- Autumn (March to May) in Melbourne is mild and comfortable, making it a great time for outdoor activities, and events such as the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix and Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
- Winter in Melbourne (June to August) is chilly, but it's a great time to visit museums and art galleries, or experience the famous Melbourne coffee culture.
- Spring (September to November) is a beautiful time of the year with blooming flowers and mild weather. It's an excellent time to attend the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival.
- Summer (December to February) can get hot and humid, with temperatures ranging between 25°C to 30°C during the day. It's a great time to enjoy the beach or attend the Australian Open Tennis tournament.
Melbourne in January
January is usually the hottest month of the year in Melbourne, with hot and humid weather and temperatures averaging 26°C during the day. With daylight savings at its peak and an extended amount of daylight, there are plenty of things to do in Melbourne in January. The Australian Open kicks off with the first Grand Slam of the year — a significant two-week event for tennis fans worldwide.
Another popular festival, Midsumma, also takes place every January. Now is the time to sample Melbourne's culinary delights at Queen Victoria Market’s Summer Night Markets — popular street food from all over the world amidst a backdrop of vibrant entertainment as you browse rows of homewares and handmade crafts.
It’s also the perfect month to take advantage of Yarra River boating and Melbourne’s nearby beaches, including St Kilda and Brighton Beach—and pack a picnic to enjoy at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Fitzroy Gardens, or Albert Park.
- Australian Open Tennis
- Midsumma Festival
- Summer Night Markets at Queen Victoria Market
Melbourne in February
Another summer month in Melbourne where the weather is generally warm and pleasant, February is a popular month to visit Melbourne. With temperatures ranging between 15°C to 27°C during the day, it’s an excellent time for outdoor activities.
Standout festivals in February include free MSO concerts at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl and Chinese New Year. Meanwhile, the Chinese New Year sees celebrations of the lunar new year with street food, parades, and performances.
- Chinese New Year
- St Kilda Festival (usually mid-late February)
- Sidney Myer Music Bowl Free MSO Concerts
Melbourne in March
March is the start of autumn and an amazing time to visit Melbourne if you enjoy slightly milder weather. Ranging between 12°C to 23°C during the day, you may want to pack something a bit warmer to wear for when the sun goes down.
Looking at things to do, March is when the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival takes place with gastronomy, food, and wine events held across the city. Other Melbourne festivals that take place in March include the annual Moomba Festival and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
- Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
- Moomba Festival
- Melbourne Fashion Festival
- Melbourne International Comedy Festival
- The kickoff of the AFL season
- Melbourne Flower and Garden Show
Melbourne in April
With average temperatures ranging between 9°C to 19° during the day, April is a fantastic time to enjoy outdoor activities minus the sweltering heat and summer crowds. The Melbourne International Comedy Festival is still in full swing, with local and international comedians headlining across the city. With autumn well underway, April is when the city and riverside are painted in hues of gold, bronze and red as trees get ready to shed their leaves. Enjoy romantic rivers edge walks, atmospheric park visits, and cosy cafe afternoons as the city slips into a slower pace of life.
- Melbourne International Comedy Festival
- Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix
- Explore the Melbourne Royal Botanic Gardens
Melbourne in May
While May is officially the last month of autumn in Melbourne, it can feel a little more like winter, with temperatures ranging between 7°C to 16°C during the day. Take advantage of the cooler weather by exploring the city's indoor cultural and tourist attractions. Home to the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne Museum, and the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, enjoy a wealth of artistic and educational exploration. Indulge your inner bookworm at the Melbourne Writers Festival, which usually takes place at the start of the month and features a wide range of talks, workshops, and events with local and international writers.
- National Gallery of Victoria
- Melbourne Museum
- Melbourne Writers Festival
Melbourne in June
With temperatures ranging between 6°C to 13°C during the day, June is the ultimate time to visit Melbourne for a romantic mid-winter city escape. Enjoy getting cosy as you explore Melbourne’s iconic coffee culture—best enjoyed when wrapped up in winter coats, gloves and scarves. The Winter Night Market takes place at Queen Victoria Market from June to August, with Melbourne's famous street food, winter goods, and live music and entertainment on offer.
The city comes alive with the Rising Festival, showcasing talents of local and international artists across breathtaking light shows illuminating iconic landmarks to thought-provoking installations. Other indoor activities to enjoy include a visit to Sea Life Melbourne and ascending Eureka Tower to soak up views from Melbourne Skydeck. Remember to pack warm clothing and dress in layers as temperatures can be chilly.
- Winter Night Market at Queen Victoria Market
- Rising Festival
- Sea Life Melbourne
- Eureka Tower at Melbourne Skydeck
- Lightscape at the Royal Botanic Gardens
Melbourne in July
July is the middle of winter in Melbourne, and the weather is usually cold and wet with temperatures ranging between 6°C to 13°C. If you’re a fan of winter sports, take advantage of Melbourne’s pop-up ice skating rinks before warming up with a movie at one of the many film and movie events taking place across the city. Ski season is also in full swing and the slopes at Mt Buller are not too far away for an overnight trip. The Winter Night Markets are still going, perfect for sampling some of Melbourne’s local cuisine and stocking up on goodies and souvenirs.
