Your Ultimate Guide to Summer in Melbourne — 2026
When December rolls around and the temperature climbs, Melbourne transforms into one of Australia's most vibrant summer destinations. With endless sunshine and world-class events, summer in Melbourne offers experiences you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.
Whether you're planning your first visit or you're a seasoned traveller looking to rediscover the city, here's everything you need to know about making the most of the summer season in Melbourne.
Unlike the predictable heat of other Australian cities, Melbourne's summer has personality: you might start your day in balmy 28°C sunshine, experience a dramatic afternoon cool change, then enjoy a perfect 24°C evening.
The long summer days stretch well into the evening, with sunset often occurring after 8:30 pm in January. This extended daylight creates the perfect backdrop for spontaneous adventures, whether that's a last-minute beach visit or catching the golden hour at a rooftop bar.
The UV index can also be intense, so locals know to slip, slop, slap (but more on that later).
Here’s just some of the best summer activities to do in Melbourne.
Credit: VisitVictoria
No Melbourne summer is complete without beach time, and you're spoiled for choice. St Kilda Beach serves up the quintessential Melbourne beach experience. Think iconic pier, palm-lined promenade, and that perfect blend of relaxation and energy.
Watch the sunrise from the breakwater, spot penguins at dusk, or simply claim your patch of sand and soak up the atmosphere.
Brighton Beach brings a different vibe with its famous colourful bathing boxes: 82 of them are lined up like a rainbow along the shore. It's more family-friendly and slightly calmer than St Kilda, perfect for a leisurely day of swimming and fish and chips.
Both beaches are easily accessible from the city and offer that authentic Australian summer experience of sand, surf, and endless blue skies.
Credit: VisitVictoria
The river precinct comes alive with summer activities that make the most of Melbourne's natural waterway.
Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and explore the city from water level. Paddling past the botanical gardens as the afternoon sun filters through the trees is genuinely special.
The riverside paths are perfect for cycling or running during the cooler morning hours, and the numerous riverside dining spots offer the ideal setting for long, lazy lunches.
Consider a sunset river cruise to see the city skyline light up as day turns to evening, or pack a picnic and claim a spot along the banks at Birrarung Marr or Herring Island.
Melbourne's rooftop bar scene also truly shines during summer. From the sophisticated elegance of Her Rooftop to the bohemian open-air vibes of Loop Roof, watching the sunset from above the city with a cold drink in hand is the definition of Melbourne summer living.
Rooftop Cinema and Moonlight Cinema offer outdoor screenings throughout the season. Arrive early to secure bean bags, grab a picnic basket from the on-site bars, and settle in for cult classics or new releases with the city skyline as your backdrop.
The festival lineup is stacked with must-see events. Laneway Festival brings cutting-edge international and local acts to the city, while Midsumma Festival celebrates LGBTQIA+ arts and culture across three weeks of performances, exhibitions, and parties.
Whether you're a sports fanatic, music lover, or art enthusiast, these marquee events showcase Melbourne at its most vibrant and welcoming. Here are the can't-miss highlights that make summer in Melbourne truly unforgettable.
Credit: Aaron Francis from VisitVictoria
The Australian Open transforms Melbourne Park into the centre of the tennis universe every January. Even if you're not a massive tennis fan, the atmosphere during the Open is electric: champion players, passionate crowds, and that uniquely Australian camaraderie.
Beyond the matches, the precinct offers live music, food stalls, and giant screens for those without court tickets.
The tournament coincides with the height of summer, creating perfect conditions for tennis (though sometimes too perfect when temperatures soar into the 40s). Attracting over half a million visitors annually, it’s among the best things to do in summer in Melbourne.
From the main stage featuring major Australian acts to smaller stages showcasing emerging artists, the festival offers something for everyone against the stunning backdrop of Port Phillip Bay.
With food trucks, art installations, and that unmissable beach-festival atmosphere, it's a brilliant way to experience both Melbourne's music scene and its beloved beach culture in one sun-soaked afternoon.
Credit: @moombafestival
Melbourne's largest free community festival brings summer to a spectacular close from March 5-9 with four days of carnival rides, water sports on the Yarra, live performances, and the famous Moomba Parade.
Don't miss the hilariously spectacular Birdman Rally, where brave (or foolish) competitors launch themselves over the Yarra in homemade flying machines, all in the name of charity.
Hydration is also crucial. Carry a water bottle and refill at the numerous public fountains around the city.
Seek shade during peak UV hours (11 am–3 pm) when possible, and don't underestimate how quickly you can burn, even on overcast days.
Many beaches and parks have shaded areas, and a light, long-sleeved linen shirt can be more comfortable than constantly reapplying sunscreen.
The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) offers cool, cultured relief with its impressive collections and blockbuster exhibitions. The Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) provides air-conditioned exploration of film and digital culture.
Melbourne's laneway cafés offer cool escapes with excellent coffee, while the State Library Victoria’s reading room and Melbourne Central’s shopping precinct provide air-conditioned respite.
