Weather in Melbourne

Planning your day in Melbourne? Here you will find up-to-date weather reports and forecasts to help you prepare for whatever the weather brings.

Melbourne, located in Australia, is characterized by a temperate oceanic climate with four distinct seasons. The city is known for its changeable weather – one can often experience "all four seasons in one day" – however, overall climatic conditions here are favourable for tourism at any time of year. Summers are warm, winters are mild, and spring and autumn delight with comfortable temperatures.

Summer in Melbourne (December to February) is usually warm and pleasant, with average temperatures around 20-21°C, and maximums often reaching 25-26°C. Winters (June to August) are mild; daytime temperatures average around 9-10°C, while nights rarely drop below 6-7°C, and frosts occur infrequently. Spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) offer comfortable, moderate weather, ideal for exploring the city and its surroundings.

One of the features of Melbourne's climate is the relatively low annual rainfall, which is distributed quite evenly, averaging just 1-3 mm per month. At the same time, the number of days with precipitation can be quite noticeable, especially from May to October, when it varies from 10 to 13 per month. This means that light rains or drizzle are not uncommon, so it is worth having an umbrella or a light waterproof jacket with you, especially if you plan long walks.

The temperature pattern in Melbourne is characterized by distinct seasonal changes. The annual temperature progression shows that the hottest month is January, when the average air temperature reaches 20.9°C, and daily maximums average 26.3°C. The coldest month is traditionally considered to be July, with an average temperature of 9.6°C and average minimum night temperatures of around 6.5°C. Thus, the annual amplitude of average monthly temperatures is more than 11 degrees, highlighting the change of seasons.

The summer period, covering the months from December to February, brings predominantly warm weather to Melbourne. In January, besides the mentioned average maximums of 26.3°C, average minimum temperatures at night hold at 15.5°C. February is slightly cooler, with an average temperature of 19.8°C (maximum 25.0°C, minimum 14.7°C), while December opens the summer with average values of 18.5°C (maximum 23.8°C, minimum 13.2°C). A characteristic feature of the summer months is noticeable diurnal temperature fluctuations: the difference between the daytime heat and the evening cool often exceeds 10°C, so even after a hot day, the evening can be refreshingly cool.

Winter in Melbourne, lasting from June to August, is distinguished by mildness and coolness, but without severe frosts. In the coldest month, July, the average maximum daytime temperature is about 12.7°C, and at night it drops on average to 6.5°C. June and August are also cool: the average temperature in June is 9.9°C (maximum 13.1°C, minimum 6.8°C), and in August – 10.5°C (maximum 13.9°C, minimum 7.1°C). Diurnal temperature fluctuations in winter are less pronounced than in summer but are still present, averaging 6-7°C. Spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) are characterized by comfortable transitional temperatures, smoothly changing winter cool to summer warmth and vice versa.

Precipitation in Melbourne is characterized by a small total amount, which is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. On average, 1 to 3 mm of precipitation falls monthly. The highest average rainfall, although only slightly higher than the rest, occurs in October (3 mm). The "driest" months by rainfall volume are February and March, when only 1 mm falls.

More noticeable seasonality is observed in the frequency of rainy days. The lowest number of days with precipitation occurs in the summer months: in February there are on average only 4, and in January – 6. Starting from April (7 days), the number of rainy days gradually increases, reaching its peak in winter. August is the month with the highest number of wet days – on average 13. Then, by December (8 days), their number begins to decline again.

Given the very low volume of precipitation even in those months when there are more rainy days (for example, in July and August, 2 mm falls over 12-13 rainy days), it can be concluded that precipitation in Melbourne most often takes the form of light rain or drizzle, rather than strong and prolonged downpours. Snow is uncharacteristic for Melbourne, especially considering the average monthly temperatures. Thus, although the likelihood of catching rainy weather is higher from May to November, intense precipitation is rare here.

Packing your suitcase for a trip to Melbourne, remember its famous changeable weather – here you really can experience "four seasons in one day"! The key principle of your wardrobe should be layering. Regardless of the time of year, you will need comfortable shoes for long walks around the city, sunscreen, and sunglasses, as the Australian sun can be active even on cool days. Considering that precipitation in the form of light rain or drizzle happens quite often, especially from May to November (when the number of rainy days reaches 10-13 per month), a light waterproof jacket or a compact umbrella will become your faithful companions.

If your trip falls during the summer months (December-February), when the average temperature holds around 20-21°C, and during the day can rise to 25-26°C, pack light clothing: T-shirts, shorts, sundresses. However, do not forget warmer items, for example, a light cardigan or jumper, as evenings can be cool due to diurnal temperature fluctuations. For a winter visit (June-August), when average temperatures drop to 9-10°C, and night temperatures can reach 6-7°C, you will need warm clothing: sweaters, warm trousers, a jacket or coat, as well as a hat, scarf, and gloves, especially if you are sensitive to the cold. Windproof clothing will also be very handy, as there are windy days in Melbourne, and in winter the number of days with precipitation is at its maximum.

In the spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) periods, the weather in Melbourne is most variable, so layering becomes especially relevant. During the day it may be warm enough to wear a light top, but by evening a jacket will be required. It is recommended to have both light and warmer items with you to feel comfortable during any weather changes. Regardless of the season, waterproof outerwear and readiness for unexpected temperature changes will make your stay in this dynamic city as pleasant as possible. Remember that even with a small total volume of precipitation (1-3 mm per month), the number of days with it can be significant, so light rain protection will not be superfluous.