Australia, Oceania & Pacific

Melbourne in August

Late winter, with the Melbourne International Film Festival and southern right whales off Warrnambool. Quiet and good value.

Quiet valueCool and windy, highs near 59F (15C)

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

The straight answer

August is a quiet, good-value month to visit Melbourne. Late winter, with the Melbourne International Film Festival and southern right whales off Warrnambool. Quiet and good value.

Weather: Cool and windy, highs near 59F (15C)
Crowds: 2 of 5
Prices: 2 of 5

What August is like in Melbourne

August is late winter: cool and windy, with highs near 59F (15C) and some rain. The city is quiet and good value, and there are still good reasons to visit. The Melbourne International Film Festival takes over cinemas, and southern right whales can be seen off Warrnambool on the coast to the west.

This month suits film fans, whale watchers, and budget travelers who are happy indoors. It is not ideal for beach time or long outdoor days. If you can wait a couple of months, October brings spring gardens and milder, brighter weather.

Make the most of August

What is especially good about Melbourne this month.

Melbourne International Film Festival

The city's film festival fills cinemas with premieres and talks. Book popular screenings early.

Southern right whales off Warrnambool

Late winter is whale time along the coast west of the city. Combine it with a Great Ocean Road trip if the weather allows.

Good-value city breaks

Low demand means good hotel rates, making it a good month for a longer food and culture stay.

What to pack for August

A windproof, waterproof jacket
Warm layers and a scarf
Binoculars for whale watching
Waterproof shoes

Our timing tip

Pick a clear, calm forecast day for the drive to Warrnambool, since whale watching from shore is far better without strong wind.

Book Melbourne for August.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Melbourne
Opens a hotel search for Melbourne in August, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for August
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 August. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

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 August, quick answers

Is August a good time to visit Melbourne?

August is a quiet, good-value month to visit Melbourne. Late winter, with the Melbourne International Film Festival and southern right whales off Warrnambool. Quiet and good value.

What is the weather like in Melbourne in August?

Cool and windy, highs near 59F (15C).

Is Melbourne crowded in August?

August is one of the quieter months in Melbourne; most sights can be done without long waits.