Australia, Oceania & Pacific

Melbourne in April

Autumn color, the Comedy Festival, and the AFL season under way. Easter school holidays add a short busy spell.

BestMild, highs near 68F (20C), cool mornings

Melbourne skyline, Australia — MelbournePhoto: Dietmar Rabich, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

April is one of the best months of the year to visit Melbourne. Autumn color, the Comedy Festival, and the AFL season under way. Easter school holidays add a short busy spell.

Weather: Mild, highs near 68F (20C), cool mornings
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What April is like in Melbourne

April is mild and lovely, with highs near 68F (20C), cool mornings, and autumn color in the parks and gardens. The Comedy Festival runs through much of the month and the AFL season is under way. Easter school holidays add a short busy spell, and Anzac Day on April 25 closes many shops in the morning. Prices come down from March.

It suits families, walkers, and culture lovers who like crisp, comfortable days. It is one of the easiest months to enjoy the city on foot. If you want warmer weather for beaches and rooftops, choose March, and if you want the lowest prices, try May.

Make the most of April

What is especially good about Melbourne this month.

Comedy Festival in full swing

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival runs into April, with shows for every taste, including family-friendly ones.

Autumn in the Botanic Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens turn gold and red, and the children's garden is a fun stop for kids.

Footy at the MCG

The AFL season is in full swing. A game at the MCG is a great night out for families.

What to pack for April

A warm layer for cool mornings
A light rain jacket
Comfortable walking shoes
A scarf for evening footy games

Our timing tip

Book Easter week stays early, and plan your shopping around Anzac Day morning, when many shops are closed.

Book Melbourne for April.

Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.

Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Melbourne
Opens a hotel search for Melbourne in April, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for April
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Melbourne
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Melbourne
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Melbourne for April. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in April

Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Late March into April

One of the world's biggest comedy festivals, with hundreds of shows across the city for around four weeks.

Things to do in Melbourne

Full guide

National Gallery of Victoria

Australia's oldest and most visited art museum, split between the international collection on St Kilda Road and Australian art at Federation Square. General admission is free.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Melbourne Cricket Ground

Take a stadium tour or, better, catch an AFL game from March to September or cricket in summer.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Queen Victoria Market

A historic market for produce, deli goods, and street food. It is closed on some weekdays, so check the day before you go.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

Some 94 acres (38 hectares) of gardens beside the Yarra, beautiful in spring and autumn.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Phillip Island Penguin Parade

Little penguins waddle ashore at sunset every night of the year. Book ahead in summer and dress warmly year-round.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

The Great Ocean Road

Coastal cliffs, surf towns, and the Twelve Apostles. Best as an overnight trip; spring and autumn avoid summer traffic.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Check the sporting calendar before booking: the Australian Open, Grand Prix week, Grand Final week, and Melbourne Cup week drive hotel prices sharply higher.
Visit in April, May, or October for the best balance of good weather, lower prices, and busy but not overwhelming events.
Arrive at the Phillip Island Penguin Parade early, and consider upgraded viewing areas in summer when the main stands are packed.
Drive the Great Ocean Road against the tour-bus flow: start from the western end, or stay overnight so you are at the Twelve Apostles at sunrise.

Know before you go

Melbourne Cup Day (first Tuesday in November) and the Friday before the AFL Grand Final are public holidays in Victoria; some businesses close or open late.
Queen Victoria Market is closed on some weekdays; check current opening days before planning a visit.
Total fire ban days in summer can close some parks and trails around Victoria. Check conditions before driving to the Great Ocean Road or Dandenongs.
Christmas Day, Good Friday, and Anzac Day morning (April 25) see many shops and some attractions closed.

Melbourne in April, quick answers

Is April a good time to visit Melbourne?

April is one of the best months of the year to visit Melbourne. Autumn color, the Comedy Festival, and the AFL season under way. Easter school holidays add a short busy spell.

What is the weather like in Melbourne in April?

Mild, highs near 68F (20C), cool mornings.

Is Melbourne crowded in April?

Crowds in Melbourne are moderate in April; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.

What is happening in Melbourne in April?

Melbourne International Comedy Festival (late march into april).