01Verdict
When to go, in short
Melbourne is famous for four seasons in one day, and the reputation is earned: a summer afternoon can swing from 35 °C to a cold southerly in an hour. Summer from December to February is warm and busy, with the Australian Open in late January the peak. Autumn, March to May, is the most settled season and the city's favourite, with the Grand Prix, Comedy Festival and golden plane trees. Winter is cool, grey and the cheapest time, with the arts and football seasons in full swing. Spring brings the racing carnival and the Melbourne Cup in early November.
The free City Circle tram and the free tram zone cover the centre; the Myki card covers the rest. The laneways, arcades and the Queen Victoria Market are the all-weather circuit, and the Great Ocean Road and the Yarra Valley are the standard day trips. Public holidays include the Grand Final eve Friday in September and Cup Day in November, both Victoria-only. For settled weather and sensible prices, take March after the Grand Prix or April after Easter.
02Weather
Melbourne weather by month
04Compare
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Sun h | Daylight | Crowds | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne in January | 28 °C / 82 °F | 16 °C | 6 | – | 14.5 h | very busy | Good |
| Melbourne in February | 27 °C / 80 °F | 15 °C | 5 | – | 13.5 h | busy | Excellent |
| Melbourne in March | 25 °C / 78 °F | 14 °C | 6 | – | 12.3 h | very busy | Good |
| Melbourne in April | 21 °C / 70 °F | 11 °C | 8 | – | 11.1 h | busy | Excellent |
| Melbourne in May | 17 °C / 63 °F | 9 °C | 9 | – | 10.1 h | moderate | Excellent |
| Melbourne in June | 14 °C / 58 °F | 7 °C | 9 | – | 9.6 h | moderate | Good |
| Melbourne in July | 14 °C / 57 °F | 6 °C | 11 | – | 9.8 h | moderate | Good |
| Melbourne in August | 15 °C / 60 °F | 7 °C | 10 | – | 10.7 h | quiet | Good |
| Melbourne in September | 18 °C / 64 °F | 8 °C | 10 | – | 11.8 h | busy | Good |
| Melbourne in October | 20 °C / 69 °F | 10 °C | 9 | – | 13.0 h | busy | Good |
| Melbourne in November | 23 °C / 73 °F | 12 °C | 9 | – | 14.2 h | very busy | Good |
| Melbourne in December | 25 °C / 78 °F | 13 °C | 8 | – | 14.8 h | busy | Excellent |
08Pick a month