Melbourne is one of Australia’s most beloved cities, boasting a temperate climate and a reputation for its vibrant, ever-changing skies. Situated on the shores of Port Phillip Bay, the city’s maritime setting ensures mild conditions that make it an inviting year-round destination. While summer afternoons can occasionally reach temperatures above 30°C, the winter months remain relatively gentle, rarely dipping into the freezing territory experienced in Europe or North America. Read on to understand the average climate in Melbourne to help you plan your visit.
Understanding the Melbourne Climate by Month
When planning your visit, it’s important to remember that Melbourne’s seasons are the reverse of the UK's.
December to February brings the height of summer, where temperatures usually sit comfortably between 20-26°C (68-79°F), though it isn't uncommon for the city to experience a few ‘scorchers’ that exceed 30°C. The summer is mostly dry and hot, with many outdoor sporting events, such as the Australian Open, taking place during the season.
If you’re looking for more tailored advice on timing your trip perfectly, take a look at our comprehensive guide to Australia through the seasons.
Plan Your Trip Using Our Climate Graph for Melbourne
Our climate graph highlights Melbourne’s reputation for being a little more unpredictable than its northern neighbours, like Sydney or Brisbane.
When comparing Melbourne vs Sydney climate patterns, you’ll find that Melbourne receives less annual rainfall than Sydney, but its rain is more evenly spread throughout the year.
The graph also shows that October and November often see the most frequent showers. This reliable hydration is what keeps the surrounding Dandenong Ranges so emerald-green and the city's botanical gardens so spectacular. The key to Melbourne is versatility - the weather moves quickly, and a morning shower often gives way to a glorious, clear afternoon.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Annual |
Mean Max °C | 26 | 25.8 | 23.9 | 20.3 | 16.7 | 14.1 | 13.5 | 15 | 17.2 | 19.7 | 22 | 24.2 | 19.9 |
Mean Min °C | 14.3 | 14.6 | 13.2 | 10.8 | 8.6 | 6.9 | 6 | 6.7 | 8 | 9.5 | 11.2 | 12.9 | 10.2 |
Mean Rain mm | 46.8 | 48 | 50.1 | 57.3 | 55.7 | 49.5 | 47.5 | 50 | 58 | 66.2 | 60.3 | 59.3 | 648.7 |
Median Rain mm | 33.6 | 32.8 | 36.4 | 45.4 | 47.6 | 45.4 | 43.1 | 46.2 | 53.6 | 58.9 | 50.3 | 48.6 | 639.1 |
Mean Rain Days | 8.4 | 7.5 | 9.4 | 10.8 | 13.4 | 14.1 | 15 | 15.6 | 14.7 | 13.9 | 11.8 | 10.4 | 145 |
Regional Variations
The Melbourne climate is heavily influenced by its position on Port Phillip Bay and its proximity to the Southern Ocean. Within the city itself, the ‘Urban Heat Island’ effect can keep the central business district a degree or two warmer than the suburbs.
However, if your tour takes you just an hour or two out of the city, you’ll notice a shift. The Yarra Valley can be slightly cooler and more humid, perfect for cool-climate viticulture. If you head toward Phillip Island on one of our Freedom Days, the maritime influence is stronger; the coastal breeze provides a refreshing escape from the summer heat but necessitates a windproof jacket, even on a sunny day.
Melbourne Climate vs UK: What to Expect
Comparing Melbourne’s climate to the UK’s, you’ll find a lot of similarities that make British travellers feel right at home - most notably the changeable nature of the sky! However, Melbourne generally enjoys more sunshine hours and significantly warmer summers than London.
The most vital difference is the UV intensity. Even on a grey Melbourne day, the Southern Hemisphere sun is incredibly powerful. As the air is so clean and the ozone layer is thinner, the ‘burn time’ is much shorter than in the UK. Our experts always say: even if it’s a cool 18°C and overcast, never skip the sunscreen!
Start Your Melbourne Adventure
Whether you’re looking to soak up the atmosphere at an outdoor café in St Kilda or Port Melbourne, our expertly curated Australia tours ensure you experience the very best of Victoria. From the penguins of Phillip Island to Melbourne’s vibrant neighbourhoods, we take care of the logistics so you can simply enjoy the unique charm of this world-class city.
