Fall in Melbourne really signals a change in both temperature and the city’s mood. You’ll notice mild days that slowly cool off from March to May, with highs dropping from around 25°C to 15°C and lows shifting from about 14°C to 8°C.
This steady transition makes autumn one of the more comfortable times to check out the city, especially if you’re a fan of crisp mornings and evenings that feel just a bit chilly.
As the air cools, the skies get a little more unpredictable. Cloud cover thickens, and the chance of rain climbs as weeks pass, leaving parks and gardens looking especially green.
Daylight fades fast, so sunsets arrive earlier and evenings stretch out, adding a cozy vibe to Melbourne’s outdoor dining and cultural scene.
Wind patterns and sunshine hours also change, and you’ll feel the difference from one day to the next. These shifts, along with local variations across Victoria, make the season feel dynamic and never boring.
If you’re planning a trip or just curious, Melbourne’s fall weather gives you comfort mixed with some unpredictability—and honestly, that keeps things interesting.
Overview of Fall Weather in Melbourne
Fall in Melbourne ushers in cooler days, shorter daylight, and a steady increase in rainfall. Expect more clouds, less humidity, and a clear drop in both air and water temperatures as weeks go by.
Typical Fall Climate Patterns
Autumn weather in Melbourne shifts away from summer’s warmth toward the cooler conditions of winter. Skies that start mostly clear in March often turn overcast by late May.
Rainfall picks up as the season goes. Wet days almost double, from about 13% in early March to 28% at the end of May. Monthly rainfall climbs from roughly 1.2 inches to nearly 2 inches.
Daylight really drops off fast. You lose more than three hours of sun between early March and late May.
Earlier sunsets and later sunrises can change your plans for outdoor activities or travel.
Humidity stays low, and muggy days almost never happen. By late fall, the air feels crisp and dry, making it easy to enjoy being outside for hours.
Temperature Ranges in Autumn
Melbourne’s fall temperatures start off mild and then steadily slide down. Highs drop from about 77°F (25°C) in early March to around 58°F (14°C) by late May. Lows go from about 57°F (14°C) to 46°F (8°C).
Extreme temperatures don’t happen much. It’s rarely hotter than 91°F (33°C) or colder than 38°F (3°C) during these months.
Nights get cooler, but frost usually waits until later in the year.
Water temperatures fall too. The bay cools from about 68°F (20°C) in March to 58°F (14°C) in May, so swimming loses its appeal as autumn moves on.
These changes make autumn great for walking, sightseeing, and eating outdoors—as long as you bring a light jacket for later.
How Melbourne’s Weather Compares to Other Seasons
Compared to summer, fall feels less hot and far less humid. You don’t get those sudden heatwaves that can hit in January and February. Instead, things feel more stable and comfortably cool.
Winter is a different story. Highs stay closer to 55°F (13°C), and nights can drop near 43°F (6°C). Rain also picks up in winter, so fall feels drier by comparison.
Spring gets a bit wild with wind and sudden temperature swings. Autumn, on the other hand, is steadier, with a clear cooling trend and less drama.
If you’re visiting Victoria, autumn hits a sweet spot—cooler than summer, not as wet or cold as winter, and there’s still enough daylight for exploring.
Average Fall Temperatures
Fall brings a steady cooling trend as Melbourne moves from late summer warmth toward winter’s chill. You’ll spot shorter days, cooler nights, and bigger gaps between daytime highs and night lows.
Monthly Temperature Breakdown
March usually offers the warmest fall weather. Highs sit near 77°F (25°C), and lows hover around 57°F (14°C). It still feels a lot like summer, honestly.
By April, you’ll notice the cooling. Highs drop closer to 68°F (20°C), and lows fall to about 50°F (10°C). Evenings get chillier, and you’ll see more people reaching for jackets.
May is the coolest month of fall. Highs only reach 58°F (14°C), and lows dip to about 46°F (8°C). Mornings and nights can feel a bit wintry.
| Month | Avg. High | Avg. Low |
|---|---|---|
| March | 77°F / 25°C | 57°F / 14°C |
| April | 68°F / 20°C | 50°F / 10°C |
| May | 58°F / 14°C | 46°F / 8°C |
Daytime vs Nighttime Temperatures
Daytime temps in fall stay pretty mild, but nights cool down fast. In March, warm afternoons in the mid-70s°F can quickly turn chilly after sunset.
