Things to do in Melbourne

A month on month guide on the best time to visit Melbourne

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Melbourne is a city that’s always on the move. It boasts an eclectic mix of culture and cuisine, a buzzing nightlife, and a vibrant arts scene. The best time to visit Melbourne is between March and May and September and November.

These are considered the shoulder seasons when the temperature is moderate. It feels like springtime, making it perfect for exploring the city on foot or by bike and soaking up some of its famous sunsets over Lake Victoria or Port Phillip Bay.

Know Before You Plan Your Trip to Melbourne

Best Time To Visit Melbourne For Different Kinds Of Travellers

Best Time for Sightseeing & Outdoor Activities: March to May and September to November

Best Time for Museum Buffs: March, April, May, September, October, and November

Best Time for Honeymooners: May to August and November to March

Best Time for Budget Travellers: June to August

Best Time for Shopaholics: Melbourne is a city where different kinds of sales go on throughout the year, from January to Christmas.


Melbourne Through The Year

Tourist Seasons in Melbourne

  • High season in Melbourne: The high season in Melbourne lasts for three months. From December to March, the weather is usually warm and constitutes dry heat. Summer makes Melbourne the perfect season for tourists to visit the place as it offers pleasant weather, and people can experience the most extended daylight hours during December and January. Since it's the peak tourist season in Melbourne, the cost of accommodation and transport gets substantially higher. Although the days during Summer in Melbourne wear the delightful warmth of the sun, with Christmas lights glittering all over the city, the nights get pretty cold with occasional rainfall.
  • Shoulder season in Melbourne: The shoulder season in Melbourne befalls the months of September to November and March to May. During these months, the weather is usually more pleasant than other times. The shoulder seasons in Melbourne are also prime travel months, as there are fewer crowds and shorter queues for flights and accommodation. The mild weather during these months makes it a great time to explore. From March to May, the magnificent Fall of Melbourne wraps the entire city in natural foliage. The Spring, from September to November, comes with various festivals. Spring is also a great time to explore the city as it stays mildly cold during this time. You can enjoy a small barbecue or a picnic in one of the beautiful parks before the dry heat strikes the city in December. Although Spring is a great time to indulge in many activities in Melbourne, the weather gets highly unpredictable as it rapidly shifts from warm and calm to frosty.
  • Low season in Melbourne: The low season in Melbourne occurs from June through August. During these months, you can experience chilly weather, gusts of sharp wind, and occasional rainfall. For those who love the glacial climate, this is the best time to visit the city. There are so many fun activities and events to do in Melbourne over the Christmas period! From ice skating to skiing, food and wine festivals, jazz shows, and igloo dining, these things make it an unforgettable experience. However, you need to dress in multiple layers to protect yourself from the harsh winters in Melbourne.

Best Season To Visit Melbourne


spring in london
Melbourne in Spring

The weather in Melbourne during Spring is perfect. It's not too hot or too cold, and it's mostly sunny. Spring is the ideal time to enjoy a walk around the city or a picnic in one of the parks. You can participate in many outdoor activities around this time.

summer in london
Melbourne in Summer

It's a great time to visit Melbourne in Summer. It's warm, sunny, and dry. The city is packed with things to see and do, so it's easy to spend days exploring the city without even noticing how much time has passed. The beaches, boardwalks, and promenades are glimmers during the summer months; as well as swarming night markets and festivals, there are also shows and street parades to enjoy. December through February are particularly festive times in the city. Christmas lights adorn every street corner, and shop windows unveil magical views.

autumn in london
Melbourne in Autumn

Autumn is a great time to visit the city as there are fewer crowds and the weather is neither too cold nor too warm. Witnessing the fall leaves is something that you cannot miss during this time of the year. You can take long walks, drive through the city, or even spend some time at the beaches before winter sets in. A few festivals are going on around this time where you can mingle with the locals and experience the cultural diversity of Melbourne.

winter in london
Melbourne in Winter

Winter in Melbourne is a great time to visit the place because you can enjoy plenty of activities, from skiing, ice skating, food festivals, and wine tasting events to jazz shows, igloo dining, and so on. Winter makes the perfect season to visit Melbourne if you like adventures and if you are in for the frigid atmosphere.

