Melbourne in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Melbourne

24°C (76°F) High Temp

12°C (54°F) Low Temp

53mm (2.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak summer weather with 16+ hours of daylight - perfect for outdoor exploration from 5:30am to 9:30pm without artificial lighting needed
Christmas festival season brings Boxing Day cricket at MCG (December 26) and New Year's Eve fireworks over Yarra River - Melbourne's biggest celebration draws 450,000+ people
Alfresco dining season reaches its peak - rooftop bars stay open until 2am and laneway restaurants extend outdoor seating by 40% compared to winter months
Beach weather at St Kilda and United Kingdom - water temperature hits 18°C (64°F) making swimming comfortable, plus beach volleyball competitions run daily

Considerations

Peak tourist season means accommodation prices increase 60-80% from winter rates, with CBD hotels averaging AU$280-450 per night versus AU$180-250 in June
Extreme heat waves can hit 40°C+ (104°F+) for 3-4 consecutive days, forcing outdoor attraction closures and making street walking uncomfortable between 11am-4pm
Unpredictable weather changes within single days - morning can be 15°C (59°F) and afternoon 32°C (90°F), requiring multiple outfit changes

Best Activities in December

Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Parklands Walking Tours

December's extended daylight and warm evenings make this the perfect time for botanical exploration. The summer flowering season peaks with eucalyptus blooms and exotic plantings. Early morning visits (7-9am) avoid afternoon heat while evening walks until 9pm catch golden hour lighting. The adjacent Domain hosts free summer concerts and Shakespeare performances.

Booking Tip: Free self-guided options available, or join guided tours typically costing AU$25-45. Book cultural performances 2-3 weeks ahead as summer shows sell out. Check current botanical tours and cultural events in booking section below.

Great Ocean Road Coastal Day Trips

Summer provides the clearest weather for this iconic coastal drive. December offers 14+ hours of daylight for full-day excursions, calm seas for Twelve Apostles photography, and beach stops at Lorne and Apollo Bay with swimmable 20°C (68°F) water. Avoid Friday departures when Melbourne residents begin weekend trips.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours range AU$95-180 depending on group size and inclusions. Book 7-10 days ahead for December weekends. Self-drive requires early 6am departure to beat traffic and secure parking at major viewpoints.

Yarra Valley Wine Region Tours

December marks harvest season in Yarra Valley, 1 hour (48km/30 miles) from Melbourne. Wineries offer grape-picking experiences, harvest festivals, and outdoor tastings under summer sun. Cool-climate wines pair with seasonal produce, and many venues host Christmas-themed events with local musicians.

Booking Tip: Wine tour packages typically AU$120-220 including transport and 3-4 tastings. Book harvest experience tours 2 weeks ahead - limited to 15-20 participants. Designated driver services available for AU$80-120 round-trip.

Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) Boxing Day Test Match

The Boxing Day Test Match (December 26) is Melbourne's most iconic summer event, drawing 80,000+ spectators. Beyond cricket, the MCG offers year-round tours of Australia's largest stadium, including players' changing rooms and the famous MCC Museum. December's perfect weather makes outdoor stadium exploration comfortable.

Booking Tip: Boxing Day Test tickets AU$35-150 depending on seating, released in October and sell out within hours. Stadium tours available year-round for AU$25-35 adults. Book cricket match tickets through official AFL/Cricket Australia channels only.

St Kilda Beach and Luna Park Summer Activities

December transforms St Kilda into Melbourne's summer playground. Beach volleyball courts host daily competitions, the historic Luna Park extends hours until midnight, and the Sunday Esplanade Market showcases local artisans. The famous St Kilda penguins return to the breakwater at sunset (8:30-9pm in December).

Booking Tip: Luna Park unlimited rides passes AU$49-69 depending on height. Penguin viewing is free but arrive by 8pm for best spots. Beach equipment rentals (volleyball nets, umbrellas) typically AU$15-25 per day from beachfront vendors.

