Golden Skies and Coastal Breezes: A Near-Perfect Summer Friday for Wollongong

Overview: A Classic Illawarra Summer Day

Wollongong residents can look forward to a stunning finish to the week as Friday, 30 January 2026, delivers quintessential summer conditions across the region. After a month that has seen its fair share of humidity and the occasional heavy downpour, today promises a much more stable and enjoyable weather pattern. Whether you are heading to North Wollongong Beach or planning a stroll through the Botanic Gardens, the forecast suggests a day defined by clear skies and gentle coastal relief.

Morning: A Bright and Refreshing Start

The day begins with a refreshing coolness as temperatures sit around 20°C in the early hours. By 9:00 AM, the sun will have already begun its steady climb, bringing the mercury up to a comfortable 23°C. Morning commuters and early-morning surfers will enjoy mostly clear skies with only a few wisps of high-altitude cloud. Visibility is excellent at 10 kilometers, making for a beautiful morning drive along the Sea Cliff Bridge. Winds will remain light during the start of the day, primarily drifting from the North-North-West at roughly 5 to 10 km/h.

Afternoon: Peak Warmth and the Sea Breeze

As we move into the afternoon, Wollongong will hit its maximum temperature of 27°C. While the sun will be out in full force, the afternoon heat will be tempered by a reliable North-Easterly sea breeze. Expect wind speeds to pick up significantly between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM, gusting between 19 km/h and 30 km/h. This coastal air will keep the humidity manageable, though it remains around 63%—high enough to remind us we are in the heart of summer but not high enough to cause significant discomfort. There is a very slight 15% chance of a stray patchy shower, though any precipitation is expected to be negligible, totaling less than 0.2 mm.

Evening: Coastal Cooling

The evening forecast looks exceptional for outdoor dining or a sunset walk. Temperatures will hold steady at a pleasant 24°C through the twilight hours before dipping back toward a nightly low of 18°C. Skies are expected to remain clear to partly cloudy, and the gusty North-Easterly winds from the afternoon will gradually settle into a gentle breeze. It is a perfect evening for the local markets or a late swim as the sea temperature remains a balmy 23°C.

Quick Stats and Safety Notices

• Temperature Range: Low of 20°C, High of 27°C.
• Wind: North-Easterly 20-30 km/h in the afternoon.
• Rainfall: Minimal (0.2 mm) with a 15% chance of patchy showers.
• UV Alert: Very High (Index 8-9). Sun protection is recommended between 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM.
• Warnings: No severe wind or flood warnings are currently in effect for the Illawarra today.