The Best Time to Visit Melbourne, Australia (2024 Guide)

Check out our month by month breakdown of the best time to visit Melbourne, the vibrant capital city of Victoria, Australia!

Wondering when is the best time to visit Melbourne? The city buzzes year round with exciting events and stunning sights, so anytime is a good time to visit Melbourne. 

But then, each season brings something unique to the table. Summer is for the outdoors, autumn is for great weather, winter is for soaking up culture, and spring is for the festivals.

Melbourne is Australia’s trendiest, tastiest, and most cosmopolitan city. The entire city is a hub for culture, arts, and entertainment, complete with a legendary food scene and coffee culture.

Beyond its urban charm, Melbourne bursts at the seams with delightful activities to fill your itinerary. For beach lovers, St Kilda boasts palm-lined promenades, white-sand shores, and a wide range of water adventures. People seeking quiet can head to the Royal Botanic Gardens and bask in the beauty of its flower beds, natural foliage, and serene lakes.

If you love sports, you’ll be in heaven in Melbourne, the sports capital of Australia. The city hosts prestigious events like the Australian Open, the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix, and the Melbourne Cup.

Melbourne’s love for sports and the outdoors is unstoppable despite its occasional erratic climate. While its temperature stays within 12°C to 22°C throughout the year, it’s one of the few places where you can experience all four seasons in a single day. 

Visiting Melbourne is a lovely experience, no matter how many times you’ve been. As each season is unique, the trick is to time your trip according to your interests and preferred activities. A month by month guide on the best time to visit Melbourne will help you plan your getaway. With that, let’s dive in!

When is the Best Time to Visit Melbourne?

March to May or September to November is the best time to visit Melbourne for mild weather, fewer tourists, and cheaper rates. During these months, the average temperature range between 15°C and 25°C, just right for sightseeing. Also, spring’s blooming flowers and autumn’s golden foliage make the city exceptionally beautiful.

If you like bright sunny days and don’t mind the dry heat or the crowds, summer is an exciting time to visit Melbourne and embrace its beach lifestyle. But if cultural events and cheaper flights are more your style, consider visiting Melbourne in winter.

All seasons have their own perks and downsides, which can impact your overall experience. Timing your trip right is the key to a memorable holiday. In other words, the best time to visit Melbourne depends on what you’re after.

Looking for a road trip outside the city? Check out these amazing Day Trips from Melbourne!

Summer in Melbourne

Summer, from December to February, is Melbourne’s peak tourist season. The hot, sunny weather draws Melburnians and tourists to the city’s vibrant outdoor scene.

The season officially starts in December, but the average temperature doesn’t rise to 27°C until January. Occasionally, heatwaves can crank up daytime temperatures to 35°C. December experiences over 12 hours of daylight, as the sun usually rises at 6 AM and sets around 8:45 PM. February is the driest month, with very minimal chance of rain.

Summer also brings larger crowds and higher prices, especially around late December and early January when the city celebrates the holidays. It’s Melbourne’s most festive season!

The streets glitter with Christmas lights, and people rush about shopping at Christmas markets. If you plan to visit Melbourne in the summer, you’ll want to book your hotels and flights in advance to get better deals.

Top things to do during summer in Melbourne

Melbourne’s beaches are a hit in summer. With an average sea temperature of 17°C to 19°C, the season is perfect for swimming and watersports.

St Kilda Beach is Melbourne’s most famous beach. Just 22 minutes from the city center, it boasts an iconic pier, sea baths, and an esplanade popular with joggers and roller-skaters. For somewhere more upmarket, Brighton Beach, located in one of the wealthiest suburbs in Melbourne, is known for its rows of colorful bathing boxes reminiscent of the Victorian era.

When the day gets too hot, head to Melbourne’s celebrated Royal Botanic Gardens, where you can rest under the shade of large trees or cool off by the tranquil lakes. Or, if you want someplace closer to the business district, visit the Carlton Garden and have a picnic while soaking up stunning views.

The hot season is also excellent for exploring the Yarra River on a boat. If you’re a foodie, you can combine unlimited drinks and brunch with a river cruise. For thrill-seekers, a sunset kayak tour on the harbor will fill any craving for adventure. Stop by one of Melbourne’s plentiful rooftop bars and alfresco cafes for a relaxing way to end your action-packed day.

If you’re up for a day trip, Phillip Island is a lovely escape from the urban crowds. Summer is the best time of the year to see the island’s renowned Penguin Parade. At sunset, you can watch a flock of these cute creatures waddling up the sand from the ocean to their burrows on the shore.

If you’re a cricket enthusiast, visit Melbourne in December when it hosts the Boxing Day Test match. For tennis fans, the Australian Open happens in January.

From January to February, you’ll witness Midsumma, the city’s annual LGBTIQ+ festival, marked by carnivals, photo competitions, arts education, and street parades. If you love live music, don’t skip the Laneway Festival, held for a day in February.

Autumn in Melbourne

Melbourne’s autumn is from March to May. As it’s the shoulder season, the crowds are smaller, so hotel and flight prices are lower. The autumn months enjoy pleasant weather, with average temperatures ranging from 24°C in March to 17°C in May. 

