Best time to go to Melbourne Average weather of Melbourne, Australia
Lucie Lhortolat and Tony Samson last update: 17/04/2024When is the best time to go to Melbourne?
Second largest city in Australia, Melbourne is a highly popular travel destination, both for its pleasant climate throughout the year and for the variety of activities it offers. However, the best time to visit Melbourne and enjoy ideal weather extends from October to May. The Australian summer, which lasts from December to March in Australia, is the period to favor to benefit from mild temperatures and low precipitation. Indeed, temperatures are around 16 to 26°C (79°F) during this time. Moreover, while it may reach 30°C (86°F) at times, generally, in Melbourne, the heat is never stifling. Thus, the months of January and February will be particularly pleasant to enjoy urban getaways or the view from the Eureka Tower. You can also enjoy the beaches, even though the sea temperature remains cool during the summer. Furthermore, if you are wondering when to visit Melbourne while enjoying a milder atmosphere, you can opt for the period from May to August. This tourist low season will allow you to stroll peacefully in Melbourne, to discover the works of the National Gallery of Victoria or to visit Federation Square. The climate is relatively cool and sometimes rainy, especially in August. However, it remains decent with average temperatures ranging from 8 to 15°C (59°F) approximately. Additionally, if you dream of discovering Australia but are concerned about travel budget, this period of low influx may appeal to you as you can find cheaper flights and accommodations. Lastly, it cannot be said that there is a season to avoid to discover this Australian city. Moreover, events take place all year round and can animate your stay in Melbourne, such as the F1 Grand Prix in April or the International Film Festival in August.
So, when is the best time to go to Melbourne? Here's some more information to help you in your decision:
- The best months for good weather in Melbourne are January, February, March, April, May, October, November and December
- On average, the warmest months are January, February and December
- The coldest months are June, July and August
- The rainiest months are January, February, March, May, June, August, September, October, November and December
- The best months for swimming are January, February, March, April, May and December
Annual weather in Melbourne
Weather details in Melbourne month by month
Weather and climate in Melbourne
Located in Port Phillip Bay, the city of Melbourne enjoys a temperate oceanic climate, with hot summers and cool winters. Unlike the typical Australian weather, Melbourne's climate is quite cloudy, and precipitation can occur throughout the year.
Moreover, the weather is very changeable in Melbourne. It is possible to experience both sunshine and rain in a single day. Additionally, the seasons in Melbourne do not align with those in France and are reversed. Let's take a closer look…
Climate in Melbourne in Summer
Summer in Australia spans from December to March. As the end-of-year festivities approach, most Australian locations bask in abundant sunshine and significant heat, such as Perth and Alice Springs.
In Melbourne, the sun shines and a pleasant warmth is felt in summer. However, Melbourne's climate is slightly more unsettled due to the bay's influence and its geographical configuration. Therefore, rainy episodes can occur even in the heart of summer.
Furthermore, average temperatures range from 15 to 26°C (79°F) during this season: extreme heat is rare. Similarly, the sea temperature remains cool in this Australian city, staying below 20°C (68°F) . Hence, swimming near Melbourne can be challenging.
Nevertheless, summer is the most pleasant time weather-wise in Melbourne. The months of January and February offer ideal conditions with minimal rain and high temperatures.
Climate in Melbourne in Autumn
The period from March to May corresponds to autumn and is characterized by decreasing temperatures as Australia prepares for the upcoming winter. With temperatures ranging between 10 and 20°C (68°F) depending on the month, feeling a certain chill is not surprising. However, it is mainly the nights and mornings that feel cool during this season.
Moreover, autumn is a relatively dry period, allowing you to explore Melbourne peacefully. While the sky may be cloudy, and windy episodes may occur, the weather in Melbourne remains quite decent during this season.
Climate in Melbourne in Winter
From late June to September, the entire Australian territory experiences the Australian winter. Of course, the climatic conditions are not as harsh as those in neighboring New Zealand. Indeed, Melbourne's winter does not see snowfall or negative temperatures. Temperatures typically range between 8 and 15°C (59°F) during winter. However, this period is quite gray and rainy, with precipitation tending to increase notably in August.
Therefore, it is not the most suitable period to plan a trip to Melbourne. Nevertheless, the climate remains quite acceptable.
Climate in Melbourne in Spring
Spring in Melbourne spans from late September to December. Compared to the excellent weather conditions in Brisbane during the same period, spring is relatively cool and rainy in this Australian city.
Precipitation levels reach almost 100 mm per month during this period in Melbourne. Additionally, temperatures range between 12 and 22°C (72°F) . Swimming may not be possible, but when the sun appears around midday, it becomes pleasant to stroll outdoors or even relax on the beaches surrounding the city.
The weather in Melbourne remains pleasant in spring, with mostly rain-free days. You can plan a trip during this time if you dream of a quieter stay in Australia, away from the tourist crowds.
Charts: temperature and rainfall in Melbourne
In the charts below, you can see the following seasonal norms for the city of Melbourne: the minimum and maximum outdoor temperature, the risk and amount of monthly rainfall, daily average sunshine, sea temperature, and relative humidity for each month of the year.
Outside temperature
Precipitation (rainfall)
Daily sunshine hours
Sea temperature
Humidity
Peak visitor numbers and tourist seasons in Melbourne
Find out when Melbourne has its high tourist season (the period when the influx of tourists is highest) and off-peak tourist season using our data and figures.
Tourist seasons in Melbourne
- Very low season in Melbourne
The months with the lowest number of tourists are: May and June. - Low season in Melbourne
The months with low numbers of tourists are: March, April, July, August and September. - High season in Melbourne
The number of visitors to Melbourne is high in: January, February, October and November. - Peak season in Melbourne
The largest number of tourists visiting Melbourne is during: December.
Figure: Visitor index for Melbourne month by month
Best time for low prices in Melbourne
Average prices of hotels in Melbourne month by month
Generally, August is the month with the lowest hotel prices in Melbourne. So this is a great time to save on your holiday! In contrast, February is statistically the most expensive month of the year for hotels.
Find the best price for your hotel room
Average price for flights to Melbourne
A return flight between London and Melbourne is generally cheaper if you go in may ($ 991 on average): this is the best time for travellers on a tight budget. In contrast, you may end up paying $ 477 more for your airline ticket to Melbourne if you go in december.
Find the best price for your flight
Average price of hiring a car in Melbourne
On average, it costs $ 41 per day to hire a car in Melbourne. This price varies by $ 6.3 depending on the month. In february, hiring a car costs an average of $ 38 per 24 hours, so this is the best time to save money! In contrast, the average price in december is $ 45.
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