The climate of Melbourne
Melbourne, located in
Australia, exhibits a Marine west coast climate characterized by a warm summer, according to the Köppen climate classification. With this climate type, generally identified as 'Cfb', the city experiences moderate temperatures, significant rainfall evenly distributed throughout the year, and a lack of temperature extremes.
Throughout the year, temperatures in Melbourne show a moderate range with the highest average highs of 25.8°C (78.4°F) in
January and the coldest lows of 6.6°C (43.9°F) in
August. The annual pattern features a gradual increase in temperature from winter to summer, followed by a similar decrease towards winter. Humidity stays relatively consistent, with a slight increase in winter months, reaching a maximum of 80% in
June.
Melbourne's rainfall patterns exhibit more stability than the temperatures, with a consistent amount of rain throughout the year. Rainfall ranges from a low of 34mm (1.34") in
March and
April to a high of 45mm (1.77") in August and
December. The number of rainy days varies from about 9.5 in January to a maximum of 16.9 in
July and August. Despite the constant presence of rain, Melbourne maintains an average visibility of 9 to 10km (6.2mi) throughout the year.
Wind speeds in Melbourne demonstrate a similar pattern, with the speed increasing from 11km/h (6.8mph) in
February to a peak of 13.9km/h (8.6mph) in August. Wind gusts follow a similar trend, reaching a peak of 21.8km/h (13.5mph) in August.
The Best Time to Visit Melbourne
Considering the overall climate data, the best time to visit
Melbourne can be identified as the autumn months, from
March to
May. During these months, conditions are moderate, and the city experiences an average high temperature between 22.9°C (73.2°F) in March and 15.6°C (60.1°F) in May, and low temperature from 14.2°C (57.6°F) in March to 9.1°C (48.4°F) in May. The relative humidity remains low, and rain is not as frequent, providing visitors with a comfortable climate to explore the city.
The Worst Time to Visit Melbourne
While
Melbourne's weather conditions are generally mild, the winter months between
June and
August can be considered the least ideal time to visit due to the colder temperatures and higher rainfall. Average high temperatures can fall to 12.4°C (54.3°F) in
July, with average lows dipping to 6.6°C (43.9°F) in August. The months of July and August also see the high number of rainy days which can further affect travel plans.
Spring Weather in Melbourne
Spring in
Melbourne unfolds between
September and
November. During this period, the city experiences a gradual increase in temperatures from an average high of 16°C (60.8°F) in September to 21.5°C (70.7°F) in November. Nights remain cool with temperatures ranging from 7.4°C (45.3°F) in September to 11.2°C (52.2°F) in November. Although the rainfall and number of rainy days decreases, humidity sees a slight decrease, similar to the cloud cover.
Summer Weather in Melbourne
Summer in
Melbourne spans between
December and
February, during which the city enjoys average highs between 23.7°C (74.7°F) in December and 25.8°C (78.4°F) in
January. However, the temperatures during the nights stay mild, with lows ranging from 12.7°C (54.9°F) in December to 14.8°C (58.6°F) in February. Rain does not noticeably increase in summer although the number of sunshine hours peaks at 9.8 hours in December.
Autumn Weather in Melbourne
Melbourne’s autumn climate, from
March to
May, shows a steady decrease in temperatures, humidity, and rainfall. The average high temperature drops from 22.9°C (73.2°F) in March to 15.6°C (60.1°F) in May while low temperature decreases from 14.2°C (57.6°F) in March to 9.1°C (48.4°F) in May. The rain levels see a consistent increase, reaching up to 42mm (1.65") in May.
Winter Weather in Melbourne
Winter comes to
Melbourne in
June and lasts until
August. The city experiences its coolest average high temperatures during this season, with a low of 12.4°C (54.3°F) in
July. Similarly, the average low temperature reaches its minimum at 6.6°C (43.9°F) in August. Despite the cooler temperatures, the winter months are not excessively dry, with rainfall reaching up to 45mm (1.77") in August.
Weather in January
With the close of the southern hemisphere summer,
January holds
Melbourne's weather at its peak with temperatures peaking at 25.8°C (78.4°F). Daily sunlight stretches to an impressive 14.4 hours per day, making outdoor activities favorable.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February sustains the warmth, much like
January, but with a slightly reduced high temperature, averaging 25.2°C (77.4°F). This month, while being the last of the summer, still provides ample daylight with a fair proportion of it perfect for sunbathing.
Weather in February » Weather in March
Autumn introduces itself in
March, carrying noticeable reduction in daily maximum temperatures, which averages 22.9°C (73.2°F). As the hours of daylight begin to shorten, so too do the hours of sunshine. Water temperatures, while still far from chilly, start to slightly cool, coinciding with late autumn's onset.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April experiences a significant decrease in temperature, distinctively marking the transition of
Melbourne's weather to a chillier atmosphere with temperatures dropping to approximately 19.3°C (66.7°F). With Autumn in full swing, the city sees a substantial increase in relative humidity and rainfall.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May marks further changes in
Melbourne's weather parameters, with temperature highs reducing more to reach 15.6°C (60.1°F). The shorter Autumn days bring a decrease in daylight hours mirrored by a rise in Melbourne's relative humidity.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June brings the chill of winter to
Melbourne with the month's maximum temperatures averaging at a cool 12.9°C (55.2°F). The city's climate parameters display a definitive shift from Autumn to Winter, where shorter days and decreased sunshine hours become notably apparent.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July,
Melbourne's coldest month, plunges the temperatures even further to reach a chilling high of 12.4°C (54.3°F). Winter remains in full force, reducing daylight to the year's lowest and making this month less ideal for prolonged outdoor activities.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Melbourne in
August begings to hint at warmer days ahead despite winter still being rampant with high temperatures retained at a chilly 13.4°C (56.1°F). As the wind continues to whip through the city at 13.9 Kph, there is minimal change in sea temperature from
July.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September rings in Spring in
Melbourne with a warming trend that sees temperatures elevate to 16°C (60.8°F). The city begins to feel the seasonal shift, with longer hours of daylight and increased sunshine duration. Currents of slightly warmer sea waters start to return the ocean to more swimmable temperatures, and the wind maintains steady speeds, averaging around 13.3 Kph.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
As
October progresses,
Melbourne's climate parameters depict significant transitions. The temperature high for this month averages 19.1°C (66.4°F), a notable jump from the previous month. The city shines brighter in the increased sunshine hours.
Weather in October »Weather in November
In anticipation of the peak season,
Melbourne's weather in
November exhibits daily high temperatures averaging around 21.5°C (70.7°F). Sunshine hours continue to lengthen, and the city remains a picture of Spring beauty while hinting at the approaching Summer.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Welcoming Summer,
December's transition breathes warmth into
Melbourne as daytime temperatures reach a monthly average high of 23.7°C (74.7°F). Sea temperatures continue to rise, inviting locals and tourists to participate in water sports or beach outings.
Weather in December »