The Best Time to Visit Melbourne 2024: The Ultimate Guide

Melbourne is a bustling city and the capital of Victoria, the southeastern state of Australia. It’s a hip, diverse metropolis regularly voted as the most liveable city in the world. Locals and tourists who visit Melbourne enjoy its cultural diversity, numerous events and entertainment opportunities, rich food scene, and endless tourist attractions.

Since Australia is in the Southern Hemisphere, you’ll have to adjust to the weather in Melbourne, as its seasons are the opposite of that in the Northern Hemisphere. While the rest of the world is freezing during the Christmas holidays, Melbourne enjoys sunny weather, amazing festivals, and outdoor events. It has a temperate oceanic climate with dry summers, crisp winters, mild falls, and lovely springs.

Melbourne's high temperatures are typically in January and February, with dry, hot spells. The coldest months are June and July, while October is the wettest. On average, it receives around 25.55 inches (649 mm) of rain each year and has an annual temperature of 58.6 degrees F (14.8 degrees C). Among the major cities in Australia, Melbourne is the least sunny, with only about 2,200 sunshine hours per year.

Victoria’s capital is notorious for its fickle weather. It’s so unpredictable that it’s said to have four seasons in a day. But you can still enjoy it year-round with endless places to explore and things to do throughout the city. You can stop at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) seven days a week, shop at Queen Victoria Market, or head to the beach and bask in the sun.

Anytime is pretty much the best time to visit Melbourne, but it can also depend on your interests or activities you want to do. No matter how you plan to spend your days in the city, always store your bags at a Melbourne luggage storage spot. It’s always sensible to travel light so that you can go to different places without hassle. Enjoy every minute!

Summer in Melbourne: December - February

The typical days of summer in Melbourne are warm and sunny, sending its residents to beaches and parks for barbecues, picnics, and swimming. There are also a few cool and cloudy days ideal for visiting the Melbourne Zoo and the National Gallery of Victoria. Its average summer temperature ranges between 57.2 and 77.5 degrees F (14 to 25.3 degrees C). During its hottest months, the temperatures can occasionally rise over 86 degrees F (30 degrees C).

Summer rainfall is mostly below average across Greater Melbourne’s suburbs. January has the least rainy days, about 9.5 days. But overall, locals experience an average of 31.3 rainfall days and 47.9 sunshine days.

If you plan to visit Melbourne in the summer, pack light with t-shirts, flowing dresses, and shorts to keep you cool. Loose-fitting clothes in natural fabrics are also your best bet, such as silk, cotton, and linen. With the ever-changing Melbourne weather, it’s wise to bring a nice pair of jeans, which will serve as a versatile and functional base to your wardrobe. You can wear them with some cool layers like t-shirts and crop tops. Don’t forget to wear a sunhat, sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreens, and always carry a water bottle to stay hydrated.

The summer months are the best time to visit Melbourne for sun worshippers, beach lovers, and festival fanatics. Great events like the Australian Grand Prix, the Boxing Day Test, and the Australian Grand Slam Open happen around this time of the year. Whether you’re a sports fan or not, it’s worth soaking up the energy at these world-class events. You can also cruise on the Yarra River and enjoy spectacular views or explore the city’s colorful laneways and marvel at its beautiful street art.

Furthermore, the warm season means longer school holidays, so it’s a fantastic time to relax and bond with family members. Hit the beach and go surfing, swimming, or kiteboarding. If the sun gets too hot, escape the heat and discover the city’s cultural attractions or chill indoors at the IceBar Melbourne. You’ll also love its gorgeous gardens and parks with large shade trees and lush green areas.

Summer is one of the best times for visiting Melbourne, especially if you want to avoid the freezing temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere. Although it is rarely painfully hot, it can be unbearably scorching when extreme temperatures occur from time to time.

Fall in Melbourne: March - May

With fewer tourist crowds and pleasant weather, fall in Melbourne is an ideal time to explore the city on a bike or on foot. It cools down with mean temperatures that range from 51.6 to 68.5 degrees F (10.9 to 20.3 degrees C).

The city welcomes lovely, sunny days as the morning fog clears, but you may experience long periods of light winds near the end of the season. Although January has the least number of rainfall days, March and April have the least rainfall amount, just around 1.3 inches (34 mm). Overall, it receives 41.5 rainfall days and 43 days of sunshine.

Layering is a must if you’re visiting Melbourne in the fall. While it won’t be freezing, you’ll likely need a sweater or jacket, especially in May, with an average daily low of 9 degrees F (48.2 degrees C). Start with a light piece of clothing like a lightweight buttoned shirt, and layer up with a sweater.

If the day begins to warm, you can just remove other layers to stay cool and comfortable. A cardigan is also great to wear during the fall months and can be worn under a coat. Then complete the look with socks and a comfortable pair of shoes or boots.

With the nice Melbourne weather in the fall, you’ll be more motivated to go out and see stunning autumn colors. These natural colors and golden hues undoubtedly add to the city’s unique charm and create a wonderful contrast against its modern cityscapes.