Grampians National Park Hiking and Rock Climbing

Located 3 hours (260km/161 miles) west of Melbourne, the Grampians offer cool mountain air as escape from city heat. December provides perfect hiking conditions with clear mountain views, wildflower blooms, and comfortable camping weather. Popular climbs like Pinnacle Walk (4.5km/2.8 miles) are manageable in summer temperatures.

Booking Tip: Day tour packages from Melbourne AU$145-195 including transport and guided walks. Self-drive visitors need Parks Victoria passes (AU$17 per vehicle). Book accommodation in Halls Gap 3-4 weeks ahead for December - only 200 hotel rooms serve the entire region.

December Events & Festivals

December 26-30

Boxing Day Test Match at MCG

Australia's most famous cricket match begins December 26 and runs 3-5 days. The atmosphere rivals international football matches with 80,000+ spectators, traditional Boxing Day picnics on the grass, and national television coverage. Even non-cricket fans enjoy the cultural spectacle and stadium atmosphere.

December 31

New Year's Eve Fireworks on Yarra River

Melbourne's major NYE celebration features dual fireworks displays - family show at 9:30pm and main event at midnight. Best viewing spots include Southbank Promenade, this destination, and Treasury Gardens. The celebration draws 450,000+ people making it one of Australia's largest free public events.

Throughout December

Sidney Myer Music Bowl Summer Concert Series

This outdoor amphitheater in Kings Domain hosts major international and Australian artists throughout December. The venue's unique shell design and capacity for 12,000 makes it Melbourne's premier summer concert destination. Bring blankets for lawn seating under the stars.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight linen or cotton shirts - avoid polyester in 70% humidity as it traps sweat and becomes uncomfortable by midday

SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 even on cloudy days, reapply every 2 hours for outdoor activities

Light rain jacket or packable umbrella - afternoon thunderstorms occur 10 days in December, typically lasting 20-30 minutes

Comfortable walking shoes with breathable mesh - expect 8-12km (5-7 miles) of daily walking on Melbourne's expansive city blocks

Layered clothing system - morning temperatures start at 12°C (54°F) but reach 24°C+ (76°F+) by afternoon, requiring outfit flexibility

Wide-brimmed hat or cap - essential for outdoor attractions like Royal Botanic Gardens or Great Ocean Road trips with minimal shade

Insulated water bottle (750ml minimum) - staying hydrated in summer heat prevents fatigue, many public fountains available for refills

Evening jacket or cardigan - restaurants and bars blast air conditioning, creating 10-15°C (18-27°F) temperature differences between indoor/outdoor spaces

Swimwear and quick-dry towel - St Kilda Beach, Bridgetown, or Yarra Valley swimming holes become appealing when temperatures exceed 28°C (82°F)

Portable phone charger - extended sightseeing days from 6am-9pm drain batteries faster, especially using GPS and camera features constantly

Insider Knowledge

Use Melbourne's free City Circle Tram (Route 35) during peak summer - it's air-conditioned and stops at major attractions every 12 minutes, saving walking in 30°C+ heat

Book restaurant reservations for 6:30-7:30pm slot in December - this avoids both the scorching 2-4pm heat and the post-theater dinner rush after 8:30pm

Shop at Queen Victoria Market on Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday mornings before 10am - vendors offer 20-30% discounts on fresh produce to avoid afternoon heat spoilage

Take advantage of extended museum hours during school holidays (December 20-January 31) - major attractions like Immigration Museum and Scienceworks stay open until 6pm instead of 4pm

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating Melbourne's UV intensity - many visitors from northern climates get severe sunburn within 2 hours, even on overcast 22°C (72°F) days

Booking outdoor activities between 12pm-4pm - this is the hottest part of the day when temperatures peak and many attractions reduce operating hours or close completely

Wearing all-black clothing in summer heat - absorbs extra heat making 24°C (76°F) feel like 30°C (86°F), choose light colors for comfort and better photos