Christmas in Melbourne never brings snow or icy winds. You’ll get mild to warm days, cool evenings, and a mix of sunshine with the chance of a few passing showers.
Average daytime temperatures hover around 24°C, while nights cool to about 13°C. This makes the holiday season pretty comfortable for outdoor gatherings and festive events.
You’ll notice December weather in Melbourne feels pretty changeable. A warm afternoon might shift to a breezy evening, and light rain can show up without sticking around for long.
About nine days of rain dot the month, but there’s still plenty of sunshine. Conditions usually stay pleasant and manageable.
This balance of warmth, breezes, and moderate rainfall gives Christmas in the city its own vibe. Maybe you’ll barbecue in the park, catch a cricket match, or head to the coast. The weather lets you celebrate the season in a relaxed, flexible way.
Overview of Melbourne’s December Climate
December kicks off summer in Melbourne, Victoria. You’ll see mild to warm days, cooler evenings, and a mix of sunshine and light rainfall.
Outdoor activities feel easy, but Melbourne’s variable climate means you should stay ready for quick temperature and weather changes.
Typical Temperature Ranges
During December, daytime temperatures usually hit 23–25°C (73–77°F). On hotter days, the mercury can jump above 30°C (86°F), while cooler days linger closer to the low 20s.
Nights often cool to about 12–14°C (54–57°F), so evenings can feel crisp compared to the afternoons.
The difference between day and night averages around 10°C. Pack light summer clothes, but don’t forget a sweater or jacket for after sunset.
Extreme heat pops up less often in December than in January or February. Sometimes you’ll get a quick spike into the mid-30s °C (mid-90s °F), but these hot spells never last long and are usually followed by a cooler change.
Humidity Levels and Sunshine Hours
Humidity in December averages about 45–50%, which is pretty comfortable compared to tropical parts of Australia. The air doesn’t usually feel sticky, but dry winds can make things feel warmer than the numbers say.
Rainfall is moderate, with 55–65 mm spread over 8–11 days in the month. Showers come and go quickly, so you’ll see more dry days than wet ones.
December brings lots of sunshine. Melbourne gets about 7–8 hours of sun per day, totaling 260–270 hours for the month. This makes it one of the brighter times of year, perfect for sightseeing, eating outdoors, or heading to local parks and beaches.
Seasonal Daylight Patterns
December brings Melbourne’s longest days. Around Christmas, you’ll get about 14 hours and 40 minutes of daylight each day.
Sunrises come early, usually before 6 a.m., and sunsets stretch past 8:30 p.m.
These long days give you plenty of time to explore the city or head out to surrounding areas. Walking along the Yarra River, visiting the Royal Botanic Gardens, or taking a trip to the coast all fit easily into your schedule.
Long evenings mean temperatures drop slowly after sunset, so you can dine outside or catch events without piling on heavy layers. This mix of warmth and daylight makes December a practical and enjoyable time to be in Melbourne.
Christmas Week Weather Patterns
Late December in Melbourne feels like real summer. Temperatures rise, rainfall can pop up but isn’t constant, and winds might shift quickly.
You should expect warm afternoons, cooler evenings, and occasional showers thanks to the city’s variable coastal climate.
Average Highs and Lows Around Christmas
Melbourne’s Christmas week usually reflects early summer. Afternoon highs often hit 21–24°C (70–75°F), while overnight lows drop to around 13–15°C (55–59°F).
These averages can swing a bit. Some recent Christmas Days ranged from 17°C on a cooler year to 27°C on a hotter one. Melbourne’s weather, honestly, can be unpredictable even during the same week.
Mornings start mild and warm up steadily. If you’re heading outdoors, dress in light layers so you can adjust as things shift.
Evenings may feel cooler than you’d expect, especially near the bay or in open areas.
Rainfall Probability During Christmas
Rainfall in December stays moderate compared to Melbourne’s wetter months. On average, the city gets about 58 mm of rain across 10 days during the month.
You might run into light showers, but long stretches of heavy rain rarely happen.
During Christmas week, the chance of rain lands between 30–40% on any given day. Showers tend to be brief and scattered. Melbourne’s quick weather changes mean you should keep a small umbrella or light rain jacket handy.
Humidity levels stay moderate, so rain doesn’t usually feel oppressive. If you’re planning outdoor activities like beach trips or barbecues, check the daily forecast since things can change fast.
Rain rarely ruins plans completely, but it might cause short interruptions.
Wind Conditions in Late December
Melbourne’s coastal setting shapes winds in late December. Average speeds range from 15–20 km/h (9–12 mph), with stronger gusts possible in the afternoons.
Most days, a southerly sea breeze rolls in after midday, bringing cooler air from Port Phillip Bay.
