Ahh, summer in Melbourne. The days are heating up, bars throw open their windows, the days are longer, and there’s a palpable happy vibe buzzing through the city.
If you’re thinking about visiting Melbourne in summer, then prepare for warm weather and tonnes of sporting and cultural festivals and events to keep you busy. Sunlight until the late evening means that you can pack plenty into your day.
But this is peak travel season, so make sure you book your hotels in advance – and prepare to pay higher rates. I’d also recommend booking must-eat-at restaurants well in advance.
So, let’s get into what’s happening this summer in Melbourne!
This blog post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).
When is summer in Melbourne?
The summer months in Melbourne (and across Australia) are December, January and February.
With daylight saving underway, the days are lovely and long, with the sun not going down until around 8/8.30pm. I love these longer days, when I feel like I can pack so much more into a day!
The temperature across these three months ranges between 13 and 27 degrees (55 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit), but can sometimes top 46 degrees (114 Fahrenheit). Those super-hot days are sweltering in the city – and can cause havoc on public transport. Luckily, there are plenty of indoor activities in Melbourne to escape the heat.
December has the highest rainfall of the three months, with an average of 52.5mm, while January and February bring around 39-41mm.
For full details about all the seasons in Melbourne, you can read my guide to the best time to visit Melbourne.
Summer public and school holidays in Melbourne
Summer means the start of the longer school holidays, which inevitably means larger crowds across the city.
For 2026/27, the term 4 summer school holidays kick off on 18 December 2026, with kids returning to school on 27 or 28 January 2027.
As for public holidays, we have four:
- Christmas Day – Friday 25 December 2026
- Boxing Day – Saturday 26 December 2026 (with the public holiday falling on Monday 28 December)
- New Year’s Day – Friday 1 January 2027
- Australia Day / Invasion Day – Tuesday 26 January 2026
What to pack for summer in Melbourne
- Sunscreen
- Hat and sunglasses
- A good daypack
Things to do in Melbourne in summer
So, what are the best things to do in Melbourne in summer this year? Plenty! Here are a few ideas for festivals and events, attractions, and ways to stay cool in the heat.
Sparkle at the Christmas festival
Like many cities all across the world, Melbourne lights up around Christmas time.
Federation Square turns into Christmas Square in late November (dates TBC), with a 17.5-metre tree and plenty of sparkling lights. Santa will no doubt make an appearance as well.
Stop by Myer’s famous Christmas Windows (go early, especially on weekends, as the crowds grow quickly!).
There are tonnes of Christmas-themed plays, musicals and activities around the city – plenty to keep the kids entertained.
Read my full guide to Christmas in Melbourne, check out some of Melbourne’s best Christmas markets and get your Christmas shopping done with my Melbourne gift guide.
Cheer on your faves at the Australian Open
It isn’t summer in Melbourne without watching the world’s best tennis players sweat it out in the Melbourne heat for the coveted Australian Open title. The 2027 Australian Open takes place between 11 and 31 January 2027.
Book well in advance to nab tickets to the men’s and women’s finals, but you can also pick up affordable ground passes from just $19. Book tickets online.
If you can’t get tickets, you can always take a seat in one of the beach chairs in Fed Square and watch the matches on the big screen.
And, of course, some of Melbourne’s best restaurants whipping up some delicious eats for tennis fans.
See an incredible candlelit concert
If you’ve never been to one of the stunning Candlelight Concerts by events company Fever, this summer it’s time to change that.
These concerts are absolutely mesmerising. Venues across the city are transformed into luminous spaces filled with music and soft candlelight. Whether you’re a classical music aficionado or simply seeking a magical night out, these concerts are an unmissable part of Melbourne’s summer events calendar.
The Candlelight Concerts feature a diverse range of musical and dance performances. This summer you can see everything from a Tribute to Taylor Swift, Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, a Tribute to Metallica and a Tribute to Coldplay.
Check out the full list of Melbourne Candelight Concerts online here, or buy a gift certificate.
Enjoy picnic-perfect weather
With so many beautiful gardens and parks across the city, Melbourne is a great place to enjoy a picnic. Gather up some cheeses and meats, a few sandwiches and maybe even a bottle of bubbles, and lay out a blanket on the lawns at the Royal Botanic Gardens or the Fitzroy Gardens.
Even better – solve a few clues and gather your picnic goodies on a Mystery Picnic Date. You’ll end up with a basket of gourmet goodness to enjoy in a mystery location. You can do the mystery picnics with a significant other, your family or a group of friends. A Mystery Picnic Melbourne is a fun way to see the city without having to plan a thing.
