Melbourne, Australia, known for its diverse and changeable weather, has a temperate oceanic climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers.
The hottest month of the year in Melbourne is February, with an average high of 78°F and low of 58°F.
Besides summer, autumn is a popular time to visit due to moderate temperatures ranging from 73.2°F in March to about 60.1°F in May.
In contrast, the cold season in Melbourne lasts from May to early September, with the coldest month being July.
During July, temperatures can drop to an average low of 44°F and a high of 55°F, making it a chilly period for the city.
Meanwhile, December brings warmer conditions with an average temperature of 65°F, peaking at around 75.6°F during the day.
For residents and visitors alike, being aware of Melbourne’s unpredictable weather patterns can help in planning activities and choosing the best time to explore this vibrant city.
Keeping a close eye on the forecast from Weather and Climate summaries can ensure a smoother experience in Melbourne.
Average Temperature in Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne experiences a mix of warm and cool weather throughout the year. The city’s temperate maritime climate means winters are mild and summers can get quite hot.
Monthly Temperature Table
| Month | Average High (°F) | Average Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 79 | 57 |
| February | 78 | 58 |
| March | 74 | 55 |
| April | 68 | 50 |
| May | 61 | 45 |
| June | 55 | 42 |
| July | 55 | 44 |
| August | 57 | 45 |
| September | 63 | 47 |
| October | 67 | 50 |
| November | 72 | 53 |
| December | 75 | 54 |
Melbourne’s hottest month is February, with a high temperature of about 78°F.
Cold weather is most felt in July, where temperatures typically range from a high of 55°F to a low of 44°F.
Seasonal Changes
The city faces a cool season from late May to early September.
During this period, temperatures average below 60°F.
Summer months, especially December, often see warm days with highs reaching over 75°F.
Temperature Variations
Despite the overall mildness, Melbourne can also face hot spells, during which temperatures might exceed 100°F.
Cooler weather is usually more comfortable, typically falling between 55°F and 75°F.
The city’s varied climate is part of its charm and makes it suitable for various activities year-round.
Average Precipitation in Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne’s weather is known for its variability, with notable differences in precipitation throughout the year. The city experiences varying rainfall amounts and infrequent snow.
Average Rainfall in Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne has moderate rainfall spread across the year.
The wettest month is October, with an average of around 2.56 inches of rain.
The driest month is July, seeing about 1.46 inches.
Here is a table showing average monthly rainfall.
| Month | Inches of Rain |
|-----------|----------------|
| January | 1.57 |
| February | 1.65 |
| March | 1.85 |
| April | 2.09 |
| May | 1.85 |
| June | 1.81 |
| July | 1.46 |
| August | 1.77 |
| September | 2.11 |
| October | 2.56 |
| November | 2.09 |
| December | 1.77 |
On average, Melbourne experiences about 180 rainy days per year.
Rainfall can be significant, especially during the wetter months, leading to a variety of outdoor conditions.
Average Snow in Melbourne, Australia
Snowfall in Melbourne is extremely rare due to its climate. The city’s marine west coast climate, characterized by warm summers and mild winters, limits the occurrences of snow.
On very rare occasions, Melbourne experiences light snow, mainly in elevated areas.
For more in-depth information on snow, consult articles about snow and ice.
Snow is not a significant factor in Melbourne’s weather patterns, but some nearby areas may experience slight flakes during cold fronts.
The city’s proximity to coastal waters and relatively low elevation at about 33 feet above sea level make it even less likely to see snow.
Average Sun in Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne experiences varying sunlight throughout the year, influencing the average daily shortwave solar energy and sunshine hours. These variations have a direct impact on daylight availability.
Average Daily Shortwave Solar Energy in Melbourne, Australia
In Melbourne, the average daily shortwave solar energy is an important factor in determining the amount of sunlight the city gets. This energy is higher during the summer months and lower in the winter.
Monthly Average Daily Solar Energy (in kWh/m²):
| Month | Average Daily Solar Energy |
|---|---|
| January | 6.5 kWh/m² |
| February | 6.0 kWh/m² |
| March | 5.2 kWh/m² |
| April | 3.6 kWh/m² |
| May | 2.4 kWh/m² |
| June | 2.0 kWh/m² |
| July | 2.1 kWh/m² |
| August | 3.0 kWh/m² |
| September | 4.4 kWh/m² |
| October | 5.6 kWh/m² |
| November | 6.2 kWh/m² |
| December | 6.8 kWh/m² |
The highest daily solar energy is in December, and the lowest is in June. This pattern matches the length of daylight hours, with longer days in summer and shorter days in winter.
