The Best Time to Visit Melbourne

See Also

• Where to Stay in Melbourne

When is the best time to visit Melbourne?

Two of the best periods to visit Melbourne are March, April, or from mid-October through mid-December. Typically, these months bring sunny conditions while avoiding the midsummer heat and crowds of Australian school holiday travelers. Also, as they fall in the shoulder season, lodging rates are reduced and crowds are smaller.

• Best Period for Good Weather: Late October to mid-April.
• The best time period for sightseeing is typically October, November, March, and April.
• Preferred Time for Honeymoons: Late spring (October and November) and early autumn/fall (March and April).
• Prime Time for Nightlife: November to March.
• Most Affordable Time to Conserve Funds: Steer clear of the Australian school vacations when lodging rates are usually higher, specifically around the Yuletide/New Year period. Accommodations in the suburbs usually cost less on weekends even though some downtown inns stay expensive, even on wintertime weekends, because of the highly popular football games.
• Best Time for Sightseeing: Ideally, avoid the mid-summer heat; the cold and, often, wet winter; and the crowds and higher hotel rates during the Australian school holidays. So, the best time is late spring (October and November) and early autumn/fall (March and April).
• Best Time for Outdoor Activities: The heat can be uncomfortable during the summer peak (December to February) and it’s always cold, and often windy and wet, throughout the extended winter (May to September). The prime times for outdoor pursuits are late spring (October and November) and early autumn (March and April).

Melbourne Travel Seasons

• Heightened Season (December and January): Throughout this time frame, ordinarily hot conditions persist though humidity levels seldom reach the magnitude experienced in Sydney. Countless Melburnians and visitors gravitate toward beaches and an assortment of athletic occasions, particularly the globally anticipated cricket match enduring nearly 5 successive days just following Christmas Day. Lodging rates uniformly escalate during these 2 months coinciding with Australian school holidays.
• During the months of February, March, April, September, October, and November crowds tend to be smaller as these months fall outside typical school holiday periods, allowing lower hotel prices and usually decent weather for sightseeing. Be aware however that weekends in September can see crowds of up to 100,000 people for Australian Rules Football finals, with 20-30% sometimes traveling from interstate for the events.
• Low Season (May to August): Winter often involves cold and frequently wet and windy weather, though days can sometimes be sunny and dry, but still chilly. Prices for accommodations are at their lowest, except for the mid-year school vacation period (2 weeks around mid-July) and some weekends when up to 80,000 fans, including those from out of state, attend a football game.

Melbourne Weather by Month

Locals famously note one should expect contrasting weather within minutes, speaking to the place`s unpredictable conditions – a trait captured in Crowded House`s Four Seasons in One Day chronicling drastic shifts.
• Weather in Melbourne in January: This is the middle of summer Down Under, so take precautions like wearing a hat and applying sunscreen, though Melbourne doesn’t experience the high humidity that affects Sydney. Average daytime temperatures of 26°C can be deceptive; it can often be 10° higher in the afternoons. Some rain is expected but remnants of a sub-tropical weather pattern to the north are more common than the dreary drizzle seen in winter months.
• In February, which is the hottest month of the year for Melbourne, the dry heat continues peaking. Daytime temperatures approaching 37°C (around 100°F) are not uncommon, although it can fall by half after dark within a couple of hours. This month sees the fewest rainy days (6) for the year.
• Melbourne Weather in March: As autumn quickly arrives, the heat doesn’t tend to persist in Melbourne like other Australian cities. Average daytime temperatures drop a few degrees to a pleasant 24°C but there isn’t much more rain than January or February.
• Weather in Melbourne for April: This is a pleasant time of year to visit as the many parks and gardens are filled with fallen leaves and some lingering warmth and light continue before being replaced by dark skies and blustery conditions. A slight boost in the average monthly rain amount and number of wet days (10). Daylight saving concludes on the first weekend of April.
• Melbourne Weather in May: By now, winter has fully begun so be prepared. Average daytime temperatures have dropped to 17°C and around 10°C at night. This is made worse by winds that can blast through the city streets and overpower defenseless umbrellas. Similar rainfall as April and not much more than the summer months on average, but it may drizzle for hours, even days.
• Melbourne Weather in June: Snow never falls in Melbourne and damaging hail is rare, but winter can be cold, windy, wet, and overcast. This is exacerbated by the shortest period of daylight for the year. The positive aspect is that football season is now in full swing.
• Weather Conditions in Melbourne during July: Come prepared with extra insulation and sturdy protection from precipitation. Strangely, not as much normal monthly rainfall as the summer months, but the misty drizzle can persist for days. With the year`s second highest number of wet days (14) and the minimum typical daytime/night temperatures (14°C/7°C), even the hardiest residents of Melbourne do occasionally complain of discomfort.
• Melbourne Weather in August: The approaching conclusion of the football calendar somewhat lifts spirits regarding the climate. While August remains one of the wettest and breeziest months, clouds do periodically part to reveal welcomed patches of blue sky. Average daytime temperatures increase slightly as winter officially ends near the start of September, but conditions can remain rather unpleasant, as is often the case.
• Melbourne Climate in September: Start of spring and the football championships. A fluctuating month, but more likely to remain wintry than summery for a few more weeks. Highest average monthly rainfall for the year so far, so don’t put away any coats or umbrellas quite yet.
• Melbourne Weather in October: More changeable climate, when a promisingly warm morning can alter disappointingly wintry in minutes. Surprisingly, there is more rain in October than any month in winter, but is now more likely to be short, heavy spells as opposed to all-day drizzles. Average daytime temperatures have now achieved the optimistic mark of 20°C but are a still-chilly 11°C overnight. Daylight savings time starts during the first weekend in October.
• Weather Expectations in Melbourne, November: Stretches of clear skies and dry periods uplift Melburnians` moods as horse racing`s Spring Carnival slots in between the conclusion of Australian rules football and the onset of cricket season. Surprisingly, November nearly rivals December as the rainiest month, though short bursts of tropical downpours prove more common than prolonged light showers. Moving forward each month until March, average daily high and low temperatures will climb around 1 or 2°C accompanied by much more sunlight than overcast skies.
• Melbourne Weather in December: As summer has arrived, the daytime high temperatures can notably rise above the typical 24°C mark. Days with temperatures exceeding 35°C are common and bushfires in rural areas occasionally pose a danger, however Melbourne does not experience the high humidity levels of Sydney. Paradoxically, December receives the year’s highest total rainfall even though precipitation occurs on approximately 10 days per month on average.