Explore Melbourne’s laneways
It’s not news to anyone that Melbourne has some of the best laneways and laneway art in the world.
Spend a day outdoors, weaving through the laneways and checking out the ever-evolving street art.
There are also Melbourne street art tours led by street artists who will show you hidden art that you’d never find yourself.
Stay cool inside a museum
On those sweltering Melbourne summer days, there’s nothing better to do than head straight indoors to one of the city’s incredible museums. Even if you’re not a museum buff, you’ll be happy to escape the heat – and see some great art or exhibits.
Some of my favourite Melbourne museums that I always tell visitors to check out are:
- NGV International – incredible blockbuster exhibitions as well as an array of permanent displays
- Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia – discover some of Australia’s best artists
- Melbourne Museum – a fun, interactive museum that’s great for everyone, with dinosaur exhibits, First Nations displays and plenty more – and don’t forget to wander through the Milarri Garden Walk and the forest garden, which is both enlightening and cool
- Immigration Museum – learn about Australia’s immigrant past and present
- ACMI – play video games, watch movies and create your own epic playlist at this entertaining museum
- Scienceworks – from storytelling for the little ones to nerding out in the Lightning Room, Scienceworks is a lot of fun for all
- Australian Music Vault – a celebration of Australian music legends
See a blockbuster exhibition
Speaking of museums, the NGV’s summer blockbuster exhibition is always a must-see. Stay tuned for details!
Hang out at the NGV on Friday Nights
One of my favourite things about NGV’s blockbuster exhibitions is that they come paired with NGV Friday Nights – live DJ sets, food, drinks and entertainment. A ticket will get you access to all of this and entry to the exhibition – stay tuned for details!
I try to go to NGV Friday Nights most years and it’s always a great night out. Book tickets online when they’re available.
See elite basketballers
Australia’s biggest celebration of basketball culture returns to Melbourne – where it all started – in 2027. Summer Jam tours the country, with stops in Melbourne. Stay tuned for details.
Catch a flick outdoors
As soon as the weather warms up, join the crowds flocking to parks and gardens to enjoy a movie outdoors. And with plenty of options, you shouldn’t have too much trouble nabbing a ticket.
A few places to see a film outdoors this summer in Melbourne include:
Grab some popcorn and a drink and enjoy the fresh air as you watch the latest movies.
Boat down the Yarra
Allowing people to captain their own boats down the river could be a foolhardy business model – but it sure is a lot of fun!
In the past few years, a couple of companies have popped up allowing people to self-drive their own electric boat down the Yarra River. GoBoat and On A Boat are the two companies currently offering the chance to motor down the river.
You can BYO your own picnic food and drinks, and hand over the reins (rudder?) to a member of your group while the rest of you enjoy the view.
Even more fun is Aqua Donut – round, electric boats with a built-in gas BBQ, LED lights and sound system. It’s a party on the river.
BYO captain’s hat!
See amazing views of Melbourne
One of Melbourne’s most iconic buildings has opened a hidden part that hasn’t been open to the public in 100 years.
The Royal Exhibition Building’s Dome is now available to tour with a guide, with incredible views over Melbourne’s skyline. The tour includes an overview of the history of the building.
Tickets are available throughout the summer months. Book tickets online.
Go surfing
I’ve tried surfing – but I’m completely uncoordinated so it’s not something I want to embarrass myself doing again. But if you’re keen to give it a go, then head to URBNSURF, Melbourne’s first surf park (and the first of its kind in Australia).
In a controlled environment, you can learn to surf – or more experienced surfers can hit up The Point.
Don’t feel like surfing? You can also bodyboard, soak in the hot tubs or have a swim in the calm waters of the Lagoon.
Plus, there’s Three Blue Ducks, the delicious restaurant run by several award-winning chefs.
URBNSURF is located right next door to Melbourne Airport.
Sip a cocktail by the river
Sip a cool cocktail by the river – or even right on the river at one of Melbourne’s many riverside bars.
Tucked under Fed Square, Riverland is an all-day beer garden with prime river frontage. Arbory Bar & Eatery stretches 100 metres along the riverfront – and its sister bar, Afloat, is a pop-up floating bar that changes themes each year – stay tuned for this summer’s theme.
Ponyfish is a classic spot – sitting smack bang in the middle of the river. It’s small but mighty, serving up great cocktails and snacks.
Hit the beach
I need to say it up front – we don’t have the beautiful beaches of Sydney or the Gold Coast. But if you need to cool off, Melbourne does have some beaches that are great for a swim.
