We have read numerous websites about the weather in NZ and Australia. Recently in the US papers it is stating 70 degrees F. for the temperatures in Sydney. For spring this seems a bit warm according to our spring temperatures in the US. We know shorts aren't the proper attire for city venues. Can we assume we need to pack short sleeve shirts for our stay in Sydney. We'll be coming from NZ in the south island. Will the temperatures be a shock in Sydney?

Of course it is impossible to predict the specific weather for your few days in sydney.

You might expect
-80 F daytime temps
-significantly warmer than south island of nz (10 F warmer)
-short sleeve shirts are in order
-lots tourists wear shorts in sydney.
-carry a light sweater for the evening or when you are on the water

As ever, temperatures can be unpredictable, but 70-80F would be roughly the daytime average in Sydney in November, I think. It'll certainly be warmer than NZ South Island. Having said that, you'll probably either roast or freeze. November is before the start of summer proper, and will probably be quite comfortable.

It can get very hot in Oz 25-30 oC in spring. In both countries shorts are acceptable pretty much everywhere.

NZ in spring is still quite cold not getting to 20oC. I haven't worn shorts yet this spring.

I don't think that the change will be a shock just a pleasant change. The real heat hits Oz in Jan-Feb.

So pack both pants and sweaters and summer clothes. Heck, don't pack anything and just buy clothes as you go along then you'll fit right in.

(tip: white pants and lemon sweaters make you look like an American tourist - pastels in general...<insert cheekey grin> - just I see them every day on my way to work and I can pick people down to the general region by what they are wearing!)

646wyck, you will definitely need short-sleeved shirts next month in Sydney; I am wearing one right now, and it'll be dark in an hour. Dress shorts for men are considered perfectly suitable for city venues, when teamed with long sox. The only "informal" use of shorts is when you team them with thongs.

Shorts for women? That's a bit different -- I really don't know, but my feeling is that that WOULD be considered "informal", not something you'd turn up at the Opera House in! I will, however, leave that part of the question to someone more qualified (or, at least, more observant!)

It will be warm in Sydney in November. I am in summer clothes now.

I always thought summer started Dec 1st everywhere but apparently this is an oddity for Australia so our seasons are a bit different. You will be here just two weeks before start of summer!

You also will be here when the Eagles are playing Sydney and I cannot wait. Of no releveance but thought I would share

well it has been 38o C in Sydney in the last few days. And I can tell you that it is a record heat. So pack the shorts.

Yes it was gross yesterday. Mind you, the last couple of days represent absolutely freakish weather for October -- yesterday's 38C broke the record books.

Weather in November is a bit odd -- it can be nice and warm one day and suddenly go quite cool. We often get a bit of rainy weather during November but since we're in a drought I doubt this will happen.

I should say, though, that I am a Sydneysider and we are famous for being Weather Wimps! We expect every day to be perfect and get pouty when it isn't. . .

By the way, Alan's comment, that "dress shorts for men are considered perfectly suitable for city venues, when teamed with long sox" --?! Oh my God! Please! Only elderly men with absolutely no dress sense (who sit drinking in bars all day) dress this way. People in the streets giggle at people who wear long socks with shorts. Unless they're playing grass hockey or soccer at the time, and that's to cover the shin-guards. . .

Now, I want you all to be very kind to Alan. At our age it's very easy to enter an intergalactic time warp. He's now remembered that the last time shorts and long socks were tolerated anywhere (other than perhaps the always sartorially-challenged tropical latitudes) was some time in the 1960s. If you want to be instantly identified as an American tourist, wear shorts by all means, preferably with short socks and Nikes. If you want to be instantly recognised as an English tourist (I'm not sure why you would, mind), team them with mid-length dark socks and sandals. My advice for what it's worth (usually not much) is to wear light long-uns.

Alan, I was thoughtless in what I said and I do apologise if I have caused any offense. I was being a smart-alec. If you wear long socks with your shorts I'm sure you look very nice. I guess it's a generational thing... I agree with Neil, incidentally. I'm going off now to wash my mouth out with soap...

Alan in a thong ?
Wow.....

Muck

;-)

Well, Alan's gone to India and it's pelting down with rain here, and quite chilly, about 15C.

I don't mind the rain, but it had better warm up a bit or I'll complain!