Melbourne in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Melbourne

26°C (79°F) High Temp

14°C (57°F) Low Temp

41mm (1.6 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Peak summer weather with long daylight hours - 14+ hours of daylight perfect for sightseeing and outdoor dining until 9pm without feeling rushed
Festival season with Melbourne International Comedy Festival starting late February, Midsumma Festival continuing, and numerous outdoor music events taking advantage of warm evenings
Perfect beach weather within 1 hour of city - St Kilda, United Kingdom, and Mornington Peninsula beaches are at their absolute best with water temperatures around 20°C (68°F)
Outdoor dining and rooftop bar season in full swing - laneways come alive with street dining, and rooftop venues like those on Collins Street offer evening sessions until late

Considerations

Peak tourist season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% compared to winter months, with CBD hotels averaging $180-300+ per night
Afternoon thunderstorms can be intense and sudden - expect 2-3 heavy downpours per week lasting 30-45 minutes, often disrupting outdoor plans between 2-5pm
UV levels are dangerously high (index 8-10) requiring constant sun protection, and heat can be oppressive during 35°C+ (95°F+) days which occur 3-4 times in February

Best Activities in February

Great Ocean Road Coastal Tours

February offers the best visibility and weather conditions for the 243km (151-mile) coastal drive. Clear skies mean perfect photography conditions at the Twelve Apostles, and warm weather makes stops at seaside towns like Lorne and Apollo Bay ideal for swimming and outdoor dining. Avoid afternoon departure times due to thunderstorm risk.

Booking Tip: Book full-day tours 7-10 days ahead, typically cost $95-150 AUD per person. Choose morning departures (7-8am) to avoid afternoon storms. Look for operators offering small groups (maximum 20 people) for better photo opportunities. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Yarra Valley Wine Region Experiences

February is harvest season in Yarra Valley, just 1 hour (50km/31 miles) from Melbourne CBD. Wineries offer special harvest tours, grape picking experiences, and summer harvest festivals. Cooler morning temperatures make cycling tours comfortable, while warm afternoons are perfect for outdoor tastings with vineyard views.

Booking Tip: Book wine tours 5-7 days ahead, typically $120-200 AUD per person including tastings and lunch. Choose tours departing before 9am to avoid peak afternoon heat. Look for harvest-specific experiences available only February-March. See current options in booking section below.

Melbourne Laneways Walking Tours

February's warm evenings extend laneway exploration time until 8-9pm with natural light. Street art is at its freshest after summer festival season, and outdoor cafes in laneways like Degraves Street and Centre Place offer perfect weather for stopping and people-watching. Morning tours avoid afternoon heat and storms.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 days ahead, typically $25-45 AUD per person for 2-3 hour tours. Choose morning slots (9-11am) or late afternoon (4-6pm) to avoid midday heat. Look for small group tours (maximum 15 people) for better laneway access. See current tours in booking section below.

Phillip Island Wildlife Experiences

February penguin parade occurs around 8:30pm due to long daylight hours, allowing full day trips without rushing. Warmer weather means comfortable evening viewing, and koala and kangaroo wildlife parks have extended hours. The 140km (87-mile) drive is pleasant with clear summer conditions.

Booking Tip: Book penguin parade tickets 7-14 days ahead, typically $85-160 AUD per person depending on viewing platform. Choose tours including wildlife park visits during warmer daytime hours. Look for operators offering sunset dinner before penguin viewing. See current tours in booking section below.

Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs and Beaches

February combines perfect beach weather with therapeutic hot springs experiences. Beach temperatures reach 24°C (75°F), ideal for swimming, while evening hot springs sessions under stars are magical. The 90-minute drive (75km/47 miles) through wine country adds scenic value to the day trip.

Booking Tip: Book hot springs sessions 3-5 days ahead, typically $45-85 AUD per person for 2-3 hours. Combine with winery lunch stops for full-day experiences costing $150-250 AUD total. Choose late afternoon hot springs sessions (4-7pm) for sunset views. See current options in booking section below.

Royal Botanic Gardens and Riverside Walks

February showcases gardens at peak summer bloom with extended opening hours until 8:30pm. The 3.8km (2.4-mile) Tan Track around the gardens is popular with locals for evening runs, while picnic areas along Yarra River offer perfect weather for outdoor dining. Morning visits avoid afternoon heat peaks.

Booking Tip: Free entry but guided tours cost $15-25 AUD per person when available. Rent bikes for $25-35 AUD per day to cover more ground in heat. Best visited early morning (7-9am) or late afternoon (5-7pm). Combine with South Bank riverside dining for full experience. See current tours in booking section below.

February Events & Festivals

Late February

Melbourne International Comedy Festival Gala

One of the world's largest comedy festivals begins in late February with preview shows and gala performances at venues across the city. Over 600 shows featuring international and Australian comedians, with many venues staying open until midnight due to summer weather.

Throughout February

Midsumma Festival

Australia's largest LGBTI+ arts and cultural festival continues into February with Pride March, outdoor film screenings, and cultural events across Melbourne. Many events take advantage of warm weather with outdoor venues in parks and laneways.

Early February

Australian Open Follow-up Events

While the Australian Open tennis ends in late January, Melbourne Park continues hosting summer tennis events and court tours throughout February. The precinct remains active with sports bars and venues capitalizing on tennis tourism momentum.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen - UV index reaches 8-10 daily, reapply every 2 hours even on cloudy days

Lightweight rain jacket or compact umbrella - afternoon thunderstorms occur 10+ days with 30-45 minute downpours

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester in 65% humidity, choose light colors to reflect heat

Wide-brimmed hat and UV-protection sunglasses - essential for outdoor sightseeing and beach visits

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - wet pavements after storms can be slippery in CBD laneways

Light cardigan or jacket for evening - temperatures drop 12°C (22°F) from day to night, especially near the bay

Insulated water bottle - stay hydrated in heat, many parks have free water fountains for refills

Portable phone charger - GPS navigation essential for laneway exploration and checking storm radar apps

Swimwear and beach towel - beaches within 1 hour of CBD are perfect for swimming with 20°C (68°F) water

Cash in small denominations - many laneway cafes and market stalls prefer cash, ATMs charge $2-3 AUD fees

Insider Knowledge

Download the Melbourne weather radar app - locals check it hourly during summer to time outdoor activities between storm cells, particularly useful for planning beach trips and outdoor dining

Avoid CBD outdoor activities between 2-5pm when thunderstorms typically hit - locals schedule indoor activities like shopping or museums during this window, then emerge for evening dining

Book accommodation south of the river (South Melbourne, St Kilda) for 2-3°C cooler temperatures and bay breezes - locals know the bay provides natural air conditioning compared to northern suburbs

Use early morning (6-9am) for major outdoor attractions like Great Ocean Road or Yarra Valley tours - locals start early to beat heat and afternoon storms, plus better wildlife viewing and photography conditions

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking all outdoor activities for afternoon - thunderstorms typically strike 2-5pm, disrupting beach trips, walking tours, and outdoor dining plans

Underestimating UV intensity on cloudy days - Melbourne's summer UV remains dangerous even with cloud cover, leading to severe sunburn for unprepared tourists

Packing only summer clothes - evening temperatures drop significantly, and air conditioning in restaurants and hotels can be very cold, leaving tourists uncomfortable