April brings a sharper difference. Afternoons are pleasant in the upper 60s°F, but after dark, temps can drop by nearly 20 degrees. If you’re out late, layering is key.
By May, nights feel cold compared to the day. Highs in the upper 50s°F let you enjoy being outdoors, but lows in the mid-40s°F can really bite if you’re not prepared.
Notable Temperature Swings
Melbourne’s weather is famous for quick changes, and fall really shows this off. Warm afternoons can turn into cool evenings fast, sometimes dropping 15–20 degrees in just a few hours.
Occasionally, March brings short bursts of heat, with highs above 85°F (29°C). These don’t last long, but they remind you summer isn’t that far behind.
By May, the swings go the other way. Cold snaps can bring mornings near 38°F (3°C), even if afternoons warm up to the mid-50s°F. This wide range makes fall one of the most unpredictable times of year for local temps.
Rainfall and Precipitation During Autumn
Melbourne gets steady rainfall in autumn, with totals that change a bit month to month but never really drop too low. You’ll see more cloudy days, and showers come pretty regularly rather than all at once.
Monthly Rainfall Averages
Rainfall in autumn is moderate compared to other parts of Victoria. March usually sees about 40 mm, April around 50–55 mm, and May close to 60 mm. These numbers come from decades of records.
Rainy days typically range from 9 to 12 per month. Even in March, the driest autumn month, you’ll still get light showers now and then. By May, rainfall picks up as winter gets closer.
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) | Rainy Days (avg.) |
|---|---|---|
| March | ~40 mm | 10 days |
| April | ~50–55 mm | 11 days |
| May | ~60 mm | 12 days |
While totals rise a bit later in the season, the rainfall stays pretty balanced across the three months.
Distribution and Frequency of Rain
Autumn rain usually falls as light or moderate showers, not heavy downpours. You’ll probably get short, passing rain bands more than long, soaking storms.
This pattern makes planning your day easier, since rain often clears within a few hours.
Cloud cover gets thicker from March into May. By late autumn, up to 45% of days are mostly cloudy. Still, you’ll catch regular breaks of sunshine between showers.
Rainfall spreads pretty evenly across the city, but eastern suburbs near the Dandenong Ranges might get a bit more. Western suburbs often see less, thanks to Melbourne’s quirky microclimates.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Autumn rainfall lands between the dry summer months and the wetter winter season. Summer usually brings less than 40 mm per month, while winter averages jump above 60–70 mm. Autumn acts as a bridge, with rain building up as winter approaches.
Spring can bring sudden storms and stronger winds, but autumn rain is more predictable. You won’t often deal with severe weather, but you should still expect regular light showers.
Compared to other spots in Victoria, Melbourne’s autumn rainfall is moderate. The coast to the east gets more, and inland areas can be much drier. Overall, Melbourne’s autumn is mild and manageable, whether you live there or you’re just visiting.
Wind, Sunshine, and Other Weather Factors
Melbourne’s fall weather brings steady winds, shorter daylight hours, and less humidity. These factors really shape how it feels outside and can affect everything from sightseeing to gardening.
Typical Wind Speeds and Patterns
Wind speeds in fall usually hover around 9 miles per hour (14 km/h). Day-to-day changes aren’t huge, with the calmest days at about 8.6 mph and the windiest close to 10.5 mph.
Wind direction shifts as fall moves on. Early in the season, winds come from the south, bringing in cool air from the sea. By late April and May, winds swing more northerly and can carry drier air from inland.
If you’re planning to be outside, these changes matter. Southerly breezes can feel cold by the bay, while northerly winds are warmer and drier. Compared to global weather, Melbourne’s fall winds are moderate and rarely get wild, so most people find them manageable.
Hours of Sunlight
Daylight drops off fast as fall heads toward winter. In early March, you get nearly 13 hours of light, but by late May, you’re down to less than 10 hours. On average, you lose about 2 minutes of daylight per day.
The earliest sunsets hit near the end of May around 5:09 PM, while in early March, the sun doesn’t set until close to 8:00 PM. Sunrise shifts too, from about 6:40 AM in March to after 7:30 AM in April, before daylight saving ends.
This shrinking daylight window can change your plans. Shorter evenings mean less time for outdoor dining or sightseeing, so you’ll want to start activities earlier. Melbourne’s daylight loss is pretty sharp compared to other places at similar latitudes.
