January in Melbourne means summer is in full swing, with long, hot days and plenty of events going on around the city.
This is one of the busiest months of the year, 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.
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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 – although last January was one of the wettest Januarys on record, with more than 108mm of rainfall throughout the 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 – Wednesday 1 January
- Australia Day / Invasion Day – Sunday 26 January, with the public holiday falling on Monday 27 January
School holidays are also underway until 30 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.
Dates: 6-26 January
Where: Various sporting locations in the CBD
Cost: Tickets from $10
More info: Australian Open website
Midsumma Festival
Melbourne’s premier LGBTQI+ festival, ending with a Pride Parade.
Dates: 19 January-9 February
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free
More info: Midsumma Festival website
Theatre, film and music
The Wind in the Willows
The Australian Shakespeare Company brings back this classic play to the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Dates: Until 25 January
Where: Royal Botanic Gardens
Cost: From $30
More info: Website
Alice in Wonderland
Tumble down the rabbit hole with the beloved children’s story.
Dates: Until 19 January
Where: The Capitol Theatre
Cost: From $38.50
More info: Website
Tina: Tina Turner the Musical
The life of the Queen of Rock ‘n Roll on stage – with all the hits you know.
Dates: Throughout January
Where: Princess Theatre
Cost: From $56
More info: Website
Sister Act
The global smash hit musical stars Casey Donovan as Deloris Van Cartier and brings the incredible soundtrack you know from the film.
Dates: Throughout January
Where: Regent Theatre
Cost: From $99
More info: Website
Candelight Concert Series with Fever
Fever brings their stunning candlelit concerts to venues across Melbourne. There’s everything from the Best of Frank Sinatra and Fleetwood Mac to tributes to Queen and Beyonce.
Dates: Various dates in January
Where: Various venues
Cost: From $27
More info: Website
Beauty and the Beast
The much-loved classic tale comes to the stage in a spectacular performance.
Dates: Throughout January
Where: Her Majesty’s Theatre
Cost: From $80
More info: Website
The Fans Strike Back
Immerse yourself in a galaxy far, far away with this huge collection of items from the Famous Saga.
Dates: Throughout January
Where: The District Docklands
Cost: From $39
More info: Website
Melbourne Magic Show
Have your mind blown by the magic and illusion of Master Magician Luke Hocking.
Dates: Throughout January
Where: Melbourne Marriott Hotel
Cost: From $39.95
More info: Website
Museums and art
Yayoi Kusama exhibition
Distinctive, bold and colourful are words often used to describe 95-year-old Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama’s works. And now you can see them for yourself at this stunning exhibition at the NGV.
Dates: Throughout January
Where: NGV
Cost: From $34
More info: Website
The Art of Banksy: Without Limits
The Art of Banksy: Without Limits features more than 180 artworks, such as certified art, prints on different kinds of materials, photos, sculptures, installations, digital installations, murals and mapping shows.
Dates: Throughout January
Where: The District Docklands
Cost: From $41
More info: Website
Van Gogh at The Lume
This summer will see the return of The Lume’s inaugural exhibition, centred on Van Gogh. This is also the last season of The Lume, so go see it while you can.
Dates: Throughout January
Where: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Cost: From $49.90
More info: Website
Melbourne Out Loud: Life Through the Lens of Rennie Ellis
Known for his uncanny ability to slip into all kinds of social circles, this collection from photographer Rennie Ellis are a portrait of Melbourne.
Dates: Throughout January
Where: State Library of Victoria
Cost: Free
More info: Website
Cats and Dogs
Whether you’re a cat person or a dog person, animal lovers will enjoy this new exhibition at the NGV that explores humanity’s deep connection to these animals.
Dates: Throughout January
Where: NGV Australia
Cost: From $13
More info: Website
Ocean Photographer of the Year
Discover some of the most breathtaking images of our oceans – and learn more about why we need to protect them.
Dates: From 29 January
Where: Seaworks
Cost: TBC
More info: Website
Planetarium Nights
Head to Scienceworks for an adults-only, after dark experience. January’s events include Capturing the Cosmos (a guided tour of the vast and incredible Universe in a presenter-led show) and Space Rock Symphony (a surreal journey through space accompanied by a symphonic orchestra).
Dates: Friday nights throughout January (except 31 Jan)
Where: Scienceworks
Cost: Tickets from $25
More info: Website
Monopoly Dreams
Immerse yourself in giant Monopoly sets, win prizes and – most importantly – stay out of jail!
Dates: Throughout January
Where: Melbourne Central
Cost: From $49.50
More info: Website
Experience the Dome Promenade
One of Melbourne’s most iconic buildings has opened a hidden part that hasn’t been accessible to the public for 100 years.
Dates: Various dates in January
Where: Royal Exhibition Building
Cost: From $29 for adults
More info: Website
Food and drink events in Melbourne in January
Summer Night Market at QVM
Queen Vic Market’s Summer Night Market are back every Wednesday night, bringing an extravaganza of delicious food, entertainment and locally made goods.
Dates: Wednesday nights throughout January, 5-10pm (except 1 January)
Where: Queen Victoria Market
Cost: Free entry
More info: Website
Community festivals
Open Air at the Square
Throughout summer, Fed Square will have tonnes of live music and films on the big screen.
Dates: Throughout January
Where: Fed Square
Cost: Free
More info: Website
Vida: Melbourne Latin Summer Festival
Discover Latin America through art, culture, food and entertainment in this fun weekend event.
Dates: 10-12 January
Where: Tom’s Block, King’s Domain
Cost: Free
More info: Website
Share the Spirit
Enjoy live music, food and more on this family-friendly day that celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Dates: 26 January
Where: Treasury Gardens
Cost: Free
What are you most excited to see and do in January in Melbourne?
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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.