The city enjoys around 2,200 hours of sunshine annually.
In the winter months, there are fewer sunny days, while summer offers many bright days. This sunshine is critical for outdoor activities and impacts the average daily weather conditions year-round.
Average Humidity in Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne experiences a range of humidity levels throughout the year.
On average, June is the most humid month, with a relative humidity of 64%. Meanwhile, January is the least humid month, averaging 44%.
Here is a breakdown of the average monthly humidity levels:
| Month | Average Humidity (%) |
|---|---|
| January | 44% |
| February | 45% |
| March | 49% |
| April | 54% |
| May | 59% |
| June | 64% |
| July | 63% |
| August | 61% |
| September | 57% |
| October | 53% |
| November | 49% |
| December | 46% |
Melbourne’s climate can also feel muggy on rare occasions, especially in the summer months. The dew point varies, contributing to the perceived humidity.
Winter months, like June and July, see higher humidity due to cooler temperatures and increased rainfall. This can make the air feel damp.
In summer, the lower humidity and higher temperatures lead to a drier atmosphere. Despite this, Melbourne can still experience occasional humid days due to weather patterns.
Average Wind in Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne experiences varied wind conditions throughout the year. The average wind speed varies by season and month, providing a mix of calm and windy days.
The average wind speed in Melbourne ranges from 8 to 12 mph.
The windiest month is typically August, with higher speeds reaching up to 14 mph. On the other hand, April tends to be the calmest month, with wind speeds around 8 mph.
Average Wind Speed by Month in Melbourne
| Month | Average Wind Speed (mph) |
|---|---|
| January | 10 |
| February | 9 |
| March | 9 |
| April | 8 |
| May | 10 |
| June | 11 |
| July | 12 |
| August | 14 |
| September | 12 |
| October | 11 |
| November | 10 |
| December | 10 |
The coastal location of Melbourne contributes to its windy conditions, especially in the winter months.
This is common in marine climates, characterized by frequent and sometimes strong winds.
High wind speeds can be experienced near the shore and higher elevations. The wind usually decreases as you move inland.
Average Air Quality in Melbourne, Australia
The air quality in Melbourne is monitored regularly and is usually found to be good throughout the year. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a key indicator used to track pollution levels.
Monthly Average AQI
| Month | AQI Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| January | 35 | Good |
| February | 40 | Good |
| March | 42 | Good |
| April | 38 | Good |
| May | 45 | Good |
| June | 50 | Moderate |
| July | 48 | Good |
| August | 47 | Good |
| September | 44 | Good |
| October | 36 | Good |
| November | 37 | Good |
| December | 39 | Good |
These values suggest that Melbourne typically enjoys clear and clean air, especially during the warmer months.
Pollutants Monitored
- PM2.5: Fine particulate matter that can penetrate lungs and affect health.
- PM10: Coarser particles that can also influence respiratory conditions.
- Ozone (O3): A gas that can cause breathing difficulties at high levels.
Seasonal Variations
During winter, air quality can drop slightly due to increased wood burning and other domestic heating activities.
Despite this, quality remains acceptable for most people.
Keep updated with real-time data through platforms like IQAir and AccuWeather to make informed decisions about outdoor activities.
Topography of Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne, located in Victoria, Australia, has a varied topography.
The city’s average elevation is 607 feet (185 meters) above sea level.
This average is calculated with a minimum elevation of -6 feet (-2 meters) and a maximum elevation of 4,164 feet (1,269 meters).
Melbourne’s landscape includes rolling hills, coastal plains, and mountainous regions.
The Dandenong Ranges, located to the east, are a notable feature with peaks rising above 2,000 feet.
The Yarra River runs through Melbourne, contributing to the city’s scenic beauty and providing recreational opportunities.
Low-lying areas like the coastal plains are prone to flooding but also contribute to Melbourne’s fertile agricultural lands.
The undulating terrain and varying elevations influence the climate and weather patterns, often leading to isolated convective showers when cold air masses interact with daytime heating.