Humidity and Atmospheric Pressure
Humidity in fall usually feels pretty comfortable. The chance of muggy weather drops from about 3% in early March to almost 0% by late May. Dew points average in the 50s°F (10–15°C), so the air stays dry and crisp.
Atmospheric pressure stays mostly steady, though passing weather systems can shake things up for a day or two. You might notice pressure dips when rain rolls in, followed by clearer, high-pressure days.
For most travelers, the dry air is a relief—you almost never have to deal with sticky or oppressive conditions. Melbourne’s fall humidity is low, which a lot of people find refreshing compared to tropical regions.
Regional Variations in Melbourne and Victoria
Weather in Melbourne shifts depending on where you are in the city, and it changes again as you move across Victoria. Local geography, distance from the coast, and elevation all play a part in how you’ll experience fall temperatures, rainfall, and cloud cover.
Differences Across Melbourne Suburbs
You’ll notice inner-city suburbs like Carlton or Southbank usually stay a bit warmer than the outer suburbs. Built-up areas hang onto heat longer, so nights in the city center tend to feel milder than in places out on the fringe, like Lilydale or Sunbury.
Closer to Port Phillip Bay, suburbs such as St Kilda or Brighton often feel more humid. Breezes off the water help keep daytime highs in check.
Inland suburbs, away from the bay, cool down faster at night. You’ll really feel the difference after sunset.
Rainfall isn’t the same everywhere, either. Western suburbs like Werribee usually get less rain, while eastern areas near the Dandenong Ranges see more frequent showers.
That can make a difference if you’re planning outdoor activities or hoping to get some gardening done.
| Suburb Area | Typical Fall Traits |
|---|---|
| Inner-city | Warmer nights, less rainfall |
| Bayside | Mild days, higher humidity |
| Eastern | Cooler, wetter conditions |
| Western | Drier, sunnier days |
Weather in Greater Victoria During Fall
Once you leave Melbourne, the weather across Victoria really starts to change up. Coastal towns like Geelong or Warrnambool get milder temperatures, and sea breezes help keep things pretty steady.
Inland spots such as Ballarat or Bendigo cool off much faster. Nights can feel surprisingly cold.
The northeast, especially around Bright and the Alpine region, gets some of Victoria’s coldest fall nights. Higher elevations here often dip below 5°C, and rain falls more often compared to the plains.
Meanwhile, the northwest near Mildura stays much drier. Daytime temperatures run warmer, and rainfall totals are among the lowest in Victoria during fall.
You might need a light jacket along the coast, heavier layers in the ranges, and don’t forget sun protection if you’re heading to the drier northwest.
Travel Tips for Experiencing Fall in Melbourne
In Melbourne, temperatures drop steadily from warm to cool. Days get shorter, with more clouds and the occasional rain.
If you pack smart and plan your activities around the season’s mild weather, you’ll enjoy your trip a lot more.
What to Pack for Autumn Weather
Autumn in Melbourne usually brings daytime highs in the upper teens to low 20s °C (mid-60s °F). Evenings can drop closer to 10 °C (50 °F).
Since temperatures shift during the day, you’ll want to pack clothes that are easy to layer.
Bring a light jacket or sweater for those cooler mornings and evenings. A water-resistant coat or compact umbrella comes in handy, as showers can pop up.
Comfortable walking shoes are a must. You might find yourself dodging puddles or walking on damp park paths.
Consider packing:
- Short-sleeve shirts for those mild afternoons
- Long-sleeve tops for chillier days
- Scarf or light gloves if you get cold easily
- Compact umbrella for sudden showers
Melbourne’s weather can change on a dime, so having flexible clothing options will help you stay comfortable all day long.
Best Outdoor Activities in Fall
Autumn really feels like the perfect time to get outside in Melbourne. The parks and gardens come alive with color, and there’s just something about that crisp air.
I love wandering through the Royal Botanic Gardens or Carlton Gardens. The leaves change in a way that makes every walk or photo feel a bit magical.
If you’re up for more adventure, check out the Yarra River trails. Or maybe take a day trip to the Dandenong Ranges—the views in fall are honestly stunning.
Cycling and walking tours around the city center feel so much better with the mild weather. It’s not too hot, not too cold, so you can actually enjoy being outdoors.
You’ll probably stumble across outdoor food markets or the Melbourne International Comedy Festival too. These events pop up all season, mixing culture and fresh air.
Autumn in Melbourne gives you just the right balance—more daylight than winter, but without summer’s heat. It’s hard not to want to be outside.