With mild temperatures, fewer visitors, and minimal rain, this time of year is ideal for visiting the city’s parks and gardens as they glow golden with autumn foliage.

Read next: How to Spend 3 Days in Melbourne (The Perfect Itinerary)

Top things to do during autumn in Melbourne

One of the perks of visiting Melbourne in autumn is that you can explore its attractions without the crowds. Spend a lazy afternoon strolling the gorgeous city gardens and parks. The UNESCO-listed Carlton Gardens is even more stunning in autumn, with the reddish-gold fall leaves crowning its trees.

As the weather remains delightful throughout the season, autumn is the best time for outdoor activities like hiking and biking. About an hour from Melbourne, you’ll find the Dandenong Ranges, known for its scenic forest trails, waterfalls, and hilltop villages. Or, you can drive to the Mornington Peninsula and enjoy its beaches, hot springs, and spa retreats.

Autumn is fantastic for exploring Victoria’s wine regions. Yarra Valley has plenty of wineries, world-renowned vineyards, and gourmet eateries. For a hassle-free trip, consider booking a Yarra Valley wine tour.

The season is generally quiet, except in early autumn when all the events and festivals happen in March. Among these is the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park Lake. Then, there’s the 10-day Melbourne Food and Wine Festival. Later in the month, you can enjoy the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, which lasts until April.

Winter in Melbourne

Winter in Australia starts in June and ends in August. Melbourne experiences a dip in temperature, with averages ranging from a minimum of 7°C to a maximum of 15°C. The skies are usually overcast, but rainfall remains minimal. While December has the longest hours of daylight, June has the shortest.

The city gets light winds throughout the day, so you might want to bring a windproof jacket and warm clothing, especially if you’re going outdoors. Morning fog is common, but it typically clears before mid-day.

The cold weather and foggy mornings don’t attract as many tourists as the other seasons. And, as winter is the low season, the hotel rates and flights are at their cheapest.

Top things to do during winter in Melbourne

Winter in Melbourne is the best time for indoor activities and cultural events. Take advantage of the fewer crowds and visit museums like the National Gallery and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image. Wander around the winter night markets and sample hearty winter food and mulled wine. There’s even igloo dining for those who want something unique!

The cooler weather is great for checking out Melbourne’s iconic laneways and arcades. These narrow alleys are known for their secret shops, quaint cafes, and vibrant street art. You can download a free map and explore the area at your own pace or book a guided tour to discover its hidden gems.

If you have time for a day trip, head to nearby Mt Buller to enjoy winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding.

Winter hosts some of Melbourne’s most awaited festivals. In June, the city celebrates RISING, which features public art installations, live music, jazz shows, and a riverside ice skating rink. For movie lovers, August hosts the Melbourne International Film Festival.

Spring in Melbourne

Melbourne’s spring months are from September to November. Like autumn, spring is a shoulder season. Because it has fewer visitors, hotel rates are significantly cheaper than summer’s peak prices.

With an average temperature of 20°C, spring is superb for outdoor activities. But it’s also the most variable season of the year. The day can abruptly switch from warm and sunny to cold and rainy. You’ll want to bring an umbrella or check the local weather reports, especially if you visit in October, the city’s wettest month.

Read more: 11 Awesome Free Things To Do In Melbourne

Top things to do during autumn in Melbourne

If you’re a sports fan, spring is one of the best times to visit Melbourne. Among the season’s highlights is the Australian Rules football playoffs. Traditionally, the AFL Grand Final takes place in late September at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Seats to the game sell out quickly, so you’d need to book in advance to score a ticket. 

Another anticipated sporting fixture is the Melbourne Cup, Australia’s most prestigious and famous horse race. Held in November, the event is a public holiday and creates a lively atmosphere throughout the city.

But even if sports isn’t your cup of tea, you’ll still enjoy the city’s other events. These include the Melbourne Fringe Festival and the Melbourne International Jazz Festival, both happening in October. 

Those looking for a scenic road trip will love driving along the Great Ocean Road in spring. During this season, the road’s attractions, such as the Twelve Apostles and the Loch Ard Gorge, have smaller crowds, making sightseeing more memorable. There is also a higher chance of spotting wildlife. Plus, the waterfalls are at their most majestic, and the wildflowers’ blooms are in full swing.

What is the best month to go to Melbourne?

The best months to visit Melbourne are the shoulder seasons, March to May or September to November. In spring and autumn, the crowds are smaller, and prices are more affordable. Spring is great for sports fans, while autumn is packed with cool festivals. 

The weather during these seasons is well-suited for outdoor pursuits. But it can sometimes get unpredictable in spring, with sudden bursts of cold winds and rain showers. Just make sure you pack clothes for all types of weather!

Winter, the off-tourist season, is the best time to visit Melbourne for budget travel. You can explore the city’s indoor attractions and colorful culture without the heavy foot traffic. 

Summer is the busiest time in Melbourne, especially over the holidays. It’s also the best season to visit the city beaches. If hot, sunny weather is a factor, the summer months are for you.

Melbourne is a stellar destination with fun activities no matter the season. In a nutshell, the best time to visit Melbourne depends on what you want to experience!

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