Planning a holiday, and not sure what to wear in Melbourne?
Planning a holiday, and not sure what to wear in Melbourne? We have a seasonal breakdown of what to wear below, so you know what to best expect climate-wise when visiting the most liveable city in the world.
Melbourne is the state capital of Victoria and second largest city in Australia. Formally, it has a temperate oceanic climate and is very well known for its changeable weather conditions, which is mainly due to the city’s geographical location. This temperature differential is most pronounced in the spring and summer months and can cause strong cold fronts to form, responsible for all sorts of chaotic weather from gale force winds to severe thunderstorms and hail, temperature drops, and even heavy rain.
What to Wear in Melbourne
Summer
December – February
The city comes alive in Summer, with world class sporting events, pop-up festivals and alfresco dining at it’s finest. Beachside suburbs like St Kilda and Port Melbourne are hot-spots for locals and visitors alike.
Melbourne’s top temperatures are usually in January and February, when temperatures can occasionally soar past 35°C and into the 40’s, so light fabric and flowing dresses are going to keep you cool. Be sure to carry a water bottle with you too, stay hydrated and wear sunscreen.
Autumn
March – May
Autumn is a beautiful time of the year in Melbourne, famous for its calendar of festivals, fashion, food and flowers. The leaves are changing colour and beginning to fall and escaping to the nearby regions of Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula should definitely be on your to-do list.
Expect temperatures between 10°C – 24°C, cooling down as we creep closer to Winter. Pack an umbrella, as it rains on average 10 days a month this time of year. Layers are a must, and jeans are a great option for day to night wear.
Winter
June – August
Melbourne is well known for it’s fashionable love of the colour black, and this style trend is made for winter. Layer up and stay warm as top temperatures average between 10°C – 15°C, with overnight lows around 5°C. You’ll need a jacket or a really comfy sweater to stay warm in the cooler climate, and something underneath so that you can peel off anything heavy when inside, in heated areas.
It’s great time of year to escape to the alpine region, with snow fields as close as a 2.5 hour drive away.
Spring
September – November
Spring opens with a bang in Melbourne with Fashion Week vibes heating up the city, although the temperature rarely sees an increase until later in October.
Expect lots of Spring showers and the ole’ 4 seasons in one day scenario to be high on the agenda throughout the season. Be sure to keep a light jacket and an umbrella with you at all times. Temperatures are generally in the range of 9°C – 22°C, but it can unexpectedly peak into the 30’s (so tees are a great option).