Melbourne Holidays, Events, and Festivals by Month

Melbourne Events in January

• New Year’s Day (1st) – Major public holiday when many shops, nearly all offices, and a few tourist attractions will close. Locals enjoy relaxing (and perhaps recovering from hangovers) by visiting the beach and gathering at barbecues in the parks.
• ‘Relaxed Period’ – Extends from around 20 December to the first week of January. Many enterprises (but not those for visitors) close and very little gets done anywhere, except after-Christmas shopping and cricket-watching.
• Winter Recess (mid-December to end of January) – The main breaks differ somewhat in each state, but this is a time of higher hotel rates and occupancy and busier transportation.
• Australia Day (the 26th) is a public holiday often accompanied by ceremonies welcoming new citizens as well as occasions spent at beaches, shopping outlets, or watching cricket broadcasts for some yet most.
• Australian Open (ending in January) – A major Grand Slam tennis tournament held over approximately 2 weeks at dedicated venues in East Melbourne.
• Midsumma Festival (changeable, January/February) – Major gay/lesbian and cultural festival. Not as renowned as the Mardi Gras in Sydney but still vibrant and popular. About 170 events are held at over 100 venues across the city and state for 3 weeks.

Melbourne Events in February

• Chinese New Year (variable, January/February) – Celebrated by the sizable Chinese community, particularly at Chinatown and Southbank near the city center. One can expect plenty of dragon parades, fireworks, cultural events, and crammed restaurants over a couple weeks.
• St Kilda Festival (the second Sunday of February) – Long-running and regarded as Australia’s largest free music festival. Also, visual arts, beach sports, food stalls, and (hopefully) great weather. Loads of fun for the family.

Melbourne Events in March

• Moomba Festival (timeframe subject to change, usually early March) – Largest free community event in Australia. Widely loved and continuing for 4 days, finishing on the second Monday of March. Parades, amusement rides, and much for families to take pleasure in at different spots along Yarra River.
• Brunswick Music Festival (changeable, early March) – A long-running event starting with a street party. Abundant contemporary live music and cultural programs held at various venues over two weeks. Hosted in the hip inner-northern Brunswick neighborhood.
• Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix (changeable, usually mid-March) – Portion of the arena`s top rated automobile racing timetable. Held on changed open pathways inside Albert Park in southern Melbourne.
• Easter (changeable, March/April) – Australians love public holidays and as the locals like to say, “This is excellent.” Most shops, offices, tourist attractions, and even pubs close on Good Friday, while plenty of amenities and places of interest may shut for 4 days. Basic tourist facilities will remain open over Easter but public transport will be very limited.
• Melbourne Food and Wine Festival (variable dates, throughout March) – With more than 250 events spanning 17 days across the city and state, this is one of the premier food and wine celebrations worldwide. Particularly vibrant energy within Melbourne’s many inner lanes during the festival.
• Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show (variable, late March) – For 5 days at the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens. This is the largest such show in the Southern Hemisphere. Abundant displays as well as workshops, entertainment, and competitions.
• Soccer (March to September) – Most Melbournians are keen on sports and numerous are obsessed with the nation’s distinctive code, Australian Rules Football, and the nationwide AFL tournament. As many as 3 contests each weekend at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and/or stadium at Docklands. At the same time, countrywide competitions in football, rugby union, and rugby league are also held.

Melbourne Events in April

• Melbourne International Comedy Festival (specific dates late March to mid-April) – Around 3 weeks of stand-up, theater, and cabaret performances. Highly rated and enjoyable for all. Numerous venues across the city and surrounding areas, and tickets usually reasonably priced.
• Anzac Day (25th) – Somber remembrance of Australian history, with memorial ceremonies held at dawn followed by a military march through the city streets. Public holiday if not on a weekend.

