Best time to visit Melbourne

It's the middle of summer, and hence one of the hottest months in Melbourne City. Summers here are sunny and relatively drier than other seasons. Occasional thunderstorms are possible. Usually, the temperatures hover around 25°C (77°F). However, hot air masses from the Australian desert occasionally cause heatwaves with the highs exceeding 30°C (86°F) or even 40°C (104°F). Scorching heat may stay for several days in a row (up to three-five) until cold air masses from Antarctica take over. Nights could be rather chilly as for summer. At times, the temperatures drop to 10°C (50°F) and below. The sea in Melbourne is never warm, but January is one of those few months when you can take a swim. The water temperature is 18°C (64°F). Afternoon sea breezes make for excellent surfing conditions. When packing for Melbourne vacation, remember this city often experiences four seasons in one day, so wear layers and also take a rain jacket, as well as sunscreen and sunglasses.

If you avoid the heatwave, February could be the best time to be in Melbourne, especially if you go for a beach vacation. The never-warm sea reaches its max temperature of 19°C (66°F). Typically, the air temperature is pleasantly warm, and the sea breeze blows in the afternoon, which provides perfect surfing opportunities. However, if you happen to visit during hot westerlies, you'll probably have to bear the scorching heat of 30-40°C (86-104°F) and even above. In several days, southern winds from the ocean cool it down drastically. Rain is not abundant in February, but the low-pressure system may cause occasional thunderstorms. Considering all changeable weather conditions, wearing layers is reasonable, as well as packing a rain jacket, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

The first half of the month is often referred to as the summer, yet heat waves are much less likely to happen. If and when they do happen, expect the highs above 30°C (86°F). The average day temperatures in March hover around 20°C (68°F) and several degrees above. The second half of March belongs to the autumn season, which is considered one of the best times for visiting Melbourne. Even though the weather gets progressively cooler, rainier, and windier, this all is better than summer heat waves that take turns with cold waves. The sea temperature drops to 18°C (64°F), which is the same as in January, so you can still go for a swim. Your luggage for Melbourne must always include different items for you to be able to dress in layers. A rain jacket, as well as sunscreen and sunglasses, are also to be included.

It is one of the best months in a year for being in Melbourne. April is not affected by heatwaves that occasionally happen between December and early March. The average day temperatures are around 20°C (68°F) and a little below, while nights often get twice as colder. Precipitation increases, so the month receives more rainfalls. Foggy mornings are often followed by sunny days. The weather is also rather windy, especially towards the end of April. Naturally, daylight hours gradually get shorter as autumn sets in. While light summer clothes still suffice during the daytime, cold evenings and nights require sweatshirt and a jacket or light coat to stay comfy.

In spite of being one of the rainiest months in Melbourne, May is also labeled one of the best times to visit the city. It is so primarily due to comfortably mild temperatures, perfect for enjoying the outdoors. The temperature highs reach upper-teens (around 62°F), while the night temperature may drop below 5°C (41°F). By the end of the month, it's practically winter season. So rainy and windy weather is not uncommon. Mornings are usually foggy. The days get shorter, with only five hours of sunshine per day. For a May visit, you'll need to pack some warm garments, including a jacket and a light coat. A raincoat and a windbreaker will come of use too. For night walks, be sure to have a sweatshirt to stay warm and comfy.

Typically for a winter month in Melbourne, June is one of the coldest periods in a year with little sunshine (only four hours per day). However, local winters are quite mild with the average highs around 14°C (57°F) and lows around 7°C (46°F). Note that it feels much colder in the windy weather. The temperature may drop to the freezing point at night, but snow is an extremely infrequent occasion. Even though the rainfalls are well-distributed throughout the seasons, winter tends to be a bit wetter than others. In June, one might expect ten rainy days, which is twice as many as in February. If you travel in June, make sure to dress up warm to protect oneself from cold and windy weather. A warm rainproof jacket will be relevant, and an umbrella as usual.

It is the middle of winter in Australia, the very coldest month in Melbourne. The average day temperatures hover around 9°C (48°F). Winds increase the feeling of cold. Days are still short, with only four hours of sunshine per day. However, cloudy days are much more common. Fogs and frosts are typical at nights, but snow isn't a case in Melbourne, except for some infrequent occasions. With high precipitation and 11 wet days, heavy rain is still not typical for the season. Cool, wet and windy, July may be still comfy provided that you dress up appropriately. Make sure to pack a warm rainproof coat, as well as an umbrella.

August is the last month of dull winter weather. However, August receives a bit more sunshine than two previous months (five versus four hours). Expect cloudy, windy, and wet days, yet without heavy rains. The average daytime temperature is slightly higher than that of July, yet winds make it feel colder than it is. Fogs and frosts are frequent at night, but it hardly ever snows in the area. If the snow ever shows up here, the highest chances get Mount Dandenong and the outer eastern suburbs of the city. With the proper garments, August weather is quite tolerable. Just pack your warm rainproof coat. An umbrella is necessary for Melbourne regardless of the season.

Initially, September is still quite chilly, yet the air warms up towards the end of the month as spring sets in. Days gradually get longer, boasting six hours of sunshine. Mild as it may sound, the weather in spring is also quite rainy and windy. It is particularly changeable owing to the clash of cold and warm air masses. So Melbourne guests will be able to witness the legendary phenomenon of four seasons on a single day. When visiting Melbourne in September, dress in layers, pack short and long sleeves, and a warm jacket. A raincoat or an umbrella is a must.

While rainfall is more or less evenly distributed throughout the seasons in Melbourne, October is particularly blessed with abundant rains. The middle of spring is also quite windy. Also, because of the clash of air masses and a low-pressure system, the weather may rapidly change during the same day—from windy and rainy to calm and sunny, and vice versa. That being said, October is still recommended as one of the best times in a year to visit the city. The main advantage is mild air temperature, comfortable for enjoying the outdoors. Also, the days are longer with seven hours of sunshine. Not to get soaked while visiting Melbourne in October, remember to pack your raincoat. An umbrella will be the most useful accessory. Dressing in layers is also necessary, taking into account changeable weather conditions.

The last spring month bordering with the summer season is a wonderful time to visit Melbourne. Despite frequent rains, winds, and rapid changes in the weather conditions caused by the clash of air masses, November is still more advantageous than summer. The main reason is the heat waves from north-west do not pose a threat to Melbourne yet. What's more, the air temperatures are pleasantly warm, and the days are long with plenty of sunshine. Traveling to Melbourne in November, dress in layers, bringing short- and long-sleeves and a jacket. A raincoat or an umbrella is also unavoidable.

This month is usually not hot, but pleasantly warm, quite windy, and less rainy than previous months. With Melbourne having no dry season, summer is still the least wet time in a year. However, the low-pressure system may cause occasional thunderstorms. Additionally, the hot winds from the north-west might bring heat waves that could last up to three or five days. The heat is soon replaced by cool southern wind blowing from the ocean. Sometimes air temperature may change drastically from 30°C (86°F) to 10°C (50°F) and vice versa. Mind, nights might be pretty chilly. If you visit in summer, pack light, loose clothes, preferably linen, cotton, or silk. For chilly nights, drop a sweatshirt. And don't underestimate the chances of rain—a raincoat or an umbrella are always necessary while visiting Melbourne.