Question 1

What is the sunniest time of year in Melbourne?

Accepted Answer

The sunniest time of year in Melbourne is the southern-hemisphere summer, spanning December to February, with January 2025 standing out as the single brightest month of the year.

In 2025, Melbourne recorded 308.6 hours of sunshine in January, which works out to roughly 10 hours of sun per day. February followed with 265.4 hours and March with 262.9 hours, while December was close behind at 262.3 hours. Across the summer months (December, January and February), Melbourne averaged about 278.8 hours of sunshine per month, comfortably the brightest stretch of the calendar.

By contrast, the gloomiest period fell in winter: June was the least sunny month with just 167.9 hours, around 5.6 hours of sun per day. Over the full year, Melbourne accumulated 2,646 hours of sunshine in 2025.

These long summer days also bring warmth, with January 2025 posting a mean temperature of 21.1°C (70.0°F) and a peak of 40.7°C (105.3°F). For visitors planning beach trips, outdoor dining or exploring Melbourne's parks and laneways, the December-to-February window offers the most reliable sunshine. If you prefer milder warmth with plenty of light, March is an excellent shoulder-season choice, pairing strong sunshine totals with more comfortable temperatures.

Question 2

What were the temperature extremes in Melbourne in 2025?

Accepted Answer

Melbourne's temperature extremes in 2025 ranged from a scorching high of **40.7°C (105.3°F)** on 27 January to a chilly low of **0.5°C (32.9°F)** on 18 August, an annual spread of about 40°C (72°F).

The hottest stretch fell during the Southern Hemisphere summer (December–February), when February was the warmest month with an average temperature of 21.3°C (70.3°F). Across all of 2025, Melbourne recorded:

- **40 days** that reached 30°C (86°F) or higher
- **12 days** climbing to 35°C (95°F) or above
- **7 cold nights** dipping to 2°C (35.6°F) or lower

The coldest period landed in winter (June–August), with June the coolest month at an average of 9.7°C (49.5°F). Overall, Melbourne's mean temperature for 2025 was a mild 15.2°C (59.3°F), reflecting the city's reputation for changeable, temperate conditions.

These swings highlight why Melbourne weather is famously unpredictable. The summer heat peaks were short and sharp rather than sustained, so visitors should pack for hot afternoons above 35°C (95°F) as well as cool mornings. In winter, frosty starts near 0°C (32°F) gave way to comfortable daytime conditions, making layered clothing the smartest choice for anyone exploring the city year-round.

Question 3

How much rainfall does Melbourne get in a year?

Accepted Answer

Melbourne received about **812 mm (32.0 inches)** of rainfall across 2025, spread fairly evenly throughout the year rather than concentrated in a single wet season. This works out to a monthly average of roughly **68 mm (2.66 inches)**.

Rain in Melbourne was reliable but rarely extreme from month to month. November 2025 was by far the wettest month, with **173.8 mm (6.8 inches)** — more than a fifth of the entire year's total in just 30 days. At the other end, May 2025 was the driest month at only **25.3 mm (1.0 inch)**. Five separate months exceeded 70 mm, including the cooler stretch of June (77.6 mm) and July (80.5 mm), confirming that no part of the calendar in Melbourne is truly "dry."

The split between the cooler half of the year (May–October, 382 mm) and the warmer half (November–April, 430 mm) was modest, underlining Melbourne's reputation for steady, year-round rainfall and a changeable climate.

For visitors and residents, this means Melbourne rarely sees prolonged droughts or dramatic monsoon-style downpours — a packable rain jacket is sensible in any season. November is the one month worth planning around, as the 2025 data showed it can deliver heavy, sustained rain well above the typical monthly amount.

Question 4

What is the weather like in Melbourne in July?

Accepted Answer

July is mid-winter in Melbourne, making it one of the city's coldest, dampest, and cloudiest months of the year. In July 2025, the weather stayed consistently cool and changeable, with frequent rain but rarely any extreme cold.

Daytime highs in Melbourne averaged just **13.8°C (56.9°F)** during July 2025, while overnight lows dropped to an average of **6.4°C (43.6°F)**. The overall mean temperature for the month was **10.0°C (50.0°F)**. The coldest morning fell to **3.6°C (38.5°F)** on 18 July, and even the mildest afternoon only reached **16.7°C (62.1°F)** on 5 July, so frost was uncommon but warm spells were absent.

July was also wet, recording **81.3 mm (3.20 inches)** of rain across the month. It rained on 19 of the 31 days, with 14 days seeing 1 mm or more, and the wettest day brought **17.8 mm** on 27 July. Skies were often grey, averaging only **5.4 hours of sunshine per day** (167.8 hours total) alongside high average humidity of **79%**.

For visitors, July in Melbourne calls for warm layers, a waterproof jacket, and an umbrella. The short, often overcast days suit indoor attractions like galleries, museums, and the city's café and laneway scene, while crisp, calm mornings (winds averaged a gentle 12.6 km/h, about 7.8 mph) can still reward early walkers with clear winter light.

Question 5

How windy does Melbourne get throughout the year?

Accepted Answer

Melbourne is a moderately breezy city, with average wind speeds of about 11.9 km/h (7.4 mph) across 2025. Winds stay fairly consistent year-round but pick up noticeably in spring.

The windiest stretch came during spring 2025 (September to November), which averaged 13.0 km/h (8.1 mph). September was the single windiest month in Melbourne at 14.7 km/h (9.1 mph), edging out the typically blustery summer months. By contrast, autumn 2025 (March to May) was the calmest period, averaging just 10.2 km/h (6.3 mph), with April the gentlest month overall at 9.8 km/h (6.1 mph).

Here is how Melbourne's wind varied by season in 2025:

- **Spring (Sep–Nov):** 13.0 km/h (8.1 mph) — windiest
- **Summer (Dec–Feb):** 12.7 km/h (7.9 mph)
- **Winter (Jun–Aug):** 11.8 km/h (7.3 mph)
- **Autumn (Mar–May):** 10.2 km/h (6.3 mph) — calmest

For visitors and residents, these wind conditions are mild on average and rarely disruptive, though spring days in Melbourne can feel gustier and cooler than the temperature alone suggests. If you are planning sailing, cycling, or outdoor events where calmer air helps, the autumn months of March through May offer Melbourne's most settled breezes, while September brings the year's strongest winds.

Melbourne

Victoria

FAQ

What is the sunniest time of year in Melbourne?

What were the temperature extremes in Melbourne in 2025?

How much rainfall does Melbourne get in a year?

What is the weather like in Melbourne in July?

How windy does Melbourne get throughout the year?