Our recommendations? Start your beach day early: arrive before 9 am for stunning light, smaller crowds, and bearable temperatures. Save intense walking tours and outdoor sightseeing for early morning or late afternoon.
When you're planning days that might include the Australian Open, a beach afternoon, and dinner at a rooftop bar, having a well-located base where you can refresh between adventures makes all the difference.
Dorsett Melbourne positions you perfectly for summer’s best experiences in 2026.
Situated in the heart of the CBD on Lonsdale Street, you're minutes from Southern Cross Station, making beach runs to St Kilda effortless. The Yarra River precinct is a short walk away, while the city's rooftop bars and laneways are right on your doorstep.
After sun-filled days exploring the city, quality air conditioning and comfortable rooms aren't just nice to have: they're essential. Dorsett Melbourne delivers that cool relief, plus an indoor pool for when you need to beat the heat without leaving the building.
The hotel's proximity to Queen Victoria Market (perfect for stocking up on fresh produce for beach picnics) and easy access to the free tram zone makes exploring effortless. This central location means less time in transit and more time exploring the best of Melbourne.
With major events selling out fast and accommodation filling up during peak summer months, securing your spot early means you'll have one less thing to worry about, and more time to plan the experiences that will make your summer unforgettable.
Whether you're planning your first visit or you're a seasoned traveller looking to rediscover the city, here's everything you need to know about making the most of the summer season in Melbourne.
What Summer in Melbourne Feels Like
Every Melburnian embraces the warm weather with an infectious enthusiasm, knowing these precious months are perfect for beach swims before work, twilight cricket in the park, and outdoor cinema under the stars.Why Locals Love the Summer Season
The summer season in Melbourne brings out the city's best side: vibrant, social, and unapologetically fun. It's when the cultural calendar explodes, outdoor venues open their doors, and the entire city seems to operate on holiday mode, even on weekdays.Typical Weather and Temperatures
Hot weather in Melbourne ranges from warm to genuinely scorching, with temperatures typically sitting between 25–35°C throughout the Australian summer months of December, January, and February.Unlike the predictable heat of other Australian cities, Melbourne's summer has personality: you might start your day in balmy 28°C sunshine, experience a dramatic afternoon cool change, then enjoy a perfect 24°C evening.
The long summer days stretch well into the evening, with sunset often occurring after 8:30 pm in January. This extended daylight creates the perfect backdrop for spontaneous adventures, whether that's a last-minute beach visit or catching the golden hour at a rooftop bar.
The UV index can also be intense, so locals know to slip, slop, slap (but more on that later).
Best Things to Do in Melbourne This Summer
Melbourne's summer offerings are as diverse as the city itself, from sun-soaked beachdays to cultural experiences, riverside adventures and late-night entertainment.Here’s just some of the best summer activities to do in Melbourne.
Beach Days at St Kilda and Brighton
Credit: VisitVictoria
No Melbourne summer is complete without beach time, and you're spoiled for choice. St Kilda Beach serves up the quintessential Melbourne beach experience. Think iconic pier, palm-lined promenade, and that perfect blend of relaxation and energy.
Watch the sunrise from the breakwater, spot penguins at dusk, or simply claim your patch of sand and soak up the atmosphere.
Brighton Beach brings a different vibe with its famous colourful bathing boxes: 82 of them are lined up like a rainbow along the shore. It's more family-friendly and slightly calmer than St Kilda, perfect for a leisurely day of swimming and fish and chips.
Both beaches are easily accessible from the city and offer that authentic Australian summer experience of sand, surf, and endless blue skies.
Adventures Along the Yarra River
Credit: VisitVictoria
The river precinct comes alive with summer activities that make the most of Melbourne's natural waterway.
Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and explore the city from water level. Paddling past the botanical gardens as the afternoon sun filters through the trees is genuinely special.
The riverside paths are perfect for cycling or running during the cooler morning hours, and the numerous riverside dining spots offer the ideal setting for long, lazy lunches.
Consider a sunset river cruise to see the city skyline light up as day turns to evening, or pack a picnic and claim a spot along the banks at Birrarung Marr or Herring Island.
Night Markets, Rooftop Bars, and Open-Air Entertainment
The Queen Victoria Night Market is a summer institution. Held every Wednesday evening, it's a sensory feast of street food, crafts, live music, and palpable energy. Grab Vietnamese pancakes, browse handmade jewellery, and soak up the atmosphere.Melbourne's rooftop bar scene also truly shines during summer. From the sophisticated elegance of Her Rooftop to the bohemian open-air vibes of Loop Roof, watching the sunset from above the city with a cold drink in hand is the definition of Melbourne summer living.
Rooftop Cinemas and Unmissable Music Festivals
Summer activities don't get better than watching a movie under the stars.Rooftop Cinema and Moonlight Cinema offer outdoor screenings throughout the season. Arrive early to secure bean bags, grab a picnic basket from the on-site bars, and settle in for cult classics or new releases with the city skyline as your backdrop.
