Melbourne has an oceanic climate (Köppen Cfb) known for rapid weather changes. The local phrase “four seasons in one day” reflects genuine meteorological reality. The city sits on Port Phillip Bay at latitude 37.8°S. Annual rainfall averages 600mm (23.6 inches) spread evenly across the year with a slight spring peak. Snow is virtually unknown in the CBD but the Victorian Alps (3-4 hours east) offer skiing June through September.
Melbourne Monthly Temperature and Rainfall
| Month | Avg High (°C/°F) | Avg Low (°C/°F) | Rainfall (mm) | Rain Days | Humidity (%) | Sun Hours/Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 26 / 78 | 14 / 58 | 48 | 8 | 57 | 9 |
| February | 26 / 79 | 15 / 59 | 48 | 7 | 59 | 8 |
| March | 24 / 75 | 13 / 56 | 50 | 9 | 60 | 7 |
| April | 20 / 69 | 11 / 51 | 57 | 11 | 66 | 5 |
| May | 17 / 62 | 9 / 48 | 56 | 13 | 72 | 4 |
| June | 14 / 58 | 7 / 44 | 50 | 13 | 78 | 3 |
| July | 14 / 57 | 6 / 43 | 48 | 14 | 77 | 4 |
| August | 15 / 59 | 7 / 44 | 50 | 15 | 73 | 5 |
| September | 17 / 63 | 8 / 47 | 58 | 14 | 67 | 6 |
| October | 20 / 68 | 10 / 50 | 66 | 13 | 62 | 7 |
| November | 22 / 72 | 11 / 53 | 60 | 11 | 60 | 8 |
| December | 24 / 76 | 13 / 56 | 59 | 10 | 58 | 8 |
Summer Weather in Melbourne (December to February)
Summer brings warm to hot days averaging 24-26°C (75-79°F) highs and 13-15°C (56-59°F) lows. Heatwaves push temperatures above 35°C (95°F) for 2-4 day stretches, most commonly in January and February. The all-time record is 46.4°C (115.5°F) set on Black Saturday, February 7, 2009. January is the driest summer month at 48mm over 8 days.
Sudden cool changes can drop temperatures from 40°C to 22°C in under an hour when southerly winds arrive. UV levels reach extreme (11+) between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. St Kilda beach water temperatures average 20-21°C (68-70°F) in January-February. See our things to do in Melbourne for summer activity ideas.
Autumn Weather in Melbourne (March to May)
March retains summer warmth (24°C/75°F) before cooling through May (17°C/62°F daytime, 9°C/48°F nights). This is the most stable season. March has 50mm over 9 rain days, May has 56mm over 13 days. The European-planted trees in Fitzroy Gardens and along St Kilda Road put on a strong autumn color display in April and May.
Daylight shrinks from 12.5 hours in March to 10 hours in May. Pack layers: mornings at 8°C warming to 22°C by afternoon is a typical autumn day. The best time to visit Melbourne guide covers season-by-season planning.
Winter Weather in Melbourne (June to August)
Winters are cool and damp: highs of 14-15°C (57-59°F), lows of 6-7°C (43-44°F). Frost occurs in outer suburbs but not the CBD. Rain is frequent drizzle rather than heavy storms (48-50mm/month, 13-15 rain days). June averages just 3 hours of daily sun. Humidity sits at 73-78%, making the cold feel penetrating.
A waterproof jacket is essential. The Victorian Alps ski resorts (Mount Buller, Falls Creek, Mount Hotham) operate June through September, a 3-4 hour drive from the city. Indoor attractions like the National Gallery of Victoria and laneway cafes thrive during winter. Our things to do in Melbourne guide lists the best indoor options.
Spring Weather in Melbourne (September to November)
Spring is the changeable season and the wettest time of year. October averages 66mm (the annual peak) over 13 rain days. Temperature swings of 15°C within a day are common. September starts at 17°C (63°F), November reaches 22°C (72°F). The Tesselaar Tulip Festival in the Dandenongs runs September-October.
Pollen counts spike October-November, triggering hay fever. Wind speeds peak in October with northerly gusts reaching 80km/h. The Melbourne Cup (first Tuesday in November) frequently sees rain. For event-specific weather, check our best time to visit Melbourne page.
