Melbourne Weather and Climate: A Comprehensive Guide
Melbourne has a temperate maritime climate, with mild winters and warm summers. During summer you can regularly experience a heat wave which means the temperature can reach well over 40°C for several days.
Melbourne is a spectacular combination of old and new architecture, elegant streetscapes, ethnic communities and lavish parks and gardens. High season for holidays in Melbourne are dictated more by events than the weather, so it is wise to check what's on and book accommodation early. Weather-wise it is best not to travel to Melbourne in winter, when it is grey and a bit cold. The best season to holiday in Melbourne is autumn (March to May).
Average maximum day and minimum night temperature
Visitors to Melbourne can expect significant temperature changes throughout the year. Average maximum daytime temperatures range from a comfortable 26°C in January, the warmest time of the year, to a moderate 14°C during cooler months like July.
At night, temperatures typically drop to an average of around 7°C during these months. Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.Temperature ranges by month
Precipitation and rainy days
Generally, Melbourne experiences moderate precipitation patterns, averaging 690 mm yearly. While rainfall varies throughout the year, each season offers its own charm. September brings wetter days averaging 69 mm of precipitation, spread over 10 rainy days. In contrast, March experiences a drier climate, with about 40 mm of rainfall spread across 10 rainy days.The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail and snow
The average number of days each month with precipitation
Sunshine over the year
Seasonal changes in sunshine hours are quite dramatic in Melbourne. While January receives considerable daily sunshine with up to 9.2 hours, June marks the darkest time of the year, where sunshine is scarce with only 4.1 hours of sunlight per day. Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.Monthly hours of sunshine
Daily hours of sunshine
Daily percentage of sunshine
Average water temperature
The mean water temperature over the year ranges from 13°C in August to 17°C in January.
Water temperature over the year
Average humidity
The relative humidity is moderate throughout the year in Melbourne.
The city experiences its highest humidity in June, reaching 64%. In January, the humidity drops to its lowest level at 44%. What does this mean? Read our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.
Relative humidity over the year
Average wind speed
The mean wind speed over the year ranges from 3 m/s in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December to 3 m/s in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December.
The mean monthly wind speed over the year (meters per second)
broken clouds and thunder partly cloudy and chance of rain partly cloudy and chance of slight rainForecast for Melbourne
6 m/s
7 m/s
6 m/s
Select a Month of Interest
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
The best time of year to visit Melbourne in Australia
During the months of February, March, April, November and December you are most likely to experience good weather with pleasant average temperatures that fall between 20°C and 26°C.Other facts from our historical weather data:
January has an average maximum temperature of 26°C and is the warmest month of the year.
The coldest month is July with an average maximum temperature of 14°C.
September tops the wettest month list with 69 mm of rainfall.
March is the driest month with 40 mm of precipitation.
January is the sunniest month with an average of 276 hours of sunshine.
No idea where to travel to this year? We have a tool that recommends destinations based on your ideal conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.
