When Is the Best Time to Visit Melbourne?
No matter where you are in Melbourne, you’re never far from something wonderful: a laid-back corner cafe with exceptional coffee, a top-class wine bar, a restaurant so good you’ll want to tell the world or a tangle of labyrinthine laneways begging to be explored. The rest of the country might not like to admit it but Melbourne’s title as Australia’s most cultured city is richly deserved.
When it comes to weather, the old adage of “four seasons in one day” fits this city to a tee – it’s unwise to leave the house without an umbrella, no matter the season. That’s why Melburnians are so good at looking cool wearing layers (and if you like eating layers, Lune Croissanterie is an absolute must).
Though the city’s day-to-day weather can be unpredictable, it does have distinct seasons. In summer, temperatures average about 25°C in the day, often peaking at 30°C during January and February. Summer is also when Melbourne hosts the Australian Open and athletes have been known to remark on the brutal on-court heat.
Don’t expect to find a city in hibernation come winter. Locals know how to dress for the cold so lows of 7°C and highs of 14°C aren’t a deterrent for getting out and about. Some of the city’s cosiest corners come to life with the chill – Fitzroy North’s Neighbourhood Wine and Collingwood’s Le Bon Ton both have roaring fireplaces (the latter boasts a wood smoker, too).
So when should you visit the vibrant Victorian capital? Scroll through our seasonal guide to find out.
What’s on in summer
From the serves at the Australian Open to the cricket tradition of the Boxing Day Test, there’s something for almost every sports fanatic during Melbourne’s summer. If you don’t manage to secure tickets to a tennis match, the city does a great job of including spectators outside the stadium, with viewing screens at Federation Square and inside the Melbourne Park venue, where you can lay out a picnic blanket and soak up the atmosphere.
The city’s rooftops are transformed into playgrounds as the days warm up. You’ll find everything from open-air cinemas (Lido on the Roof in Hawthorn and Classic Rooftop in Elsternwick) to places to cool off – Le Méridien Melbourne's European-inspired rooftop pool bar, Le Splash, is open to non-guests for a daily fee. There are some stellar bars for sundowners, too; Fable is one of the highest in the city and, in summer, 'golden hour' drinks begin at a sunshine-friendly 3 pm.
What’s on in autumn
Drive to Survive enthusiasts are in for a treat: the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix returns to Melbourne's Albert Park between 13 and 16 March 2025. Attendance this year is predicted to be record-breaking as seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton is set to make his debut with Ferrari at the Australian Grand Prix, while locals will have their eyes focused on Melbourne-born McLaren driver, Oscar Piastri.
The annual Melbourne Food and Wine Festival (21 to 30 March 2025) takes over Australia's culinary capital with more than 400 public dining events headlined by some of the country's – and the world's – top chefs. The lineup for 2025 includes visits from Richard Hart of globally-renowned Copenhagen bakery Hart Bageri, who will bring his famed cardamom buns to the country for the first time, Australia's own Curtis Stone leading the three-course feast at the World's Longest Lunch and more.
Live comedy comes to town in March and April for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, where comics such as Wil Anderson, Ross Noble and Hannah Gadsby have previously graced the stage alongside up-and-comers.
It’s Australia’s culture centre, but with sporting venues a stone’s throw from the CBD, it’s nabbed the title of sports capital too. Book flights at qantas.com now.
What’s on in winter
You could come to Melbourne without attending an AFL game but why miss out on something so essential to the city’s identity? The premiership season peaks in winter; the MCG is like a church for AFL worshippers and if you can secure tickets to a game here, you’re practically in the club.
June also sees the city come to life over 12 nights with public art installations, live performances and music throughout Rising festival.
On the last weekend of July, more than 150 buildings across the city throw open their doors as part of the annual Open House Weekend, inviting visitors to explore Melbourne’s architectural heritage, free of charge. Past sites have included former tram depots and the St Kilda Foreshore Vaults.
What’s on in spring
Occurring from mid-September to mid-October each year, take the one-hour drive to the Dandenong Ranges and discover the Tesselaar Tulip Festival. Over several weeks, the farm erupts into rainbow hues as over a million fragrant tulips bloom. You can also expect live entertainment, traditional Dutch foods, Dutch and Turkish weekends, a dedicated food, wine and jazz weekend, live entertainment and local market stalls throughout the month.
The Melbourne Cup halts the nation every year (and is a public holiday in Victoria), whipping the city into a frenzy as part of the Victorian Spring Racing Carnival. From August to November, expect a jam-packed calendar that includes the most internationally acclaimed races.
Whether you’re barracking (or not) for the Swans or watching the Cup with bated breath, you can bet Melbourne’s a winning getaway. Book tickets now at qantas.com.
