Melbourne in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Melbourne

22°C (72°F) High Temp

11°C (51°F) Low Temp

61 mm (2.4 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect spring racing carnival weather - Melbourne Cup Carnival runs through November with ideal temperatures for outdoor events and fashion
Jacaranda trees bloom city-wide creating purple canopies along streets like St Kilda Road and Carlton Gardens - peak flowering mid-to-late November
Shoulder season pricing on accommodation (20-30% lower than December-February) except during Cup Week when prices spike 150-200%
Excellent weather for rooftop bars and outdoor dining - warm 20-22°C (68-72°F) afternoons perfect for laneway exploration and street festivals

Considerations

Melbourne's famous four-seasons-in-one-day weather is most unpredictable in November - pack layers as temperature can swing 15°C (27°F) in hours
Melbourne Cup Week (first Tuesday of November) creates accommodation shortages and 200% price increases within 15 km (9.3 miles) of the city
Spring rain showers are frequent but brief - 10 wet days monthly means 33% chance of rain any given day affecting outdoor plans

Best Activities in November

Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Parklands Walking Tours

November showcases Melbourne's gardens at their spring peak with roses, camellias, and native wildflowers in full bloom. The 38-hectare (94-acre) Royal Botanic Gardens offers perfect 18-22°C (64-72°F) temperatures for the 3.8 km (2.4 mile) perimeter walk. Jacarandas along the Yarra create Instagram-worthy purple tunnels.

Booking Tip: Free self-guided options available, or join guided botanical tours (typically AUD 25-45). Book Aboriginal heritage walks 1-2 weeks ahead. See current specialized tours in booking section below.

Great Ocean Road Day Trips

November offers the year's most reliable weather window for the 243 km (151 mile) coastal drive. Spring temperatures of 16-24°C (61-75°F) provide clear visibility of the Twelve Apostles, while avoiding summer's 35°C+ (95°F+) heat and winter's frequent rain. Wildflowers bloom along clifftops.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours typically cost AUD 140-220. Book 5-7 days ahead for small group options. Self-drive requires early 6am start to avoid afternoon return traffic. See current tour options in booking section below.

Yarra Valley Wine Region Tours

Spring in Yarra Valley (1 hour from Melbourne) features perfect grape-growing weather and fewer crowds than summer peak season. Temperatures of 20-25°C (68-77°F) ideal for cycling between wineries. November marks late spring pruning season - see vintners preparing for summer growth.

Booking Tip: Wine tours range AUD 120-280 depending on cellar door inclusions. Book midweek for 20% lower prices. Cycling tours need 2-3 days notice. See current options in booking section below.

St Kilda Penguin Colony Evening Tours

November's extended daylight (sunset around 7:30pm) provides perfect timing for penguin viewing at St Kilda Pier breakwater. Little penguins return from fishing between 7-9pm during spring breeding season. Mild 15-18°C (59-64°F) evening temperatures comfortable for 90-minute tours.

Booking Tip: Free viewing from pier, guided tours AUD 25-35. Peak penguin activity occurs 30 minutes after sunset. Book weekend tours 3-5 days ahead. See current guided options in booking section below.

Dandenong Ranges Steam Train and Garden Tours

Cool mountain temperatures 5-8°C (9-14°F) below Melbourne create perfect conditions for exploring rainforest gullies and historic gardens. Puffing Billy steam train operates daily through towering mountain ash forests. Rhododendron gardens peak bloom occurs mid-November.

Booking Tip: Train tickets AUD 35-65 depending on route length. Garden entry typically AUD 15-25. Book steam train 1 week ahead for weekend departures. See current combined tours in booking section below.

Melbourne Cricket Ground and Sports Precinct Tours

November marks AFL Grand Final aftermath and cricket season preparation at the 100,000-capacity MCG. Behind-scenes stadium tours showcase Australia's sporting culture. Perfect weather for walking the 2 km (1.2 mile) sports precinct including Rod Laver Arena and AAMI Park.

Booking Tip: MCG tours run daily AUD 30-45. Sports museum combo tickets AUD 40-60. Book 2-3 days ahead, especially if cricket training sessions visible. See current sports tour options in booking section below.

November Events & Festivals

First week of November (Cup Day is first Tuesday)

Melbourne Cup Carnival

Australia's most famous horse racing carnival culminating in Melbourne Cup (first Tuesday of November). Four days of racing, fashion, and parties at Flemington Racecourse. General admission from AUD 50, premium packages AUD 300-800. Book accommodation 3 months ahead.

Mid November (typically third Saturday)

White Night Melbourne

All-night arts festival transforming the city with light projections, installations, and performances. Over 600,000 attendees explore illuminated laneways, buildings, and parks from 7pm-7am. Free event with paid premium experiences. Public transport runs all night.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system essential - morning temperatures 11°C (51°F) rising to 22°C (72°F) by afternoon requires removable layers

Compact umbrella or light rain jacket - November showers are brief (20-30 minutes) but frequent with 33% daily rain probability

SPF 50+ sunscreen mandatory - UV index reaches 8 despite variable clouds, spring sun reflection intense on city glass and water

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - wet bluestone laneways become slippery, expect 8-12 km (5-7.5 miles) daily walking in city exploration

Light evening jacket or cardigan - temperatures drop 8-10°C (14-18°F) after sunset for outdoor dining and rooftop bars

Dress-up outfit for Cup Carnival week - racing events require smart casual minimum, fascinator/hat recommended for ladies

Portable phone charger - extended daylight hours (6am-7:30pm) mean longer sightseeing days draining battery faster

Breathable cotton or merino wool layers - 70% humidity makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable during active sightseeing

Closed-toe shoes for wine region tours - vineyard walking requires sturdy footwear, flip-flops inadequate for uneven terrain

Insider Knowledge

Locals avoid driving during Melbourne Cup (first Tuesday) - entire city stops at 3pm, use public transport which runs skeleton services but stays operational

Book restaurants for Cup Week 2-3 weeks ahead but leave other November weeks flexible - many establishments offer spring specials mid-month

Download the PTV Mobile app before arrival - Melbourne's tram, train, and bus system requires digital planning, especially during spring track maintenance on weekends

Target 2-4pm for outdoor activities when temperatures peak but UV isn't extreme - morning fog lifts by 10am, afternoon storms typically start after 5pm

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking accommodation during Cup Week without checking dates - first week of November sees 200% price increases and minimum 3-night stays

Underdressing for evening activities - November's warm days mislead visitors, but 11°C (51°F) nights require real jackets for outdoor venues

Planning outdoor activities without rain backup - 10 rainy days monthly means every itinerary needs indoor alternatives like museums or covered markets