Melbourne in October
October weather, activities, events & insider tips
October Weather in Melbourne
Is October Right for You?
Advantages
- Spring racing season peaks with Melbourne Cup Carnival - the city transforms with fashion, events, and celebrations throughout October culminating in the Cup on November 5th
- Perfect mild temperatures 20°C (68°F) during day, 8°C (47°F) at night - ideal for walking the laneways and outdoor dining without summer's scorching heat or winter's bone-chilling cold
- Jacaranda trees bloom purple across the city creating Instagram-worthy scenes in Carlton Gardens, Royal Botanic Gardens, and suburban streets - this only happens September-November
- Shoulder season pricing means 20-30% cheaper accommodation than peak summer months, plus easier restaurant bookings and shorter queues at major attractions
Considerations
- Classic Melbourne 'four seasons in one day' weather - you'll experience sunshine, rain, wind and potential hail within hours, making outfit planning genuinely challenging
- Spring racing fashion culture means upscale venues and events have strict dress codes - casual travelers may feel underdressed or need to purchase formal attire
- UV index hits 8 despite mild temperatures - the hole in the ozone layer means you'll burn in 15 minutes without SPF50+, catching many visitors off-guard
Best Activities in October
Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne Spring Walks
October showcases the gardens at their absolute peak with jacaranda blooms, roses in full flower, and perfect walking weather. The 38-hectare (94-acre) site offers impressive views over the Yarra River without summer's oppressive heat. Early morning visits (7-9am) offer the best light for photography and fewer crowds.
Melbourne Laneways Street Art Tours
October's mild weather makes the 2-3 hour walking tours through Hosier Lane, ACDC Lane, and Centre Place comfortable without summer sweat or winter shivers. The street art scene constantly evolves - what you see in October 2025 will be completely different from previous years.
Great Ocean Road Day Trips
October offers the best Great Ocean Road conditions - clear skies for viewing the Twelve Apostles, comfortable temperatures for clifftop walks, and lower tourist numbers than summer. The 243 km (151 mile) route showcases dramatic coastline without the December-February crowds.
Yarra Valley Wine Region Tours
October marks the start of the growing season with vine buds breaking and perfect weather for cellar door visits. The region sits 50 km (31 miles) northeast of Melbourne with over 80 wineries. Spring temperatures make outdoor tastings pleasant and the rolling hills are green after winter rains.
Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) Behind-the-Scenes Tours
October timing is perfect as AFL Grand Final excitement lingers but cricket season hasn't started, meaning broader access to player areas. The 100,000-capacity stadium offers tours of the Great Southern Stand, player changing rooms, and the Long Room. Spring weather makes the outdoor portions comfortable.
St. Kilda Penguins Evening Tours
October offers longer daylight hours meaning penguin viewing starts around 7:30pm instead of winter's 5:30pm - perfect for families. The Little Penguins return to St. Kilda Pier after fishing, and spring weather makes the 1-hour outdoor experience comfortable. Numbers peak in breeding season.
October Events & Festivals
Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival
The entire month builds toward the Melbourne Cup with Derby Day, Cup Day, Oaks Day and Stakes Day. The city transforms with fashion events, champagne breakfasts, and racing parties. Even non-racing fans experience the infectious energy as the city stops for 'the race that stops a nation' on the first Tuesday of November.
Melbourne International Festival of Arts
The city's premier arts festival features international theater, dance, music and visual arts across venues like Arts Centre Melbourne and Malthouse Theatre. October programming focuses on major international productions and premieres that don't tour beyond Melbourne.
Open House Melbourne
Once-a-year access to over 100 buildings usually closed to the public including private rooftops, heritage homes, and architectural gems. Perfect October weather makes rooftop venues and walking between locations comfortable. This is Melbourne's biggest architecture event.