What’s On in January in Melbourne [Updated 2023]

January in Melbourne means summer is in full swing, with long, warm days and plenty of events going on around the city.

This is one of the busiest months for the tourist seasons, with visitors flocking to the city for the famous Australian Open tennis tournament.

But even if sporting events aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other activities in Melbourne in January to keep you busy!

Here’s a curated selection of some of the coolest must-dos happening this month!

Melbourne weather in January

The average temperature in Melbourne in January is between 19°C and 39°C during the day, with overnight temperatures between 10°C and 20°C.

There’s usually little rain, with just under 80mm falling last January throughout the entire month.

Check the forecast online.

Pack plenty of sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the hot sun!

You can also check out my full guide to summer in Melbourne.

Public holidays in Melbourne in January

There are two public holidays in January in Melbourne:

• New Year’s Day – this year celebrated on Monday 2 January
• Australia Day / Invasion Day – Thursday 26 January

School holidays are also underway until 29 January.

Major events and festivals in January

Check back regularly – I’ll keep this page updated as I hunt down more events!

Australian Open

Tennis greats from around the world converge in Melbourne to battle it out for the Australian Open title.

Midsumma Festival

Melbourne’s premier LGBTQI+ festival, ending with a Pride Parade.

Lunar New Year

Chinatown comes alive with traditional dances, music and food. There will also be events in Southbank.

Theatre, film and music

Hamilton

This is your last chance to see Hamilton, with the global sensation finishing up in Melbourne in January.

Share the Spirit festival

The 26th of January – Australia Day – is a painful day for many First Nations people. This year, the Share the Spirit festival brings together First Nations music, arts, craft and culture at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Performances are headlined by Dan Sultan.

Mary Poppins

It’s going to be supercalifragilisticexpialidocious in Melbourne with the arrival of everyone’s favourite nanny!

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

The new, cut-down version of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is now playing in one session.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, this musical has already been pretty popular. It’s on a limited season, ending in January.

Seven Methods of Killing Kylie Jenner

This comedic performance is getting rave reviews. It’s a “deep dive into the murky waters of colourism and the commodification of Black women.”

So Frenchy So Chic

Music, food and drinks – this one-day festival a must for any Francophile.

Harlem Nights: The Jazz Renaissance

Soul vocalist JJ Bailey croons her way through hits from Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holliday and Aretha Franklin accompanied by the bluesy-jazzy piano and guitar stylings of Gerry Nelson.

Museums and art

Rone

If you’ve never been in Flinders Street Station’s abandoned upstairs wing, now’s your chance, with Melbourne street artist Rone bringing his incredible art to this secret area.

Rone free exhibit

Can’t get tickets to Rone’s “Time” exhibit? No worries – he has a free installation at The Arts Centre, Without Darkness There is No Light.

Temple of Boom

Created by Adam Newman and Kelvin Tsang and an “evocative reimagining of The Parthenon on the Acropolis in Athens”, the Temple of Boom is the NGV Architecture Commission for 2022.

Experience the Dome Promenade

One of Melbourne’s most iconic buildings is opening a hidden part that hasn’t been open to the public in 100 years.

Alexander McQueen: Mind, Mythos, Muse

The NGV is the place to be to see the works of one of the world’s most influential and innovative fashion designers.

Brickvention

LEGO lovers will go wild over the original creations as Brickvention returns to Melbourne.

Monet & Friends at The Lume

Monet & Friends immerses visitors in French Impressionism at this digital gallery, which is enhanced with sound and aromas, creating a true sensory experience.

Thor: Love and Thunder at ACMI

Catch the incredible costumes and props worn by the all-star cast of Taika Waititi’s blockbuster Thor: Love and Thunder.

Sporting and outdoor events in Melbourne in January

Firefly Zipline

Snap on a harness and, sitting 6 metres above, whizz 130 metres across the Yarra River at up to 35 kilometres an hour for a fun day out with Firefly Zipline.

Summer Night Market at QVM

Queen Vic Market’s Summer Night Markets are back every Wednesday night from 23 November to 15 March, bringing an extravaganza of delicious food, entertainment and locally made goods.

Community festivals

Vida: Melbourne Latin Summer Festival

Discover Latin America through art, culture, food and entertainment in this fun weekend event.

What are you most excited to see and do in January in Melbourne?