Sunscreen and Sea Breezes: A Sparkling Australia Day for the Illawarra

A Bright Outlook for the Public Holiday

Welcome to the Monday edition of Wollongong.news. As we celebrate Monday, 26 January 2026, the Illawarra is set to enjoy one of the most pleasant days of the summer season. Whether you are heading to Belmore Basin for the morning ceremonies or planning a late afternoon gathering at Stuart Park, the weather is playing its part perfectly for the Australia Day festivities. Local conditions are expected to remain stable, offering a mix of bright sunshine and cooling coastal breezes throughout the day.

Morning: A Clear and Refreshing Start

The sun rose over the Tasman Sea at 6:10 am to remarkably clear skies. Early dawn swimmers and those attending early morning community events experienced a mild start to the day, with temperatures sitting comfortably around 19°C. Throughout the morning, the mercury is expected to climb steadily. While humidity levels remain relatively high at 76%, the air feels fresh thanks to a gentle light breeze. We recommend those heading out early to take advantage of the clear conditions before the afternoon cloud cover begins to develop.

Afternoon: Peak Temperatures and Coastal Relief

By mid-afternoon, Wollongong is expected to reach its maximum temperature of approximately 27°C. While inland regions and parts of western Sydney may push closer to the 30-degree mark, our local coastal position will benefit from a consistent easterly breeze of roughly 25 to 30 kilometers per hour. Between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm, we anticipate some patchy cloud cover to move across the coastline. This partly cloudy outlook is a welcome addition for outdoor events, as it will provide brief intervals of shade during the hottest part of the day.

Evening: Mild Conditions for Celebrations

As the sun sets at 8:06 pm, the conditions will remain exceptionally mild for any evening fireworks or outdoor dining. Temperatures are expected to linger in the low 20s throughout the twilight hours, eventually settling at an overnight low of 18°C. With a 0% chance of rain predicted for the entire evening, there is no need for umbrellas or wet weather gear tonight. The humidity will stay moderate, ensuring a comfortable end to the public holiday.

Safety Notices and Observations

The Bureau of Meteorology has not issued any rain or wind warnings for the Wollongong area today. However, residents and visitors are advised to be mindful of the following:

• UV Index: The UV rating is expected to be Moderate to High, peaking around a 5 to 7 rating. Sun protection is essential between 10:30 am and 4:30 pm.
• Wind: A steady easterly breeze of 16 mph (26 km/h) will persist along the coast; while not hazardous, small craft should be aware of the surface chop.
• Rainfall: There is a 0% chance of precipitation, with 0.0mm of rain recorded and expected.

Enjoy the beautiful conditions and stay safe on the roads and in the water this Australia Day.