Don’t miss out on Lightscape, an immersive journey through a wonderland of illuminated projections and installations at the Royal Botanic Gardens. July is also a great time to explore Melbourne's architecture and history from the comfort of a heated City Tram.
- Winter Night Market
- Ride the City Tram
- Lightscape at the Royal Botanic Gardens
Melbourne in August
August is the last month of winter in Melbourne, and the weather can still be cold and wet. The temperatures range between 7°C to 14°C during the day, making it a great time for indoor activities and exploring the city's cultural attractions. The Melbourne International Film Festival takes place in August and features a wide range of films from around the world.
Melbourne’s live entertainment calendar is usually bustling with a plethora of musicals, plays and captivating stage performances at Art Centre Melbourne as well as the Regent, Princess and Her Majesty’s theatres.
For more indoor fun, step into The Lume at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, a multi-sensory experience that brings iconic artworks to life using cutting-edge technology and theatrical storytelling to transport visitors into the vibrant worlds of famous masterpieces. While you’re there, swing by South Wharf DFO for some retail therapy and shopping deals.
- Melbourne International Film Festival
- Melbourne laneway food tour
- Lume Melbourne
- South Wharf Direct Factory Outlet
Melbourne in September
September is the start of spring in Melbourne, and the weather finally starts to get milder. Daytime temperatures range between 9°C to 18°C, making it a great time to enjoy outdoor activities and explore the city while daylight savings is still in session. A leisurely walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens or Carlton Gardens to enjoy some flora and fauna is particularly enjoyable as the season’s blooms begin.
The Australian Football League (AFL) Grand Final takes place in late September and is a major sporting event in Melbourne. The Melbourne Royal Show brings some excitement to the city fringe at the Showgrounds, with an array of agricultural displays and family entertainment from thrilling rides, to animal interactions and showbags, promising a fun and educational day out for the whole family. There are plenty of things to do, just remember to pack layers as the weather can be unpredictable at times.
- The AFL Grand Final
- Melbourne Royal Show at the Showgrounds
- Royal Botanic Gardens
- Carlton Gardens
Melbourne in October
With temperatures ranging between 11°C to 20°C during the day, Melbourne starts to burst into life once more. Melbourne Fringe Festival, Melbourne Fashion Week and the Melbourne Marathon all take place in October, offering something for everyone. October is also when the Melbourne International Jazz Festival takes place, bringing soul, blues, and jazz concerts to the city.
From bike rides to family picnics in the park, days start to get longer and the weather more predictable. It’s still a good idea to pack layers of clothing though as the temperature can be a bit chilly in the early mornings and late evenings.
- Melbourne Fringe Festival
- Melbourne Fashion Week
- The Melbourne Marathon
- Melbourne International Jazz Festival
Melbourne in November
In November, the weather starts to warm up with temperatures ranging between 11°C to 23°C as Melbourne approaches the end of Spring. One of the world's most famous horse racing events, The Melbourne Cup, takes place in November—a highlight of the city’s Spring Racing Carnival, as well as an influx of sun-seeking visitors from around the world descend on the city.
Birrarung Marr, beside Federation Square, will also be transformed into a vibrant open-air street food festival, the Night Noodle Markets, featuring over 70 stalls of delicious and iconic dishes from all over the world. As the weather starts to get warmer, November is also a great time to visit Melbourne’s many nearby beaches, with St Kilda Beach and Brighton Beach popular choices.
- Melbourne Cup
- Spring Racing Carnival
- Night Noodle Markets
Melbourne in December
The weather in December is usually warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging between 13°C to 25°C during the day. The Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is an iconic sporting event that takes place from December 26 to 30 each year.
The warm December evenings are the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself amongst the festive city atmosphere, with a spectacular Christmas Village at Federation Square. Explore the Christmas Night Markets, or head into the CBD to enjoy the annual Myer Christmas window display. Melbourne’s New Years Eve fireworks displays across the city are always a spectacle and create the perfect vibe to welcome the new year.
- Christmas Village at Fed Square
- Christmas Night Markets
- Boxing Day Test at the MCG
- New Years Eve celebrations
All-Weather Accommodation in Melbourne
Experience the best of Melbourne by checking into Crowne Plaza Melbourne—the only absolute riverfront hotel in the city. Choose from 432 modern, stylish and comfortable rooms, fully equipped with all the facilities and amenities you need for a memorable stay.
Take advantage of the 96 Tram and the free City Circle Tram, both conveniently located just moments from the hotel. No matter the weather, enjoy a range of lifestyle facilities, including a modern 24-hour fitness centre, a heated outdoor swimming pool, and onsite dining—perfect for making the most of your time in the city.
Discover the best of Melbourne from the comfort of Crowne Plaza Melbourne. With modern rooms, great dining, and a central location, we have it all. Visit in March to experience the city's best weather and festivals, or in winter for cosy vibes and delicious hot chocolate.