pm. The UV is extreme.

The capsule

Ten days, one traveler, Regatta palette. Navy, white and red for a summer by the harbor. A capsule is a few clothes in one palette (a base color, a neutral and an accent) that all go together. The full list below adds what sits outside it.

Regatta palette · 11 pieces · 8 outfits

Layers

  • Light cardiganLight cardigan

Tops

  • Linen shirtLinen shirt
  • Cotton tankCotton tank
  • Camp-collar shirtCamp-collar shirt

Bottoms

  • Linen shortsLinen shorts
  • Wide-leg linen pantsWide-leg linen pants

Dresses

  • SundressSundress
  • Beach cover-upBeach cover-up

Shoes

  • Flip-flopsFlip-flops
  • White sneakersWhite sneakers
  • Flat sandalsFlat sandals

Three days from this capsule

Bondi beach afternoon
Harbour ferry and Opera House
Sunset drinks at the harbour

Shown for one traveler. Packlier packs a capsule like this for each person on the trip.

The full list

Clothes

  • Two or three swimsuits
  • Beach cover-up
  • Four or five light tops
  • Shorts and light pants
  • A dress or outfit for dinner and bars
  • Light cardigan or jacket for breezy evenings
  • Rash guard for long beach days

Shoes

  • Flip-flops
  • Sneakers for the coastal walks
  • Sandals or smart shoes for evenings

Sun

  • SPF 50 sunscreen
  • Wide-brimmed hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Beach towel
  • Crossbody bag

Documents and tech

  • Passport
  • Electronic travel authority or visa, arranged ahead
  • Travel insurance details
  • Card for tap-to-pay, including on trains and ferries
  • Type I plug adapter (230V)
  • Power bank

Toiletries

  • After-sun lotion
  • Insect repellent for evenings
  • Any prescriptions, in your carry-on

Gear worth the space

  • A wide-brimmed hat

    The sun is the main hazard of a Sydney summer. A brim that shades your neck and ears is worth more than a cap.

  • A rash guard

    For long days at the beach or snorkeling, it protects your back and shoulders better than sunscreen.

  • Comfortable sneakers

    The coastal walks between the beaches are some of the best things to do in the city. They are long, hilly and full of steps.

  • A reusable water bottle

    Sydney tap water is safe, and there are fountains along the walks and beaches.

A southerly change can drop the temperature 20 degrees in an hour. Packlier packs your dates for the sun and the swing.

Tell it where, when, why, which bag and which palette, and it packs the capsule, checks it against the bag and adds everything that is not clothing. Launching this year on Android, with iOS to follow.

One email at launch, nothing else.