Melbourne in January

January weather, activities, events & insider tips

January Weather in Melbourne

26°C (80°F) High Temp

14°C (57°F) Low Temp

38mm (1.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Peak summer season with 14+ hours of daylight - perfect for early morning starts at 5:30am and activities until 8:30pm without needing artificial lighting
Australian Open tennis tournament runs January 12-26, 2025, creating electric atmosphere citywide with fan zones, big screens, and extended bar hours in CBD
Midsummer Festival season with free outdoor concerts in Royal Botanic Gardens every weekend, plus night markets operating until midnight in Queen Victoria Market
Beach weather at St Kilda and United Kingdom - water temperature 20°C (68°F), warm enough for swimming and beach volleyball leagues locals join on weekday evenings

Considerations

School holidays until January 28 mean popular attractions like Melbourne Zoo and Luna Park have 30-40% higher crowds and ticket prices increase 15-25%
Afternoon thunderstorms arrive suddenly around 3-5pm on 60% of days, lasting 20-45 minutes with heavy downpours that flood bike lanes and outdoor seating areas
Accommodation rates peak at 40-60% above off-season prices, especially weekends during Australian Open when city hotels book out completely within 15km (9.3 miles) radius of CBD

Best Activities in January

Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne Walking Tours

January showcases the gardens at peak bloom with 14+ daylight hours and warm evenings perfect for sunset walks. The Aboriginal Heritage Walk reveals seasonal indigenous food sources available in midsummer. Morning tours (8-10am) avoid afternoon heat and storms, while evening walks catch the golden hour lighting on the Yarra River.

Booking Tip: Free self-guided options available, but guided Aboriginal tours typically cost AUD $35-45 and should be booked 5-7 days ahead. Tours run rain or shine with covered pavilions for shelter. See current specialized tour options in the booking section below.

Yarra Valley Wine Region Day Trips

Peak harvest season in January means you'll witness actual grape picking, crush processes, and taste current vintage wines unavailable other months. Cool climate wines are perfect for 26°C (80°F) days. Morning departures beat afternoon heat, returning by 4pm before Melbourne's storm season kicks in.

Booking Tip: Full day tours typically cost AUD $120-180 including tastings and lunch. Book 10-14 days ahead as January harvest tours fill quickly. Look for small group tours (8-12 people) with winery access beyond public tasting rooms. Current harvest tour options available in booking section below.

Great Ocean Road Coastal Drives

Summer conditions provide clearest views of the Twelve Apostles with minimal fog, and beach stops at Lorne and Apollo Bay are actually swimmable at 20°C (68°F). January's long daylight hours allow departure at 7am, reaching Port Campbell by 11am for photos, and return by 6pm avoiding night driving on winding coastal roads.

Booking Tip: Day tours typically cost AUD $95-140, or self-drive car rentals AUD $60-90 per day. Book tours 7-10 days ahead. Tours include lunch stops and helicopter ride options. Weather delays rare in January. See current tour departures in booking section below.

Melbourne Cricket Ground Stadium Experiences

Cricket season peaks in January with Big Bash League matches creating electric atmosphere. Even non-cricket fans enjoy the cultural experience - matches are 3 hours, family-friendly, with live music and fireworks. Stadium tours reveal behind-scenes areas including player changing rooms and the famous Long Room.

Booking Tip: Match tickets typically cost AUD $25-60 for general admission, AUD $80-150 for premium seats. Book matches 2-3 weeks ahead as popular games sell out. Stadium tours cost AUD $25-35 and run daily except match days. Current match schedules in booking section below.

Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tours

Summer breeding season means maximum penguin numbers - up to 3,000 little penguins return nightly to shoreline burrows around sunset (8:30pm in January). Warmer weather makes evening viewing comfortable, and extended daylight allows afternoon wildlife spotting at Seal Rocks before the main penguin event.

Booking Tip: General viewing tickets typically cost AUD $28-35, premium viewing AUD $55-75. Book 5-7 days ahead, especially weekends. Tours from Melbourne cost AUD $140-180 including transport and dinner. Evening return around 11pm. Current tour options in booking section below.