The festival lineup is stacked with must-see events. Laneway Festival brings cutting-edge international and local acts to the city, while Midsumma Festival celebrates LGBTQIA+ arts and culture across three weeks of performances, exhibitions, and parties.
Major Summer Events in Melbourne
Melbourne's summer calendar is legendary, packed with events that draw visitors from across Australia and around the world. These cultural moments are what defines the city's identity and create that unmissable summer buzz.Whether you're a sports fanatic, music lover, or art enthusiast, these marquee events showcase Melbourne at its most vibrant and welcoming. Here are the can't-miss highlights that make summer in Melbourne truly unforgettable.
Australian Open: Tennis Fever in January
Credit: Aaron Francis from VisitVictoria
The Australian Open transforms Melbourne Park into the centre of the tennis universe every January. Even if you're not a massive tennis fan, the atmosphere during the Open is electric: champion players, passionate crowds, and that uniquely Australian camaraderie.
Beyond the matches, the precinct offers live music, food stalls, and giant screens for those without court tickets.
The tournament coincides with the height of summer, creating perfect conditions for tennis (though sometimes too perfect when temperatures soar into the 40s). Attracting over half a million visitors annually, it’s among the best things to do in summer in Melbourne.
St Kilda Festival: Music by the Bay
Australia's largest free music festival takes over St Kilda's foreshore every February, drawing massive crowds for a celebration of local talent across multiple stages.From the main stage featuring major Australian acts to smaller stages showcasing emerging artists, the festival offers something for everyone against the stunning backdrop of Port Phillip Bay.
With food trucks, art installations, and that unmissable beach-festival atmosphere, it's a brilliant way to experience both Melbourne's music scene and its beloved beach culture in one sun-soaked afternoon.
Moomba Festival: Summer's Grand Finale
Credit: @moombafestival
Melbourne's largest free community festival brings summer to a spectacular close from March 5-9 with four days of carnival rides, water sports on the Yarra, live performances, and the famous Moomba Parade.
Don't miss the hilariously spectacular Birdman Rally, where brave (or foolish) competitors launch themselves over the Yarra in homemade flying machines, all in the name of charity.
Tips for Enjoying Melbourne's Hot Weather
With all these incredible summer activities on offer, you'll want to make sure you're prepared to enjoy them comfortably and safely. Take these tips from the locals if you want to truly enjoy your time in Melbourne in 2026.Stay Cool and Sun-Safe
Melbourne's summer sun is powerful, so sun safety isn't optional. Quality sunscreen (SPF 50+), a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses are your essential accessories. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially after swimming.Hydration is also crucial. Carry a water bottle and refill at the numerous public fountains around the city.
Seek shade during peak UV hours (11 am–3 pm) when possible, and don't underestimate how quickly you can burn, even on overcast days.
Many beaches and parks have shaded areas, and a light, long-sleeved linen shirt can be more comfortable than constantly reapplying sunscreen.
Best Indoor Escapes for Hot Days
When the temperature exceeds 35°C (and occasionally pushes toward 40°C), Melbourne's world-class indoor attractions become especially appealing.The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) offers cool, cultured relief with its impressive collections and blockbuster exhibitions. The Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) provides air-conditioned exploration of film and digital culture.
Melbourne's laneway cafés offer cool escapes with excellent coffee, while the State Library Victoria’s reading room and Melbourne Central’s shopping precinct provide air-conditioned respite.
When to Explore for Comfortable Weather
Many locals structure their summer days around the heat. Early morning is best for intense activities, while the afternoon (when the sun is at its peak) is reserved for indoor retreats. Evening adventures resume as the temperature drops.Our recommendations? Start your beach day early: arrive before 9 am for stunning light, smaller crowds, and bearable temperatures. Save intense walking tours and outdoor sightseeing for early morning or late afternoon.
Where to Stay for the Perfect Summer Experience
When you're planning days that might include the Australian Open, a beach afternoon, and dinner at a rooftop bar, having a well-located base where you can refresh between adventures makes all the difference.
Dorsett Melbourne positions you perfectly for summer’s best experiences in 2026.
Situated in the heart of the CBD on Lonsdale Street, you're minutes from Southern Cross Station, making beach runs to St Kilda effortless. The Yarra River precinct is a short walk away, while the city's rooftop bars and laneways are right on your doorstep.
After sun-filled days exploring the city, quality air conditioning and comfortable rooms aren't just nice to have: they're essential. Dorsett Melbourne delivers that cool relief, plus an indoor pool for when you need to beat the heat without leaving the building.
The hotel's proximity to Queen Victoria Market (perfect for stocking up on fresh produce for beach picnics) and easy access to the free tram zone makes exploring effortless. This central location means less time in transit and more time exploring the best of Melbourne.
Make Dorsett Melbourne Your Summer Home Base
Book your Dorsett Melbourne stay for summer 2026 and wake up steps away from Melbourne’s best seasonal experiences.With major events selling out fast and accommodation filling up during peak summer months, securing your spot early means you'll have one less thing to worry about, and more time to plan the experiences that will make your summer unforgettable.