These breezes often feel like relief on hot days, but they can be brisk near the shoreline. Mornings are usually calmer, making them good for hot air ballooning or cycling.
Sometimes, northerly winds show up and quickly raise temperatures, creating drier conditions. This shift can make afternoons feel warmer and less comfortable if you’re outside without shade.
Rainfall and Precipitation Trends
Melbourne’s December climate brings moderate rainfall—a mix of dry days, brief showers, and the occasional thunderstorm. You’ll notice variability, but December sits right in the middle for yearly precipitation.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
December averages about 60 mm of rainfall, which is close to Melbourne’s monthly norm. Annual totals land near 690 mm, spread fairly evenly across the year.
Unlike tropical climates, Melbourne doesn’t have a real monsoon or wet season.
Rainfall in December is less than the peak months of September or October, when totals can reach 65–70 mm. It’s higher than March, the driest month at around 40 mm.
Here’s a quick look at average monthly rainfall:
| Month | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| March | ~40 |
| September | ~69 |
| December | ~60 |
You should expect a moderate chance of rain, but not the kind of heavy downpours that disrupt most outdoor plans.
Rainy Days Frequency
December brings about 8–10 rainy days on average in Melbourne. Rainfall is usually light to moderate, with only short-lived heavier bursts.
Since totals spread across the month, you’re more likely to see quick interruptions than all-day rain.
Other months show a similar pattern. September also averages around 10 rainy days, but with a bit more rain overall. March, though drier in volume, still has a similar number of days with some rain.
So, Melbourne’s December climate is less about long wet spells and more about scattered showers. Planning outdoor activities is still practical, but carrying an umbrella or light rain jacket makes sense.
Thunderstorms and Short Showers
December kicks off Melbourne’s summer, and sometimes you’ll get occasional afternoon thunderstorms. These storms are usually short and local, often forming on warmer days when humidity rises.
Thunderstorms don’t show up as often or as intensely as in tropical places, but you might see a few during the month. They usually pass quickly and leave clearer skies behind.
Short showers happen more often than long rain. These can pop up suddenly, especially in the afternoon, before sunshine returns.
You should expect some variability—weather can shift from dry to wet within a single day.
This mix of sunshine, passing showers, and the odd storm pretty much defines Melbourne’s December precipitation pattern.
Wind and Weather Variability
Around Christmas, Melbourne’s weather gives you warm days, sea breezes, and sometimes gusty changes. Winds really shape how hot or cool the city feels, and sudden shifts can mess with your comfort, travel, or outdoor plans.
Prevailing Wind Directions
In late December, winds usually blow from the south and southeast in Melbourne, especially in the afternoons. These breezes come in from Port Phillip Bay and help cool the city after hot mornings.
Sometimes, northerly winds roll in from inland Victoria. These winds raise temperatures fast and bring dry air, making days feel hotter and increasing fire risk nearby.
You’ll also notice westerly and southwesterly winds when weak fronts pass through. These can bring cooler, moist air and cloud cover, balancing out the summer heat.
Honestly, the wind direction really changes how your day feels. Northerlies can make Melbourne feel harsh and dry, while a southerly breeze brings a welcome break.
Typical Wind Speeds
Average wind speeds around Christmas in Melbourne run from 15 to 25 km/h. That’s usually pretty manageable and can be a relief on warm days.
But gusts sometimes shoot past 40 km/h when a cool change or thunderstorm blows through. This happens a lot in summer and can make outdoor activities trickier.
Coastal suburbs like St Kilda or Brighton get stronger breezes than sheltered inland areas. If you’re planning time near the bay, expect more wind—sailing, kiteboarding, or even a picnic could feel different.
In the city center, tall buildings create wind tunnels. Streets like Collins Street and Bourke Street often get stronger gusts than open areas, so walking there can feel pretty different from the suburbs.
Sudden Weather Changes
Melbourne is famous for quick shifts in weather, especially in summer. A hot, dry northerly might rule the morning, only to be replaced by a cool change from the south in the afternoon.
These changes can drop temperatures by more than 10°C within an hour. Along with the sudden cool-down, you might get short bursts of rain, more clouds, or gusty winds.
Thunderstorms sometimes pop up during these transitions. They don’t happen every day, but when they do, expect heavy rain and brief, strong gusts that can affect outdoor events or transport.
Because of all this variability, it’s smart to carry a light jacket even on hot days. Checking the Bureau of Meteorology’s updates before heading out can help you avoid getting caught off guard.
Comparing Melbourne’s Christmas Weather to Other Seasons
Christmas in Melbourne falls right at the start of summer, so you get warm days, mild nights, and plenty of daylight. The conditions are different from the cooler, wetter months, and sometimes you’ll see sharp swings in temperature that shape your outdoor plans.