Brighton Beach has the famous colourful bathing boxes, and has calm waters – although the waves can come in when the weather gets a little wild.
St Kilda Beach is probably Melbourne’s most famous beach. With barely a wave to be seen, it’s popular with swimmers and kiteboarders. As soon as the weather starts warming up, the beach packs out, so come early to grab a spot for your towel.
Half Moon Bay is a little further out of the city, but more secluded. The crescent-shaped bay is a great spot for swimming.
Show your pride at Midsumma Festival
Midsumma is Melbourne’s premier queer arts festival, and over three weeks (from 17 January to 7 February 2027) you can enjoy theatre, cabaret, film, public forums and social events.
Opening the event on 17 January is Midsumma Carnival, with drag shows, the popular dog show, and food and drinks.
Sunday 31 January heralds Pride March, a colourful celebration that brings together around 40,000 people in St Kilda.
Check out the full program online when it’s available.
Cool down with some ice cream
I’ll eat ice cream no matter the weather, but in summer that icy cold treat tastes even more delicious.
Some of the best ice cream and gelato in Melbourne can be found at Pidapipó (the salted caramel is divine), Gelato Messina and Piccolina.
Hang out at the St Kilda Festival
St Kilda always has a festive vibe, so it’s no surprise that it’s hosted one of the city’s most beloved festivals for more than 40 years. St Kilda Festival is a celebration of community, summer and live music.
Sign up for updates on the website.
Eat your way through the Summer Night Market
Queen Vic Market’s Summer Night Market are one of Melbourne’s best traditions. In the warm summer evenings, enjoy an extravaganza of delicious food, entertainment and locally made goods.
Entry is free, and the market runs from 5 to 10pm each Wednesday evening. Stay tuned for dates.
Hit up a rooftop bar
At any hint of good weather, Melburnians head for the rooftop. Rooftop bars to be more specific.
Check out the views and brews at the best Melbourne rooftop bars, including Rooftop, Naked for Satan, Good Heavens, Johnny’s Green Room and Loop Bar.
See the finest fashion
The Melbourne Fashion Festival will return in 2027, with runway shows featuring Australia’s best designers, along with exhibitions, film screenings, shopping events and live entertainment.
If you like to get your hands dirty, try one of the workshops: make your own bucket hat, craft your own ring or learn how to up-cycle and repurpose used garments.
Listen to fashion experts discuss the latest trends in the industry, including topics on innovating for the future of fashion, sustainability and the ever-topical Oscars fashion.
Stay tuned for dates.
Splash around at a water park
Nothing says summer like a water slide, and luckily we have a few in and around Melbourne where you can escape the heat.
The biggest water theme park can be found in Geelong. Adventure Park has water splash zones, the Aqua Racer and the thrilling sounding Tsunami and Tornado. You can rent a cabana or sunbed to chill out on, and there are also plenty of rides that don’t come with water.
Gumbuya World is another huge theme park with water slides, a wave pool and a lazy river. It’s a 50-minute drive from the CBD.
Eat outdoors
Eat your way through Melbourne’s outdoor foodie playgrounds.
Grazeland in Spotswood is open Friday to Sunday. There are dozens of food trucks serving everything from Korean twist potatoes to African BBQ to burgers and fairy floss. There’s always live music every weekend and kid-friendly activities like face painting.
Over in the north, Welcome to Thornbury is food truck heaven, with seating for 1,500 people. Make your way through the food stalls, hang out in the beer garden and try your luck on the retro arcade games.
Final thoughts about summer in Melbourne
If you’re heading to Melbourne in summer, there’s so much to see and do here. With plenty of outdoor activities, bars, restaurants, festivals and events – plus many ways to escape the heat indoors – summer is a great time to visit Melbourne and see the city in all its splendour.
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Related posts
Before you go… you might like these summer in Melbourne articles:
- What’s on in Melbourne in December
- What’s on in Melbourne in January
- What’s on in Melbourne in February
Best Melbourne resources
- Check out my Melbourne travel guide for everything you need to know about planning a trip to Melbourne
- Look for flights to Melbourne on Skyscanner.
- Book accommodation on Booking.com or Expedia for your Melbourne trip. The Ovolo Laneways Hotel is a good choice in the CBD.
- You won’t really need a car in Melbourne, but if you do want to get out of the city, then rent a car through DiscoverCars.
- Pick up a copy of the Lonely Planet Pocket Melbourne to help plan your trip.
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