Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport

YSSY / SYD

Sydney (Mascot), AU

Last Updated
Mar 5, 07:30Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Fresh 9 min ago
07:30Z

☀️ Day
VFR
Flight Rules
27°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 21°C
6 kt
70°
10+ km
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
--
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR YSSY 050730Z AUTO 07006KT 9999 // NCD 27/21 Q1010

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF YSSY 050505Z 0506/0612 09010KT CAVOK FM050900 05008KT 9999 FEW010 BECMG 0518/0520 18008KT 9999 SCT006 SCT015 FM052300 16008KT 9999 SCT015 FM060100 10010KT 9999 FEW020 FM061000 06007KT 9999 BKN020 TEMPO 0518/0522 9999 BKN005
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
07:38Z BASE
+0h
VFR 90° 10 kt
Visibility: >10km
09:00Z FM050900
+2h
VFR 50° 8 kt
Visibility: 10+ km
18:00Z BECMG
+11h
VFR 180° 8 kt
Visibility: 10+ km
18:00Z TEMPO
+11h
IFR
Visibility: 10+ km
Ceiling: 500 ft

24-Hour Weather Evolution

Loading weather data...
Data Sources
  • • Current conditions from METAR observations
  • • Historical data from past 24 hours
  • • No forecast or predicted data included
  • • Data updated with each new METAR report
Chart Features
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Note: Future values beyond current TAF validity are estimates based on climatological data and trends. Always verify with current forecasts before flight operations.

Airport Runway Layout

N
SSY
07 ✈️
25
16L
34R
16R
34L

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
✈️ 07/25
Active: 07
8,300 ft 148 ft ASP 74°
6.0 kt 0.0 kt
0° angle
16L/34R 7,999 ft 148 ft ASP 168°
0.8 kt 5.9 kt
98° angle
16R/34L 12,999 ft 148 ft ASP 168°
0.8 kt 5.9 kt
98° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - YSSY

8,823 observations | Sep 2025 - Mar 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
82.3%
MVFR
14.6%
IFR
2.6%
LIFR
0.6%

Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport enjoys predominantly VFR conditions, with visual flight rules prevailing 82.3% of the time. Prevailing winds are from the S averaging 11.8 knots, with gusts recorded up to 36 knots. Temperature extremes range from 8°C to 42°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. The best months for VFR flying are October, March, September.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: S (180°)
Average Speed: 11.8 kt
Maximum Recorded: 36 kt
Calm Winds: 1.1%
Direction Distribution:
N
10.8%
NE
15.3%
E
9%
SE
12.2%
S
21.2%
SW
7.2%
W
12.3%
NW
11%

Temperature Range

Average: 21.8°C
Range: 8°C to 42°C
8°C 42°C

Visibility

Average: 10 SM
Below 3 SM: 0%
Fog Frequency: 0.1%

Best Months for VFR

October March September

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 07/25
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 8.1 kt
Runway 16L/34R
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 7 kt
Runway 16R/34L
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 7 kt

Statistics computed from 8,823 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Mar 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: YSSY
IATA Code: SYD
Type: large airport
Status: active
Elevation: 21 ft MSL

Location

City: Sydney (Mascot)
Country: AU
Latitude: -33.946098°
Longitude: 151.177002°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT-10

Runway Information

Runway 07/25
Length: 8,300 ft
Width: 148 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No
Runway 16L/34R
Length: 7,999 ft
Width: 148 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No
Runway 16R/34L
Length: 12,999 ft
Width: 148 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No

About Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport

Overview

Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport serves as the primary international airport for Sydney and the largest airport in Australia. Located at -33.946098, 151.177002 in Mascot, the airport operates at an elevation of 21 feet mean sea level. It features three substantial runways, with the longest runway measuring 12,999 feet, capable of handling wide-body international and domestic aircraft.

Flying Conditions

The airport's coastal location at 21 ft MSL provides generally stable atmospheric conditions, though maritime influences can create variable wind patterns. Pilots should anticipate potential wind shear and turbulence, particularly during seasonal transition periods. The multiple runway configuration allows for flexible operations in changing wind conditions.

Notable Features

Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport is situated in a densely populated urban environment, requiring precise navigation and adherence to established approach procedures. The airport's three runways (07/25, 16L/34R, and 16R/34L) are all constructed with asphalt surfaces, providing consistent runway characteristics across different approach vectors. The significant runway length, particularly the 12,999 ft runway, accommodates large international aircraft with ample stopping distance.

Approach Considerations

Runway selection typically depends on prevailing wind direction, with the parallel 16L/34R and 16R/34L runways offering complementary approach options. The 07/25 runway provides an additional operational configuration for crosswind scenarios. Pilots should be prepared for potential congestion and precise sequencing due to the airport's high-traffic international and domestic operations.

Data Sources & Accuracy: Airport information sourced from OurAirports.com, a collaborative database of worldwide airport data. Weather data from official aviation weather services including NOAA Aviation Weather Center and international METAR/TAF providers. Information is updated regularly but pilots should always verify current conditions and NOTAMs through official channels before flight operations.

Official Data Sources

Weather NOAA Aviation Weather Center • International METAR/TAF Network
Airports OurAirports.com • Public domain airport database
NOTAMs FAA NOTAM System • ICAO NOTAM Distribution
Last updated: Jan 1, 1970 12:00 AM UTC

Disclaimer: Data is provided for informational purposes only. Pilots must verify all information through official sources before flight operations. Weather conditions change rapidly; always obtain a current briefing from approved weather services.