When to visit Victoria

The best time to visit Melbourne is in Spring (Sept-Nov) and Autumn (March to May). Crowds over the summer are high with several key events and Australia’s long summer school holiday period.

This page may contain affiliate links. Read our full disclosure policy for more information.

Victoria in Every Season

Australian Flag Bathing Box Brighton Melbourne


Summer (December, January and February)

Summer sees Melbourne at its happiest and busiest with plenty of sport, including the Australian Open and the Boxing Day Cricket. It’s peak season prices everywhere and the routes to Mornington and the Great Ocean Road are very busy.

This is a popular time to head to the Victorian coast with the entire length of it busy with Melbournites heading to the beach.


Autumn (March, April and May)

The city seems to pack as many events as it can into the first few months of autumn to make the best of the pleasant weather. There is motor racing, surf carnivals, the international comedy festival and a food and drink festival.

This is the best time of year to visit regional Victoria and see the colourful displays of autumn leaves in places like Bright and Beechworth, or closer to Melbourne the Macedon Ranges and Yarra Valley.

Dandenong Ranges Victoria in Autumn 1

Winter Victoria


Winter (June, July and August)

I seem to find myself in Melbourne every winter against everyone’s advice but I love it. Sure it’s cold and it can be pretty wet but Melbourne is the perfect city for indoor pursuits with great bars, cafes, museums and galleries.

Snow falls in the high country and the skiing is quite decent. The main ski runs at Falls Creek and Hotham are about 4.5 hours north of Melbourne.


Spring (September, October and November)

Melbourne can be a little wet in early spring but Melbourne comes alive with the Spring racing carnival and the highlights of the local calendar the AFL Grand Final and Melbourne Cup.

This is a great time to head to the Grampians National Park for the state’s best hiking.

Spring in Victoria 151216 56

Weather in Victoria

It gets pretty cold across the state over the winter, but it’s the perfect time to enjoy a break by the fire in Daylesford or the Yarra regions and, of course, the ski season in the high country. If you want to swim at Victoria’s beaches, visit in February or March.

Average Temperatures in Melbourne

Month Maximum temperatureMinimum temperature Average rainfall (mm)
January26.313.640mm
February26.514.137mm
March 24.112.739mm
April 20.410.138mm
May 16.68.436mm
June13.76.339mm
July13.05.539mm
August 14.56.043mm
September16.67.144mm
October19.38.551mm
November22.110.461mm
December24.212.051mm
Source: Climate of Australia

Find out more weather and temperature details on the Bureau of Meteorology.

Victoria Event Calendar

The biggest event of the year might be Melbourne Cup, but the AFL Grand Final and Melbourne Grand Prix are also huge. If you are planning to visit in March or April book your accommodation early as there are lots of festivals on at this time of year and they push prices up quite a bit.

2023 DatesFestival name
Early MarchMelbourne Fashion Festival
2nd week in MarchPort Fairy Folk Festival
24 March – 2 AprilMelbourne Food & Wine Festival
29 March – 24 AprilMelbourne Comedy Festival
April 28 – May 7Autumn Bright Festival
TBCMelbourne Cocktail Festival
5 – 7 MayGrampians Grape Escape
19-21 MayGood Food & Wine Show
Dates correct at time of publication

Victoria School and Public Holidays

Long weekends see prices rise and availability drop, so book in advance for the best deals. Rates are exceptionally high for sporting events. Most attractions only close on Christmas day and perhaps Anzac Day or Good Friday, but please check individual places before you visit.

Public Holidays in Victoria 2023-2024

Holiday20232024
New Year’s Day01 and 02 January01
Australia Day26 January26 January
Labour Day 14 March 11 March
Good Friday07 April29 March
Easter Sat.16 April30 March
Easter Mon.08 April01 April
Anzac Day25 April 25 April
Queens Birthday 12 June 10 June
AFL Grand Final TBC – Friday before AFL Grand Final TBC – Friday before AFL Grand Final
Melbourne Cup 07 November05 November
Christmas Day25 December 25 December
Boxing Day26 December 26 December
* All public holiday dates are accurate at the time of publishing but may be subject to change.
Source: Victorian Government website

School Holidays in Victoria 2023-2024

If you don’t have children avoiding these dates will save you money, and you will find the museums a lot less crowded.

Period 20232024
Autumn break:07 April – 23 April 29 March – 14 April
Winter break: 22 June – 09 July 29 June – 14 July
Spring break:16 September – 01 October 21 September – 06 October
Summer break:21 December – 28 January 2024 21 December – 28 January 2025
Source: Victoria State Government – Education and Training website.

Have questions about exploring Australia?
Head over and join our Facebook Group and we will be happy to help