Wander around one of the best botanic gardens in the world, the Royal Botanic Gardens. Although it’s a special place to explore year-round, fall brings a sense of wonder to this iconic landmark. You can also explore the Fitzroy Gardens, a 64-acre of lush beauty, offering spectacular views of fall foliage. Hit up the majestic parks and gardens in this colorful city to make the most of your fall vacation.

If you want to have some fun and laughs, another unmissable activity to do here is to be part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. It’s the world’s second-largest comedy festival, which will take over the country’s comedy capital with street performances, visual arts, stand-up comedy, theater, cabaret, and more. This month-long fall celebration makes the city and its people a hive of happiness and entertainment.

There’s always a sense of excitement during fall in Melbourne, day and night. Besides the festivals, there are restaurants and an array of new bars to check out and wine tastings to enjoy. The beginning of the season can still be unpleasantly hot, while thick fog can create challenging travel conditions in the morning.

Winter in Melbourne: June - August

Winter in Melbourne kicks in June, with an average daily high of 57 degrees F (14.2 degrees C) and an average low of 45 degrees F (7.2 degrees C). The average temperatures range from 43.7 to 57.6 degrees F (6.5 to 14.2 degrees C) throughout the season. If you want to experience snow, you’ll have to drive to the High Country in the northeast of Victoria, featuring the state’s highest mountains, snow resorts, vineyards, and lakes.

Melbourne weather in winter is cold and frequently cloudy. It can also be colder than other Australian cities, with drizzle that may dampen your spirit. But thankfully, it rarely leads to heavy rain. It only receives about an average of 2 inches (50.8 mm) of precipitation in the form of rain and about 48 rainfall days. July and August have the highest number of rainy days, but the city enjoys approximately 34 sunshine days in winter.

Create a stylish and cozy look amidst the cold winter in Melbourne. So don’t forget to pack your favorite colored scarves, cute beanies, and oversized coats. If you’re used to the cold, the weather might still be mild for you, but it’s still wise to pack a warm jacket. You can start with warm trousers or jeans, sturdy boots, and a light jumper or a trench coat to layer up in case it becomes particularly cold in the evenings.

Winter is the best time to visit Melbourne for travelers on a budget and those who want to avoid bigger crowds. Like in most places, the colder months are usually the off-season when hotel prices are low and airfares are cheap. You can explore many indoor attractions, winter festivals, and cultural events, and take advantage of great dining experiences, whether you’re traveling solo or visiting Melbourne with friends and family.

Don’t miss the winter fun every Wednesday evening at the Winter Night Market at Queen Victoria Market. Besides shopping and dining at various food stalls, you’ll love the enthralling live music and outstanding performances from 5 pm to 10 pm. There are also dozens of shops selling handmade and locally-sourced products, including homewares, jewelry, vintage books, artwork, etc.

Winter nights in the city may be accompanied by frosts and chilly winds. It also sometimes snows in the hills outside Melbourne, bringing cooler night breezes. So if you aren’t a fan of the cold weather, you might have to wait until it warms up to go out and visit places.

Spring in Melbourne: September - November

Now that the cold weather is over, here comes the glorious spring. It provides warmer sunshine and fewer crowds in the shoulder season. It’s the best time to visit Melbourne if you’re looking to go on nature walks or take your loved ones out for a picnic or a rooftop brunch.

However, the Melbourne weather in the spring can quickly change from fine and sunny to windy and cold. That’s why it’s known as the year’s most variable season, with average temperatures that can range from 49.3 to 67.3 degrees F (9.6 to 19.6 degrees C). Locals and visitors can experience an average of 39.8 days of sunshine and 42.7 rainfall days.

Due to the significant temperature fluctuations and varied climate patterns during spring in Melbourne, it can be challenging to determine how to dress and what clothes to pack. When unsure, layering your outfit is the best way to ensure you’re always prepared, no matter the weather condition. Pack lightweight and include a waterproof jacket in your spring wardrobe. You can use it to fend against the rain, and it’s easy to take on and off throughout the day.

If you plan to visit Melbourne around this time of the year, grab the chance to watch various sports events, including the Australian Rules Football and the Melbourne Cup. The AFL Grand Final is a highly anticipated event in September. Even if you’re unfamiliar with the Australian football rules, it’s definitely worth checking out one of the country’s greatest sports events.

For a family-friendly adventure, take your loved ones to the Royal Melbourne Show. Here, everyone can enjoy live music, amazing food, and thrilling rides. After lunch, you can visit numerous museums, art galleries, and theaters for a cultural tour. There are also plenty of places close to the central business district where you can pitch a tent and go on a camping trip. Besides the unpredictable weather and the varying temperatures, there are so many things to love about spring in Melbourne.

When is the best time to visit Melbourne for you?

There’s no question that Melbourne city stands out throughout the year with endless recreational activities, a booming food scene, and cultural richness. Even when you come at the peak of the blazing summers or when temperatures drop, there will always be something to do here to keep everyone busy and entertained.

Budget travelers might want to visit during the low season in winter or shoulder season with cheaper flights and accommodation rates. But if you’re willing to spend money and attend festivals, the summer is the best time to visit Melbourne.

Know what you want to do during your trip to Melbourne? Check out these guides for inspiration!

The Best Hikes In Melbourne
Melbourne On a Rainy Day: Things To Do
Music Festivals in Melbourne in 2022