Best time to visit
Best Time to Visit Melbourne
Australia's cultural capital, known for its laneway cafés, street art, and a famously changeable climate — locals joke you can get four seasons in one day. It's widely considered Australia's coffee and dining capital, with a dense, walkable inner city.
Best time to visit: March to May or September to November, for milder, more predictable weather.
Local tip: Pack a layer even in summer — Melbourne's weather can shift quickly, especially with the 'southerly change' that follows hot days.
Getting around: Melbourne has the largest tram network in the world, and the inner city's free tram zone makes short hops around downtown genuinely free.
Good to know: Melbourne takes its coffee seriously — independent cafés generally outrank chain coffee shops here, a point of local pride worth leaning into.
What to plan your trip around
- Federation Square
The city's central civic square, home to galleries, events, and a striking angular design.
- Queen Victoria Market
A historic open-air market selling fresh produce, food, and local goods since the 1870s.
- Royal Botanic Gardens
Expansive gardens along the Yarra River, a short walk from the city centre.
- Laneways & Street Art
A network of hidden inner-city laneways covered in murals and packed with small cafés and bars.
Melbourne weather by month
Melbourne weather by month
Average temperatures and rainfall Melbourne gets in each month (2011–2020). Tap a month for the full breakdown.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 26°C | 15°C | 57 mm | 65% |
| February | 26°C | 15°C | 57 mm | 68% |
| March | 24°C | 14°C | 49 mm | 69% |
| April | 20°C | 12°C | 62 mm | 74% |
| May | 16°C | 10°C | 74 mm | 79% |
| June | 14°C | 7°C | 66 mm | 85% |
| July | 13°C | 7°C | 63 mm | 85% |
| August | 13°C | 7°C | 65 mm | 82% |
| September | 16°C | 8°C | 60 mm | 78% |
| October | 19°C | 10°C | 61 mm | 73% |
| November | 22°C | 12°C | 75 mm | 70% |
| December | 24°C | 13°C | 60 mm | 67% |
Melbourne through the year
January · 26° / 15°C · 57 mm
- It's one of the sunniest months here, with cloud cover around 49%.
- January brings mid-summer to Melbourne — the seasons are reversed south of the equator.
April · 20° / 12°C · 62 mm
- April brings mid-autumn to Melbourne — the seasons are reversed south of the equator.
- Just 440 km apart, but Melbourne runs about 3°C warmer than Launceston this month.
July · 13° / 7°C · 63 mm
- Seasonally, July counts as mid-winter in Melbourne — the seasons are reversed south of the equator.
- Melbourne is usually about 2°C warmer than Launceston, 440 km away, in July.
October · 19° / 10°C · 61 mm
- Just 440 km apart, but Melbourne runs about 3°C warmer than Launceston this month.
- Seasonally, October counts as mid-spring in Melbourne — the seasons are reversed south of the equator.
The best time to visit Melbourne is January, February and March, when average highs are 24–26°C and rainfall is around 54 mm a month.
At a glance
When to go to Melbourne, season by season
December – February
Best time25° / 15°C · 58 mm
Pleasant temperatures and relatively little rain: the best window for sightseeing and time outdoors.
March – May
Good20° / 12°C · 62 mm
Comfortable weather overall, with fewer visitors than peak season.
June – August
Good13° / 7°C · 65 mm
Comfortable weather overall, with fewer visitors than peak season.
Frequently asked questions
- When is the best time to visit Melbourne?
- For pleasant, fairly dry weather, go to Melbourne in January, February and March. Average highs are then 24–26°C.
- Why is February a good time to visit Melbourne?
- In February, Melbourne averages 26°C by day and 15°C at night, with about 57 mm of rain and 50% cloud cover: warm enough to be outdoors without the peak heat or the wettest weather.
- What is the warmest month in Melbourne?
- January is the warmest month in Melbourne, with average highs of 26°C and lows of 15°C.
- What is the coldest month in Melbourne?
- July is the coldest month in Melbourne: average highs of 13°C, dropping to 7°C at night.
- When does it rain the most in Melbourne?
- November is the wettest month in Melbourne with about 75 mm of rain. The driest is March, with around 49 mm.
- When is the worst time to visit Melbourne?
- July is the least pleasant month in Melbourne, with average highs of just 13°C. It's still fine for museums and fewer crowds.
- Is the shoulder season a good time to visit Melbourne?
- Yes. April and December sit just outside the best months for Melbourne, with average highs of 20–24°C and about 61 mm of rain a month. Weather-wise, they are a good alternative to the peak months.
- How can I check the weather in Melbourne before I travel?
- Compare the live forecast for Melbourne from three independent weather services on WeatherCompare. When they agree, the forecast is more reliable.
Cite or embed this data
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Best time to visit Melbourne. WeatherCompare, 2026 (climate averages: NASA POWER / ERA5, 2011–2020). https://weathercompare.eu/guides/best-time-to-visit/australia/melbourne
<a href="https://weathercompare.eu/guides/best-time-to-visit/australia/melbourne">Best time to visit Melbourne</a> (WeatherCompare)
<iframe src="https://weathercompare.eu/embed/australia/melbourne" width="300" height="160" style="border:0;border-radius:12px" loading="lazy" title="Best time to visit Melbourne"></iframe> <p style="font-size:12px"><a href="https://weathercompare.eu/guides/best-time-to-visit/australia/melbourne">Best time to visit Melbourne</a> – WeatherCompare</p>