Are you thinking about visiting Melbourne, Australia? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Melbourne worth visiting?
Melbourne is worth visiting for two to five days so that you can explore everything that the city has to offer. Melbourne is the capital of the state of Victoria. It's a cultural city that has a great art and music scene. There are also great restaurants and local breweries that keep the atmosphere relaxed and fun.
Melbourne, Australia
Reasons to Visit Melbourne
Museums
Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.
Food
There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.
Nightlife
There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.
Beaches
There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.
Shopping
The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.
Authenticity
Melbourne has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Melbourne worth visiting in the Summer?
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during summer with average temperatures around 20°C (68°F).
The peak season for travel is summer in Melbourne, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is somewhat popular with travelers, and in the high season it's busier than usual.
Visiting the nearby beaches is one of the most popular things to do this time of year, so spend some time enjoying the waves and sand. The activities of the city are numerous, and this is a great time of year to explore all of them. From family-friendly attractions to romantic getaways, as well as budget-friendly things to do, there's something for everyone. Famous landmarks, museums, tours, and more are all available. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable city, especially in the nice weather. This is a great time of year to relax at the beach, browse the museums, and enjoy the city's energy. Also, you can check out the nightlife.
Summer Weather in Melbourne
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 20°C (68°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| February | 20°C (68°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| March | 19°C (65°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
Is Melbourne worth visiting in the Autumn?
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Melbourne. Even though Melbourne is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 15°C (60°F).
Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to spend time at the museums and discover the big city activities.
Autumn Weather in Melbourne
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 15°C (60°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 13°C (55°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| June | 10°C (50°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
Is Melbourne worth visiting in the Winter?
This is the low season for travel in Melbourne. This destination is fairly touristy, but in the low season you can find fewer crowds and better deals.
The weather in Melbourne can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 9°C (49°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
You'll like that you can take public transit easily in the winter, too. You can get around quickly while avoiding bad weather if needed. During this season it's fun to experience the museums and landmarks, the cuisine, and the nightlife. Also, you can experience the big city activities.
Winter Weather in Melbourne
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 9°C (49°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| August | 10°C (51°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| September | 12°C (53°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
Is Melbourne worth visiting in the Spring?
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 14°C (57°F).
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Melbourne, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. Even though Melbourne is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.
This is a great time of year to browse the shops, wander through the museums, and enjoy the evening activities.
Spring Weather in Melbourne
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 14°C (57°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| November | 16°C (61°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| December | 18°C (65°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
Related
What is Melbourne most famous for?
Melbourne is most famous for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population. It is often described as livable, friendly, cultural, and progressive.
What is the most famous sight in Melbourne?
The most popular sight in Melbourne is the Royal Botanic Gardens. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Melbourne on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for the Royal Botanic Gardens and other attractions here.
How touristy is Melbourne? Is it a popular city to visit?
Melbourne is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Small Group: Mornington Peninsula Hike and Hot Springs Day Tour from Melbourne: $185
- Mornington Peninsula Wine Region Tour: $232
- Melbourne City Tour: Lifestyle of the Rich and Famous: $106
- Melbourne Park Tennis Experience: $76
- Cultural Melbourne City Tour: $89
- Yarra Valley Guided Bike Tour | Food & Wine Region: $232
- Melbourne City Centre Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
- Melbourne (St Kilda) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
How long should I spend in Melbourne?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Melbourne is two to five days. Since Melbourne has activities such as nightlife, beaches, shopping, and museums, many visit for up to five days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Melbourne?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Melbourne?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Melbourne?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.