Mean temperatures in New South Wales were 1.49°C above average, making 2025 the fifth warmest year on record for the state, while parts of western New South Wales experienced warmest-on-record temperatures.

March was the warmest month on record for New South Wales, and autumn was the state’s second warmest on record.

Rainfall totals across New South Wales were approximately average in 2025, with a 5% deficit. Rainfall along much of the east coast was above average during 2025, while parts of southern and western New South Wales received below-average totals.

Rainfall was average elsewhere in New South Wales. The second half of 2025 was drier than the first 6 months, leading to bushfires impacting air quality in early December. 

Overall, drier-than-average conditions in western New South Wales drove an increase in drought across western and southern parts of the state. New South Wales finished 2024 with 10% of the state in drought.

Although drought coverage fell from a peak of 50% in July 2025, 45% of New South Wales was still in drought by the end of 2025. Throughout 2025, drought conditions persisted across southern and south-western New South Wales, the same areas affected at the end of 2024.

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