Melbourne through the seasons
A city that changes with the seasons
There is something to enjoy in Melbourne in every season. A garden changes, evenings grow longer or a rainy afternoon gives you a reason to visit a gallery. These monthly ideas can help you plan, but let the weather and the season guide you too. Blossom and autumn colour don’t follow an exact calendar.
Spring
September to November
Spring gives us plenty of reasons to get outside. Blossom appears along the streets, fresh leaves fill the trees and the gardens begin to change. Take a walk after a shower and you might find colour in a place you hadn’t noticed before.
September
Look for blossom on a garden walk or along a suburban street. Visit a spring garden in the Dandenong Ranges, checking opening details for tulip displays and festivals. Around the city, enjoy the atmosphere of footy finals.
October
Visit the Victoria State Rose Garden in Werribee as the roses begin to open, or take a drive into the Yarra Valley. If you enjoy live performances, see what’s on during the spring arts season and make an evening of it.
November
Keep an eye out for jacarandas as spring moves towards summer. Pack a picnic and enjoy the longer evenings in a garden. If a racing event is on your list, check the current carnival programme before you go.
Summer
December to February
Summer makes room for days by the water and evenings that don’t need to end in a hurry. Take a picnic into the gardens or walk along the foreshore after dinner. On hot days, start early and find somewhere shaded to pause.
December
Take an evening walk past the city’s Christmas displays, or visit Brighton’s bathing boxes before the day gets busy. Spend some time beside the river. If you’re planning a Boxing Day cricket outing, check the current schedule.
January
Enjoy the city during the summer tennis season or look for an outdoor film screening. For a change of scene, plan a stay along the Great Ocean Road and leave time for walks and stops along the coast.
February
Watch the evening light from St Kilda’s waterfront or enjoy a day on the Mornington Peninsula. Look out for Lunar New Year celebrations too. They fall in January or February, so check the year’s programme before planning your visit.
Autumn
March to May
Autumn is a lovely time to return to a favourite garden. The leaves begin to turn, the mornings feel cooler and a familiar path can look quite different from one week to the next. Take your camera, walk a little further and stop for something warm afterwards.
March
Look through the current food, garden and riverside event programmes and choose something that interests you. Leave time for a walk too, as the gardens begin to move from summer into autumn.
April
Follow the changing leaves through Fitzroy Gardens, Carlton Gardens or the Domain. Beyond Melbourne, explore Mount Macedon or plan a longer stay in Bright. Check how the season is progressing if autumn colour is the reason for your trip.
May
Enjoy an early walk beside the Yarra or a garden visit in the Dandenong Ranges. You might find mist, fallen leaves or a clear morning with lovely light. Afterwards, find a café and take your time over a warm drink.
Winter
June to August
Winter offers a different kind of day out. Spend an afternoon in a gallery, find a café you haven’t tried or take a walk when the sky clears. There is still plenty to photograph, from reflections on wet streets to the bare branches of trees.
June
Look for evening markets and winter arts programmes in the city. On a suitable day, head to the coast for a walk. If you’re hoping to see whales, follow official local updates rather than expecting a sighting.
July
Visit the National Gallery of Victoria, go to a football match or enjoy a quiet garden walk. If you’re planning a snow outing to Lake Mountain or Mount Buller, check conditions, access and booking details before setting off.
August
Choose a film during the winter cinema season or look for wattle on a bush walk. For a restful day away, make time for the hot springs on the Mornington Peninsula.
What’s on
Seasonal events
An exhibition, a market or a festival can give you a reason to plan a visit. See what interests you, then leave some time to explore nearby. Dates and programmes change, so check the official event websites before you go.