A Month-By-Month Guide To Visiting Melbourne


Follow our detailed guide to pick a month for your Melbourne exploits.

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Milan in Jan
Jul
Aug
Milan in Jan
Sep
Milan in Oct
Oct
Nov
Dec

Melbourne in January

Average Temperature: 16°C - 26°C

best time to visit melbourne


Melbourne in January also has some lovely attractions for visitors from all over Australia and overseas. There are plenty of cultural activities, such as concerts, festivals, and events throughout the city at this time of year. You can tour the Great Ocean Road, where you can witness beautiful seaside villages, natural cliffs, vast rainforests, and wildlife. You can also sit back and enjoy your morning tea, lunch, and dinner, including the tour cost. You can take a long drive to the Philip island of Victoria and witness the daily parades of the penguins and koalas at the Koala Conservation Center around the island's rugged coastline. It's a perfect destination for those interested in exploring the array of wildlife the island offers.



Melbourne in February

Average Temperature: 16°C - 27°C

best time to visit melbourne


The city is lovely in February, with warm weather but not too hot, and the crowds thin. It's an excellent time to visit if you want to avoid the summer crush and see the city at its best. There are a few activities that you can take part in during this time of the year. You can celebrate the Lunar New Year with the locals, hop into the Fed Square to sit at the film screenings, experience the Summer Nights Drone show, indulge in the colorful and engaging activities in the Midsumma Festival, and be a part of the world-famous Melbourne Pride March, cool down the summer heat with 144 flavors of ice cream at the Ice Cream Festival, groove to live music and party hard at the St. Kilda Festival along with lip-smacking food and beverages, and many more. With all these things to do and see, February makes the perfect month to visit Melbourne and experience the best of the things there.



Recommended Experiences in Melbourne during Summers

Melbourne in March

Average Temperature : 15°C - 24°C

best time to visit melbourne


You can delve into the rich history of Melbourne in the Sovereign Hill Museum. It's a great place to visit with friends and family and explore the gold rush past of Australia. You can spend some time at the churches and explore the architectural wonders of the buildings. Scot's and Michael's are some churches where you can spend time in seclusion and peace. You can cycle around the artsy streets of Melbourne filled with graffiti, explore the libraries, and witness the natural light-emitting through the glass windows of the architectural wonders of the libraries.



Melbourne in April

Average Temperature : 12°C - 21°C

best time to visit melbourne


Melbourne in April is a great time to visit. The weather is perfect, and the city is buzzing with activity. There are many events to attend, festivals to see, and attractions to explore. April will be full of comedy festivals if you're in the mood for some laughter. If you like flowers, you'll want to head to the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. There's the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival if you wish to savor delicious food and some fine wine. And if you like fresh flowers, there's the Tesselaar KaBloom Festival of Flowers. You can also stroll through Queen Vic Market during the Summer Night Market.



Melbourne in May

Average Temperature : 10°C - 17°C

best time to visit melbourne


While Autumn is still in full swing, the change of seasons is already underway as winter nears, and May approaches. May is usually not warm enough for watersports activities such as surfing and kayaking. But that shouldn't stop you from exploring! Visit the MCG for an exciting experience of Australian cricket, visit Werribee Open Range Zoo for a glimpse of Australia's native wildlife and walk around on foot through its vast precincts. You'll find works by some of Australia's most significant artists at the National Art Gallery of Victoria. The gallery also displays magnificent artworks and exhibitions all year round.

Recommended Experiences in Melbourne during Autumn

Melbourne in June

Average Temperature : 8°C - 15°C

best time to visit melbourne


As the snow starts to fall and winter approaches, Melbournians will have a lot to keep them busy this June. The city's biggest arts festival, Rising, is kicking off with a bang. Alongside Rising, there are plenty of gigs, art, and literary events. Part of Rising, The Wilds features fluoro sculptures and digital movement-responsive art. Try ice skating at the ice rink, where you'll be spurred on by a choir belting out hits from the '80s and '90s.