Dandenong Ranges Scenic Railway Journeys

January's clear weather provides spectacular views over Melbourne from Mount Dandenong lookouts 633m (2,077ft) elevation. The historic Puffing Billy steam train operates extended summer schedules with open-carriage rides through mountain ash forests. Temperatures 5-8°C cooler than Melbourne provide relief from city heat.

Booking Tip: Train rides typically cost AUD $35-55 depending on route length. Book 7-10 days ahead for weekend departures. Combined packages with wildlife parks cost AUD $75-95. Morning departures recommended before afternoon storms. Current schedules in booking section below.

January Events & Festivals

January 12-26, 2025

Australian Open Tennis Championships

The year's first Grand Slam tennis tournament transforms Melbourne into a sports festival. Beyond centre court matches, the precinct features food trucks, live music, and practice court viewing where you can watch world's best players up close. Night sessions run until midnight creating busy atmosphere throughout Melbourne Park.

January 16 - February 9, 2025

Midsumma Festival

Australia's largest LGBTI+ cultural festival spans 22 days with over 200 events including outdoor concerts, art exhibitions, and comedy shows. The festival transforms laneways and parks into performance spaces, culminating with the Midsumma Carnival in Alexandra Gardens featuring local and international artists.

Late January (typically January 25-27)

Melbourne Festival of Sails

Australia's largest sailing regatta based in Port Phillip Bay attracts 300+ yachts and creates spectacular viewing from St Kilda foreshore. Shore-based festivities include maritime markets, live bands, and sailing simulator experiences. The event showcases Melbourne's maritime culture with free public access to viewing areas.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or packable poncho - afternoon thunderstorms drop 10-20mm (0.4-0.8 inches) in 30 minutes and flood pedestrian areas

SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen - UV index reaches 8-10 and reflects off Yarra River and beach sand intensifying exposure

Breathable cotton or bamboo fabrics - avoid polyester which traps sweat in 70% humidity and lacks cooling during 26°C (80°F) days

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - Melbourne's bluestone laneways become slippery when wet from frequent afternoon storms

Light cardigan or sweater - temperatures drop to 14°C (57°F) after sunset, particularly noticeable during outdoor evening events

Insulated water bottle - staying hydrated crucial in heat, and Melbourne's tap water is excellent quality avoiding plastic bottle waste

Compact umbrella that fits in day bag - sudden storms require immediate shelter and outdoor café umbrellas fill quickly

Moisture-wicking undergarments - essential for full-day walking tours in humid conditions and crowded festival venues

Closed-toe shoes for one pair - required for some wine cellar tours and bushland walks in Dandenong Ranges

Portable phone charger - extended sightseeing days drain batteries quickly, and you'll use GPS navigation extensively in Melbourne's grid system

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodation south of the Yarra River in Southbank or South Melbourne - 5-10 minutes closer to major attractions, often 20-30% cheaper than CBD hotels, and better positioned for Great Ocean Road day trips

Use early morning (6-8am) for outdoor photography at major landmarks - soft lighting, minimal crowds, and zero chance of afternoon storm interference create perfect conditions before tourist buses arrive

Download the PTV Mobile app and buy a daily myki card for AUD $4.60 - Melbourne's tram system runs every 3-5 minutes during January peak season and covers 90% of tourist destinations more efficiently than ride-sharing

Locals eat dinner early (6-7pm) during summer to avoid peak storm times - restaurants offer early bird specials, better table availability, and you'll experience authentic Melbourne dining culture rather than tourist-focused late sittings

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor activities after 2pm without weather backup - 60% of January days have storms between 3-6pm that cancel outdoor tours and flood walking areas for 30-45 minutes

Booking accommodation only in CBD thinking it's most convenient - Southbank, South Yarra, and St Kilda offer better value, easier parking, and direct tram connections while being closer to beaches and major day-trip departure points

Underestimating Australian Open impact on city logistics - tournament dates create 25% higher traffic, booked restaurants, and inflated prices within 5km (3.1 miles) of Melbourne Park affecting entire eastern CBD area