Australia, Oceania & Pacific

Melbourne in December

Summer starts, rooftops and beaches fill, and the Boxing Day Test at the MCG on December 26 is a local ritual.

GoodWarm, highs near 75F (24C), heat waves possible

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

The straight answer

December is a good month to visit Melbourne. Summer starts, rooftops and beaches fill, and the Boxing Day Test at the MCG on December 26 is a local ritual.

Weather: Warm, highs near 75F (24C), heat waves possible
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What December is like in Melbourne

December is the start of summer. Days are warm, with highs near 75F (24C), and a heat wave is possible. Rooftops and beaches fill up, the city feels festive, and the Boxing Day Test at the MCG on December 26 is a local ritual. Crowds and prices rise toward Christmas, and many shops close on Christmas Day.

It suits families, cricket fans, and anyone who wants long summer evenings and a holiday mood. Book early for the Christmas week. If you want summer warmth with fewer crowds, February is calmer, and March has the most settled weather.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about Melbourne this month.

The Boxing Day Test

The traditional Test cricket match at the MCG on December 26 draws one of the biggest crowds in world cricket. Book tickets early.

Long summer evenings

Light lingers late, so you can stroll the Yarra or the St Kilda foreshore after dinner.

Summer beaches and bay swims

The bay beaches warm up and become a family favorite on hot days.

What to pack for December

A hat and high-SPF sunscreen
A light layer for cool evenings
Swimwear for the bay
A refillable water bottle for the cricket

Our timing tip

Check for total fire ban days before heading into parks, and do any shopping before December 25, when many shops and some attractions close.

Book Melbourne for December.

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

What's on in December

Boxing Day Test

December 26 every year

The traditional Test cricket match at the MCG, one of the biggest crowds in world cricket.

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 December, quick answers

Is December a good time to visit Melbourne?

December is a good month to visit Melbourne. Summer starts, rooftops and beaches fill, and the Boxing Day Test at the MCG on December 26 is a local ritual.

What is the weather like in Melbourne in December?

Warm, highs near 75F (24C), heat waves possible.

Is Melbourne crowded in December?

Melbourne is busy in December, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.

What is happening in Melbourne in December?

Boxing Day Test (december 26 every year).