Table of Key Elevations:
| Location | Elevation (Feet) |
|---|---|
| Average Elevation | 607 |
| Minimum Elevation | -6 |
| Maximum Elevation | 4,164 |
| Dandenong Ranges Peak | 2,000+ |
Overall, Melbourne’s diverse topography plays a significant role in its natural scenery and weather patterns.
Extreme Weather Events That Occur in Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne is known for its unpredictable weather, which can include a variety of extreme weather events. These events can happen throughout the year and impact the city in different ways.
Hailstorms are common in Melbourne. These storms can produce large hailstones that damage property and vehicles.
A notable event was the storm in March 2010, where hailstones as large as tennis balls fell across the city.
Flash flooding can occur suddenly during heavy rainstorms, particularly in low-lying areas.
The intersection of Flinders and Spencer Streets was notably affected by flash flooding during the 2010 thunderstorm.
Melbourne also experiences extreme heatwaves.
During these events, temperatures can soar well above 100°F. In mid-September 2024, parts of the city saw temperatures 10°F to 20°F above average.
Bushfires are another extreme event. Hot, dry conditions can lead to devastating bushfires, especially in the surrounding regions.
These fires are often driven by high temperatures and strong winds.
Frosts can occur in Melbourne during the cooler months. These frosts can impact agriculture, damaging crops and affecting local food production.
Here’s a table of common extreme weather events by month:
| Month | Common Extreme Weather Events |
|---|---|
| January | Heatwaves, Bushfires |
| February | Heatwaves, Bushfires, Flash Flooding |
| March | Hailstorms, Flash Flooding |
| April | Flash Flooding |
| May | Frosts |
| June | Frosts, Heavy Rain |
| July | Frosts, Heavy Rain |
| August | Frosts |
| September | Heatwaves |
| October | Flash Flooding |
| November | Hailstorms |
| December | Heatwaves, Bushfires |
Melbourne’s extreme weather can be intense and has a significant impact on the city. Paying attention to weather forecasts and being prepared for sudden changes is important for residents and visitors alike. For more detailed information, you can refer to the Extreme weather events in Melbourne and State of Environment report.
Best Time of the Year to Visit Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne offers a diverse climate throughout the year with unique experiences in each season. From hot summers to mild winters, the city’s weather has something for everyone.
What Is Melbourne, Australia Like in Spring
Spring in Melbourne, which spans from September to November, offers mild and pleasant weather.
Daytime temperatures range from 51°F to 71°F.
This season is ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the city’s parks and gardens, like the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Rainfall is moderate, so it’s wise to pack an umbrella.
Spring also hosts various events like the Melbourne Fashion Festival, drawing numerous visitors.
This period is great for experiencing the city without the intense heat or large tourist crowds seen in summer.
What Is Melbourne, Australia Like in Summer
The best weather in Melbourne occurs during the summer months of December to February.
Daytime temperatures can reach up to 86°F, making it perfect for beach outings and festivals.
Monthly Averages:
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | 75.6°F | 54.5°F | 2.2 |
| January | 79.7°F | 59.0°F | 2.0 |
| February | 80.1°F | 59.2°F | 2.1 |
Summer is vibrant with activities such as sporting events and music festivals.
Popular attractions like St Kilda Beach are bustling with tourists, so it’s a good idea to book accommodations early.
What Is Melbourne, Australia Like in Fall
Fall, lasting from March to May, sees temperatures cooling down from the summer highs.
Daytime temperatures range between 50°F to 70°F, making it a comfortable season for both locals and tourists.
The weather is generally stable with less humidity, which is perfect for exploring Melbourne’s arts and culture scene.
Major events like the Moomba Festival take place during this time.
Airfare and hotel rates tend to be more affordable, making fall a cost-effective choice for visitors.
What Is Melbourne, Australia Like in Winter
Winter in Melbourne runs from June to August, bringing cooler temperatures ranging from 45°F to 57°F.
Although winters are mild, they also tend to be wet, with daily rain showers being common.
Monthly Averages:
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| June | 55°F | 43°F | 1.9 |
| July | 54°F | 42°F | 2.0 |
| August | 57°F | 44°F | 2.1 |
Tourist numbers are lower, but attractions like the Melbourne Museum remain busy.
Winter also offers the unique experience of enjoying indoor activities such as theater and dining at acclaimed restaurants.