Melbourne in July

Average Temperature : 7°C - 14°C

best time to visit melbourne


Melbourne, similar to Sydney, does not receive much snow. However, in July, there is still plenty to do in Melbourne. You can experience foggy mornings followed by cloudy days and cold nights during July in Melbourne. Mt Buller is an excellent place to visit if you want to enjoy the winter season while learning more about winter sports. You can see the Melbourne Aquarium, dig the diverse marine life, and visit the Antarctic penguins that live at this aquarium. .

Melbourne in August

Average Temperature: 8°C - 16°C

best time to visit melbourne


In the same way, as in July, temperatures remain chilly during much of winter. Warm clothing is advisable to stay warm during these chilly days. You can enjoy a scenic drive along the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne to Adelaide during winter while staying inside and cozying up in your car or the tour bus. August is a beautiful time of year in Melbourne, with a mild climate that lends itself to overcast or foggy days. This makes for a lovely atmosphere, which is enhanced by the greenery that can be found throughout the city.

Recommended Experiences in Melbourne during Winter

Melbourne in September

Average Temperature : 9°C - 18°C

best time to visit melbourne


Melbourne welcomes Spring with the arrival of September. While the consistently excellent winter conditions begin to disappear, the weather at the beginning of September can be one of the most changeable periods in Australia. One trendy-day trip combines an MCG tour with seeing an AFL game live. Another popular day trip is to visit Yarra Valley wineries and indulge in high-quality wines. Experience all these sights and more during the spring blooms season at the Royal Botanic Gardens and other famous gardens in Melbourne's inner suburbs will be a great way to unwind after work or school.

Melbourne in October

Average Temperature : 11°C - 20°C

best time to visit melbourne


Melbourne is a city that delights in nature, and the many parks around the city are a significant draw for visitors who come to see the city's famous horse racing facility. The track offers various sporting activities, including races and tours of the grounds. You can visit the Promotional Country, a wilderness retreat away from Melbourne's heart, and provides opportunities for nature-based activities, including walking and hiking tracks, fishing, swimming, and surfing in the pleasing atmosphere of October.

Melbourne in November

Average Temperature : 12°C - 22°C

best time to visit melbourne


In November, Melbourne's city atmosphere is at its best as it hosts The Melbourne Cup. The start of Spring in Melbourne is a lively spectacle, as the city is filled with activities in November. One of these events is the Melbourne Cup, where people come from around the world to watch Australia's biggest horse race. It takes place at Flemington Racecourse, located near the city center. If you visit this area during November, you'll see how much fun people have while celebrating this event and how many tourists come here each year.

Melbourne in December

Average Temperature : 14°C - 24°C

best time to visit melbourne


The end of the year brings about the holiday season in Melbourne. It is one of the busiest times to visit, especially for those looking to make the most of the outdoors, soak in some sunshine, and experience its beaches. Melbourne still has its share of lovely seaside locations that make for a great visit during December.

FAQs


What is the best time to visit Melbourne?

There is no definitive answer to this question as the best time to visit Melbourne depends on your individual preferences and travel plans. However, in general, the city experiences its busiest tourist season from December to February – coinciding with the Australian summer school holidays. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of March-April or October-November instead.

What are the average temperatures in Melbourne?

Melbourne has a temperate climate, meaning that it experiences relatively mild weather conditions throughout the year. The city’s average maximum temperature is 23 degrees Celsius (73 degrees Fahrenheit), while the average minimum temperature is 12 degrees Celsius (54 degrees Fahrenheit).

What is the rainfall like in Melbourne?

Melbourne experiences an average of 14 rainy days per month, with the wettest months typically being June and July. However, rainfall in the city is often short and sporadic, so it shouldn’t deter you from visiting.

What are the daylight hours like in Melbourne?

During the summer months (December – February), Melbourne enjoys long days with an average of 9 hours of sunlight per day. In winter (June-August), daylight hours are shorter, with an average of 7 hours of sunlight per day.

What are the best places to eat and drink in Melbourne?

There are countless great places to eat and drink in Melbourne, so it really depends on your personal preferences. If you’re looking for some recommendations, check out our blog post on the best restaurants in Melbourne.