Melbourne in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Melbourne
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect autumn weather - days warm enough for outdoor activities at 20°C (69°F) but cool enough at night for comfortable sleeping without excessive air conditioning costs
- School holidays end mid-April, meaning significantly smaller crowds at major attractions like this destination and Royal Botanic Gardens after April 15th
- Prime festival season - Melbourne International Comedy Festival runs through April with 500+ shows across 120 venues, plus Anzac Day celebrations on April 25th
- Ideal walking weather with low humidity (70%) and minimal rainfall - perfect for exploring laneways and street art without the summer heat exhaustion
Considerations
- Unpredictable weather patterns - you might experience 15°C (59°F) and rain in the morning, then 22°C (72°F) and sunshine by afternoon, requiring layered clothing
- Accommodation prices remain elevated through mid-April due to school holidays and Comedy Festival demand, dropping only in the final week
- Daylight hours shortening rapidly - sunset moves from 6:30pm to 5:45pm through the month, limiting evening outdoor activities
Best Activities in April
Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Walking Tours
April's mild temperatures and autumn foliage make this the perfect month for exploring Melbourne's 38-hectare botanical great destination. The oak and elm trees display brilliant reds and golds, while the cooler weather means comfortable 2-3 hour walks without summer's heat. Morning mist often creates impressive photography conditions around the Ornamental Lake.
Yarra Valley Wine Region Day Tours
Autumn harvest season makes April the absolute peak time for Yarra Valley experiences. Vineyards are bustling with harvest activity, cellar doors offer fresh vintage tastings, and the 1-hour drive from Melbourne showcases spectacular autumn vineyard colors. Cool morning temperatures (10-12°C) are perfect for cycling between wineries.
Great Ocean Road Scenic Drives
April offers the best driving conditions of the year - clear visibility, minimal rain, and comfortable temperatures for the 3-4 hour journey. Autumn light enhances the limestone cliff photography, and cooler weather makes the Twelve Apostles viewing platforms comfortable for extended visits. Fewer summer crowds mean better parking at scenic stops.
Melbourne Laneways and Street Art Walking Tours
Cool, dry weather makes April perfect for exploring Melbourne's famous laneway culture. The 2-3km walks through Hosier Lane, AC/DC Lane, and Centre Place are comfortable without summer heat or winter rain gear. Many new murals appear post-summer, and autumn light creates excellent contrast for street art photography.
Phillip Island Penguin Parade Experiences
April's cooler evenings coincide perfectly with penguin feeding schedules - the 7pm parade timing aligns with earlier sunsets, making the experience more dramatic. Fewer crowds than summer months mean better viewing positions, and the 90-minute drive from Melbourne is comfortable in mild weather.
Puffing Billy Steam Railway and Dandenong Ranges
The heritage steam train through autumn forests offers spectacular scenery as deciduous trees display peak autumn colors. The 1-hour journey from Belgrave to Gembrook showcases golden and red canopies, while cool weather makes the open-sided carriages comfortable. Morning mist in the ranges creates magical photography conditions.
April Events & Festivals
Melbourne International Comedy Festival
The Southern Hemisphere's largest comedy festival features over 500 shows across 120 venues. From established comedians at the Comedy Theatre to emerging acts in intimate bars, the festival transforms Melbourne into a comedy capital. Free shows in Federation Square and paid performances from AUD 15-60.
Anzac Day Commemorations
Australia's most significant national day features the Dawn Service at the Shrine of Remembrance (6am) and the Anzac Day March down St Kilda Road (9am). The solemn ceremonies are followed by traditional 'two-up' games at RSL clubs. A uniquely Australian cultural experience with deep historical significance.