Plan your trip
The best time to visit Melbourne
Melbourne averages daytime highs of 20°C and overnight lows around 11°C across the year. Here's when to go — season by season and month by month — based on a decade of climate data.
In short
- 🌤️ Best overall: February, March, January — the most comfortable, driest stretch.
- 🔥 Hottest: January (~27°C) · Coolest: July (~13°C)
- 🌧️ Wettest: November · Driest: February
- 💸 Quietest / best value: the autumn and spring shoulder seasons (outside the Dec–Jan holidays).
11°C Mostly sunny in Melbourne
Winter · H 15° / L 7° · Cosy season — warm up indoors.
Hottest month
January
avg high 27°C
Coolest month
July
avg high 13°C
Wettest month
November
~79mm
Driest month
February
~33mm
Our pick
For the best balance of comfortable weather and fewer wet days, aim for February, March, January. If you don't mind the heat, January is peak summer; for cooler, quieter exploring, July is the mildest stretch. Whatever month you choose, check what's on and our 48-hour itinerary.
Melbourne season by season
What each season is actually like — and what it's best for.
Summer in Melbourne
December – February
Summer is warm in Melbourne — average highs around 26°C, overnight lows near 14°C, and about 159mm of rain across the season (moderate rain). Beach days, early starts and long evenings out — pack sun protection, a hat and water.
Autumn in Melbourne
March – May
Autumn is mild in Melbourne — average highs around 20°C, overnight lows near 11°C, and about 168mm of rain across the season (moderate rain). Mild, settled days make this prime time for walks, wine country, markets and leisurely lunches.
Winter in Melbourne
June – August
Winter is cool in Melbourne — average highs around 14°C, overnight lows near 7°C, and about 170mm of rain across the season (moderate rain). Cosy season — lean into cafes, museums, galleries and snug pubs; bring a few layers.
Peak season & crowds
Melbourne is busiest — and accommodation priciest — over the December–January summer school holidays around Christmas and New Year, plus long weekends and major events. For thinner crowds and better value, the autumn (March – May) and spring (September – November) shoulder seasons are the sweet spot — mild weather without the peak-season squeeze. Book ahead if you're visiting around a festival; see what's on to plan around it.
Melbourne weather month by month
Average daily high & low temperature and total monthly rainfall.
| Month | Season | High | Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Summer | 27°C | 15°C | 60mm |
| February | Summer | 26°C | 15°C | 33mm |
| March | Autumn | 24°C | 14°C | 43mm |
| April | Autumn | 20°C | 11°C | 63mm |
| May | Autumn | 16°C | 9°C | 62mm |
| June | Winter | 14°C | 7°C | 62mm |
| July | Winter | 13°C | 7°C | 50mm |
| August | Winter | 14°C | 7°C | 58mm |
| September | Spring | 17°C | 8°C | 67mm |
| October | Spring | 20°C | 9°C | 77mm |
| November | Spring | 22°C | 11°C | 79mm |
| December | Summer | 24°C | 13°C | 66mm |
Source: Open-Meteo historical climate data, 10-year averages (2014–2023). Day-to-day weather varies — check the current forecast before you travel.
Best time to visit Melbourne — FAQs
When is the best time to visit Melbourne?+
February, March, January generally offer Melbourne's most comfortable mix of pleasant temperatures and fewer wet days. The warmest month is January (average high 27°C) and the coolest is July (average high 13°C).
What is the hottest month in Melbourne?+
January is the hottest month in Melbourne, with average daytime highs around 27°C.
What is the coldest month in Melbourne?+
July is the coolest month, with average highs near 13°C and overnight lows around 7°C.
What is the wettest month in Melbourne?+
November is typically the wettest month (about 79mm of rain on average), while February is the driest at around 33mm.
When is the cheapest, quietest time to visit Melbourne?+
The shoulder seasons — autumn (March – May) and spring (September – November) — are usually quieter and better value than the summer peak. The busiest, priciest stretch is the December–January school-holiday period around Christmas and New Year.
What is summer like in Melbourne?+
Summer (December – February) is warm in Melbourne, averaging highs near 26°C and lows around 14°C, with roughly 159mm of rain across the season.
What is winter like in Melbourne?+
Winter (June – August) is cool in Melbourne, with average highs around 14°C and overnight lows near 7°C.
How many days do you need in Melbourne?+
Two to three days covers the highlights — see our 48-hour itinerary for a ready-made plan — while four or more lets you explore the suburbs and day trips at a relaxed pace.