Climate

Whatever time of year, Melbourne is a great destination.

Known for having four seasons in one day, weather can vary from a wet morning to a sunny afternoon and mild evening.

Australia is in the southern hemisphere. During the European and US winter it's summer down-under.



SUMMER - December, January and February
Melbourne's summer temperatures reach the high 30's (Celsius) with an average of 26 degrees. The days are longer during summer due to daylight saving hours and the evenings are warmer - making it ideal for outdoor dining and activities. During summer you can experience:

• Evening performances of plays in the Botanical Gardens
• Day and night cricket matches at the MCG
• Australian Open tennis championship
• Summer Music Festival at the Victorian Arts Centre
• Horse races at Hanging Rock
• St Kilda Festival
• Gay and lesbian Midsummer Festival
• School holidays occur during summer, so popular places do get busy

AUTUMN - March, April and May
Autumn is the most stable time of year with fine and clear days and mild evenings. The Fosters Australian Grand Prix heralds autumn, followed by:

• Melbourne Carnival
• Greek Antipodes Festival
• Start of the Aussie Rules football season
• Melbourne International Comedy Festival

WINTER - June, July and August
Melbourne's winter can be a little unpredictable with average temperatures hovering around 13 degrees. The days can be overcast with the odd fine weather raising the temperature to about 18 degrees.

• Melbourne International Film Festival
• Melbourne's Writers Festival
• Ski fields are open
• Phillips mobile Phones World Arial's (Arial Skiers events)

SPRING - September, October and November
Temperatures in spring hover around the mid-20's - the day's warm significantly as summer approaches. Spring is a popular time of year with festivities such as:

• Spring Racing Carnival with the Melbourne Cup
• Royal Melbourne Show
• Aussie Rules football finals
• Oktoberfest
• Italian Lygon Street Festa in Carlton

Daylight Savings

• Daylight savings starts 30 October - turn clocks forward one hour
• Daylight savings ends 2 April - turn clocks back one hour