Australia, Oceania & Pacific

Melbourne in January

The Australian Open fills the city for two weeks. Great beach and rooftop weather between heat waves; hotels peak.

TradeoffsWarm to hot, highs near 79F (26C), heat waves over 100F (38C) possible

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

The straight answer

January is a month of real tradeoffs in Melbourne. The Australian Open fills the city for two weeks. Great beach and rooftop weather between heat waves; hotels peak.

Weather: Warm to hot, highs near 79F (26C), heat waves over 100F (38C) possible
Crowds: 5 of 5
Prices: 5 of 5

What January is like in Melbourne

January is high summer in Melbourne. Most days are warm, with highs near 79F (26C), long light evenings, and busy beaches and rooftop bars. Heat waves can push past 100F (38C) for a day or two, and then a cool change blows through. The Australian Open fills the city in the second half of the month, and hotel prices peak.

It suits tennis fans and anyone who loves long summer evenings outdoors. Book early and plan indoor breaks for the hottest days. If you want steady weather without peak prices, March is the sweet spot, with warm, settled days and the city at its liveliest.

Make the most of January

What is especially good about Melbourne this month.

The Australian Open

The first tennis Grand Slam of the year runs for two weeks at Melbourne Park, usually in the second half of January. Ground passes are an affordable way to soak up the atmosphere.

Beach days in St Kilda

Warm weather makes it prime time for the bay beaches and the St Kilda foreshore. Go in the late afternoon when the heat eases.

Phillip Island penguins at summer dusk

Little penguins waddle ashore at sunset every night, and the late summer sunset makes for a relaxed evening trip. Book ahead in summer.

What to pack for January

A wide-brimmed hat and high-SPF sunscreen for strong Australian sun
A light layer for sudden cool changes
A refillable water bottle for hot days at the tennis
Swimwear for the bay beaches

Our timing tip

Book tennis-week hotels months ahead, and on heat wave days head for the free National Gallery of Victoria in the afternoon, then go out again after dark.

Book Melbourne for January.

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

What's on in January

Australian Open

Usually the second half of January

The first tennis Grand Slam of the year runs for two weeks at Melbourne Park. Ground passes are an affordable way in; hotels book out early.

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 January, quick answers

Is January a good time to visit Melbourne?

January is a month of real tradeoffs in Melbourne. The Australian Open fills the city for two weeks. Great beach and rooftop weather between heat waves; hotels peak.

What is the weather like in Melbourne in January?

Warm to hot, highs near 79F (26C), heat waves over 100F (38C) possible.

Is Melbourne crowded in January?

January is peak crowd season in Melbourne; expect lines at the headline sights.

What is happening in Melbourne in January?

Australian Open (usually the second half of january).