Differences from Winter and Spring
If you compare Christmas to winter in Melbourne, the differences stand out. In July, the coldest month, average highs sit around 12–13°C (54–56°F) with plenty of rain and overcast skies.
By December, highs climb to 23–24°C (73–75°F), and nights feel much milder at about 13°C (55°F).
Spring, from September to November, brings a gradual warm-up. September averages 16°C (61°F) during the day, while November reaches 21–22°C (70–72°F). Rainfall drops compared to winter, but spring can still surprise you with sudden showers and gusty winds.
By Christmas, you enjoy longer daylight, less rain than in winter, and more stable weather than in early spring. Outdoor gatherings, barbecues, and beach trips all become much easier.
Summer Weather Extremes
Christmas kicks off summer, but Melbourne’s weather doesn’t always play along with the idea of steady warmth. In January, which is the hottest month, average highs reach 25–26°C (77–79°F), just a bit warmer than December.
You’ll also notice the sunshine sticks around longer, with nearly 9–10 hours of sun per day.
Summer feels different from winter and spring. Hot, dry winds from inland Australia sometimes blast through, pushing temperatures above 35°C (95°F) in just a few hours. These days feel worlds apart from the damp, chilly months when rain is the bigger problem.
Humidity stays pretty moderate here, not like the sticky air up north in Queensland or Darwin. Even on hot days, it usually doesn’t feel suffocating.
Still, the UV index is brutal, so if you’re heading outside, don’t skip the sunscreen.
Heatwaves and Cool Spells
Christmas weather in Melbourne can swing wildly, from really warm to unexpectedly cool. When hot air masses drift south, they trigger heatwaves and send temperatures soaring above average. These spells usually last a few days, making afternoons kind of rough for outdoor plans.
But then, out of nowhere, a cool change blows in from the Southern Ocean. Temperatures can drop 10–15°C (18–27°F) within hours. You might wake up with the mercury in the high 20s Celsius, only to find it’s dropped to 15°C by evening.
That’s Melbourne for you—summer doesn’t just mean heat, but sharp swings between extremes.
Unlike winter, which is just cold, or spring, where the weather is all over the place because of rain, summer is about sudden bursts of heat or quick cool-downs.
Practical Tips for Christmas in Melbourne
Christmas lands right at the start of summer in Melbourne, so you get warm days, mild evenings, and the odd rain shower. You’ll want to pack for sunshine but stay ready for cooler nights and sudden weather changes. Planning your trip means thinking about local events, outdoor fun, and staying safe.
Recommended Clothing and Packing
December days usually hit 21–24°C, but evenings can cool off to 13–14°C. The weather turns quickly, so you’ll need clothes that work for both warm afternoons and chilly nights.
Throw in light cotton shirts, shorts, and dresses for daytime. Pack jeans or long pants and a light jacket for when it gets cooler. A rain jacket or compact umbrella comes in handy—showers aren’t rare.
Sun protection is a must. Don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen (SPF 30+), and a wide-brim hat. If you’re thinking about a swim, the water’s usually around 16°C, so honestly, a wetsuit feels a lot better than regular swimwear.
A small daypack makes it easy to carry water, snacks, and weather gear while you’re out exploring or catching an event.
Outdoor Activities and Events
Melbourne really comes alive outdoors at Christmas. You’ll find everything from carols in the park to festive markets and public light displays. The summer weather is usually warm, but not too intense, so it’s actually pretty nice to hang out outside.
Locals and visitors flock to Federation Square, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and along the Yarra River precinct. Beaches like St Kilda are packed, though be warned—the water’s cold.
Public barbecues and picnics are a holiday tradition here. If you want a good spot in the parks, you’ll need to show up early because big groups tend to take over.
Some businesses close for Christmas Day, but public spaces and outdoor attractions stay open and buzzing.
Safety and Weather Preparedness
Melbourne’s December weather usually feels safe, but you never know—it can change fast. Afternoon showers pop up pretty often, and gusty winds aren’t rare either. UV levels? They’re usually sky-high.
Bring water so you stay hydrated, and don’t forget to put on sunscreen every two hours if you’re outside. Shade can be tough to find in some spots, so try to plan for indoor breaks or find some cover.
If you’re driving, expect heavier traffic near holiday events and around the beaches. Public transport changes its schedule for Christmas, so it’s smart to check the timetables ahead of time.
Keep an eye on the local weather forecast if you’re heading outdoors. Even a bit of rain can make grassy areas slippery, and those cooler evenings might surprise you if you don’t have a jacket.