Melbourne Events in May

• Where to lodge in Perth: Fremantle is deemed the optimal region for visitors to Perth to reside.
• Melbourne Knowledge Week (changeable, mid-May) – Various exhibits, lectures, and activities for 1 week in different locations. Intriguing for all, with a real focus on engaging children.
• Great Beer Week (date varies yearly, usually mid-May) – Lovers of beers like ales, lagers, and stouts congregate to taste locally brewed varieties. More than 300 occasions across the city and state unfold during the 10 day period.
• Rising Arts Festival (May/June) – A three week event featuring music, circus performances, dancing, theater, and visual arts spread across venues throughout the city and state. Some are free of charge and many are family-friendly.

Melbourne Events in June

• Melbourne International Jazz Festival (variable, early June) – A 10-day event celebrating jazz with performances by renowned international bands and solo artists. Concerts are held in various music venues and sometimes outdoors, despite the cool weather that time of year.
• St Kilda Film Festival (changeable, late June) – Screenings of movies and documentaries rarely seen in mainstream cinemas. World-class occasion extending over 10 days.
• Docklands Firelight Festival (dates vary, late June/early July) – Dozens of free multicultural performances around western Melbourne city center over three nights. Includes fireworks, food stalls, live music, and light shows.

Melbourne Events in July

• Melbourne International Film Festival (dates variable, late July/early August) – Film aficionados congregate as hundreds of innovative movies and documentaries are screened at venues across Melbourne. Also, workshops, lectures, and parties for approximately 3 weeks.
• Open House Melbourne (changeable, late July) – Over 900 buildings across the city center, outskirts, and state are opened to the general public. Guided tours and talks about heritage and architecture on the last weekend of the month.

Melbourne Events in August

• The Melbourne Fair (changeable, usually happening early August) – City’s most significant gathering of buyers and sellers of crafts, books, furniture, jewelry, fashion, and antiques. Caulfield Racecourse on (ordinarily) the second Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of the month.
• Melbourne Fashion Week (changeable, late August to early September) – Week-long celebration featuring 150 events showcasing the finest fashions from across the country.
• Melbourne Writers Festival (dates subject to change, typically late August/early September) – Well-established and world-renowned event. Ten days consisting of talks and workshops by acclaimed authors as well as book signings, lectures, and vendor booths.

Melbourne Events in September

• Football Finals (throughout September) – This time of the year brings hope (or despair) for many local residents during the concluding phases of the nationwide Australian Football League (AFL) competition. The Grand Final on the last Saturday of September always takes place at the 100,000-seat MCG stadium in East Melbourne. A street parade and public holiday the day before.
• Melbourne Fringe Festival (mid-late September) – Quirky and unusual shows, concerts, and plays not often seen elsewhere. For over 2 weeks at many venues.
• Royal Melbourne Show (changeable, late September to early October) – A fortnight of rides, animal shows, music, and sugary snacks. At dedicated exhibition grounds in the northwest suburbs. Lots of fun for families.

Melbourne Events in October

• Independence Day (15th) – Commemorating India gaining freedom from British rule in 1947, this patriotic holiday sees the Prime Minister deliver an inspirational speech at Red Fort in Delhi. It`s a time for national pride as government buildings display the flag and ceremonies take place, especially in the capital city. Families also connect during this national public holiday that shuts down most tourist sites and government offices.
• Melbourne Italian Festa (changeable, late October) – Celebrating Italian culture and one of the largest ethnic groups in this multicultural city. Expect plenty of music, activities, and pizzas. On a Sunday in the inner-northern suburb of Carlton.

Melbourne Events in November

• Melbourne Cup (changeable, first Tuesday of November) – The city (and much of the nation) virtually comes to a standstill for a minimum of 3 minutes for this horse race, which is a public holiday. One of several events during the week-long Spring Carnival in early November.
• Melbourne Music Week (time of year varies, usually mid-November) – Ten days of musical performances in various genres across many venues in the downtown area.

Melbourne Events in December

• Carols by Candlelight (December 24th) – This well-known yearly event for families happens on Christmas Eve. Lots of music and singing occurs at the Sydney Myer Music Bowl located in the Kings Domain parklands in South Melbourne.
• Christmas Day – This significant Christian event is widely commemorated. Almost everything is closed (often mandated), including stores, pubs, eateries and visitor attractions, and public transportation is nearly nonexistent.
• Boxing Day (26th) – Another public holiday as the city recovers from the celebrations of the day before. Some go shopping, others gather to view the cricket match (see below).
• Post-Christmas Sales (beginning 26th) – For anyone retaining extra money, major stores substantially discount for several days. Crowds can overwhelm as shopaholics line up hours in advance of opening.
• Cricket (26th to 30th) – The second largest cricket stadium on earth draws up to 100,000 on Boxing Day for the Boxing Day Test Match. The game can span all 5 days (and still not get a result).
• The evening of December 31st (31st) – Numerous concerts and activities all through Melbourne and fireworks at midnight in the city center.