Melbourne's morning forecast isn't the weather you'll have by the afternoon. Locals call it four seasons in one day, and even a 26°C (79°F) summer high can drop sharply when a cool change comes through, so pack layers and a light waterproof for every month of the year.
Melbourne weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 26°C79°F | 26°C79°F | 24°C75°F | 20°C68°F | 16°C61°F | 14°C57°F | 13°C55°F | 16°C61°F | 18°C64°F | 20°C68°F | 21°C70°F | 24°C75°F |
| Low | 15°C59°F | 15°C59°F | 14°C57°F | 11°C52°F | 8°C46°F | 7°C45°F | 7°C45°F | 7°C45°F | 9°C48°F | 10°C50°F | 12°C54°F | 14°C57°F |
| Rain days | 8 | 6 | 6 | 11 | 9 | 12 | 13 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 9 |
Season by season
Summer
December–FebruaryHighs of 24°C (75°F) to 26°C (79°F), lows of 14°C (57°F) to 15°C (59°F) and only 6 to 9 rain days a month. The averages hide the swings, though, and a hot day can be followed by a sudden cool change. Pack light clothes, a layer for the evening and sun protection.
Autumn
March–MayMarch is still warm at 24°C (75°F), April cools to 20°C (68°F) and May to 16°C (61°F), with lows falling to 8°C (46°F). April picks up to 11 rain days. It's good walking weather for the laneways and the Royal Botanic Gardens, but you'll want a jacket by May.
Winter
June–AugustCool and grey, with highs of 13°C (55°F) to 16°C (61°F) and lows of 7°C (45°F). July is the wettest month with 13 rain days. Pack a warm coat, a waterproof layer and closed shoes. Footy season at the MCG means cold evenings in the stands.
Spring
September–NovemberHighs climb from 18°C (64°F) in September to 21°C (70°F) in November, with 10 to 12 rain days a month. This is the most changeable season, with warm and cold days in the same week. The Spring Racing Carnival in late October and November means dressing up for the races at Flemington.
What to bring to Melbourne
0 of 19 packedMelbourne's showers come out of nowhere, and a shell that packs into its own pocket is the one layer you'll want with you all day.
It packs into its own pocket or a small stuff sack, so it can live in your bag all day for the cool change that always comes.
- A warm wrapClothing
Footy at the MCG in July or a windy evening on St Kilda pier, a wool or cashmere wrap is the warm layer that still fits in your bag.
- Bellroy Lite Travel Pack 30LBags & Luggage
A light 30L pack with zippered compartments for the layers Melbourne makes you carry, and it's light enough for a one-bag trip.
- Anker Nano Power Bank 5,000mAh (Built-In USB-C)Tech & Power
Tram apps and maps drain your phone by the afternoon, and this 5,000mAh battery plugs straight into USB-C with no cable.
- Epicka 70W Universal Travel AdapterTech & Power
Australia's type I sockets take its AU plug, and with 3 USB-C and 2 USB-A ports you charge everything off one outlet.
Clothing
- Light layers · 4Four seasons in one day
- Warm sweater · 1Winter highs of 13–14°C
- Packable warm layerMelbourne weather can swing from warm to cold in a day.
- Shorts and T-shirts · 3Summer highs reach 26°C
- Sun hat · 1
Footwear
- Comfortable walking shoes · 1 pair
- Water-resistant shoes · 1 pairWettest in July, 13 rain days
Gear
- Compact umbrella · 1
- Sunglasses · 1
Health and toiletries
- High-SPF sunscreen
Documents and money
- Passport
- Australian visa or ETARequired for nearly all visitors; apply before you fly.
Tech
- Phone charging cable · 1
What shoes should you pack for Melbourne?
Comfortable sneakers for the CBD laneways, Fitzroy and St Kilda, because you'll walk a lot between tram stops. Pick something that copes with wet pavement in winter and spring. One pair of smarter shoes covers the nicer restaurants and bars.
What do people wear in Melbourne?
Melbourne dresses in black, layered and a little stylish. Jeans, a good jacket and sneakers work almost everywhere. Go smart casual for dinner, and pack a proper race-day outfit if you're heading to Flemington in spring.
What plugs does Melbourne use?
Australia uses type I plugs at 230V, the angled two-pin plug, often with an earth pin below. Visitors from the US, UK and Europe need an adapter. Most phone and laptop chargers handle 230V.
Tours and things to do in Melbourne
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Melbourne.
What should you leave at home for Melbourne?
Leave the umbrella if space is tight, the wind along the Yarra turns them inside out and a hooded shell works better. Don't pack only summer clothes for a December trip, cool changes are real. Heavy winter gear is overkill, since lows sit around 7°C (45°F).
Packing for Melbourne: questions people ask
What should I wear in Melbourne in summer?
Light clothes plus a layer and a rain shell. January and February average 26°C (79°F), but a cool change can drop temperatures fast.
What should I wear in Melbourne in winter?
A warm coat, a waterproof layer and closed shoes. Highs are 13°C (55°F) to 16°C (61°F) and July has 13 rain days.
Why do people say Melbourne has four seasons in one day?
Because the weather can swing from warm and sunny to cold and wet within hours. Pack layers you can add or take off.
What should I wear to the Melbourne Cup?
It's a dress-up day, suits for men and dresses with a hat or fascinator for women. November highs average 21°C (70°F) with 11 rain days, so bring a layer.
What plug adapter do I need for Australia?
Australia uses type I at 230V. A universal adapter with an AU plug covers it.
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