Australia, Oceania & Pacific

Melbourne in March

Arguably the best month: steady weather, the Food and Wine Festival, Moomba, and usually the Grand Prix. Book around Grand Prix week.

BestWarm and settled, highs near 75F (24C)

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

The straight answer

March is one of the best months of the year to visit Melbourne. Arguably the best month: steady weather, the Food and Wine Festival, Moomba, and usually the Grand Prix. Book around Grand Prix week.

Weather: Warm and settled, highs near 75F (24C)
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What March is like in Melbourne

March is arguably Melbourne's best month. The weather settles into warm, steady days, with highs near 75F (24C), and the city is packed with things to do: the Food and Wine Festival, Moomba, usually the Grand Prix, and the Comedy Festival starting late in the month. Crowds are up and prices are firm, especially in Grand Prix week.

This month suits almost everyone, from families to food lovers and sports fans. It is the pick if you want good weather and a full calendar. The only reason to choose April instead is if you want lower prices and cooler days, or want to avoid the Grand Prix crowds.

Make the most of March

What is especially good about Melbourne this month.

Australian Grand Prix

The Formula 1 race at Albert Park usually lands in March, drawing big crowds and pushing hotel prices up that week. Check the calendar, since dates can shift.

Food and Wine Festival

The city's food festival fills restaurants and pop-up events, a good excuse to eat your way across town.

Comedy Festival opens

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival starts in late March, with hundreds of shows across the city.

AFL season begins

Footy returns to the MCG in March. Catching a game is the best way to feel the city's sporting heart.

What to pack for March

Layers for warm afternoons and cooler evenings
A light jacket for night events
Sunscreen and a hat
Comfortable shoes for festival walking

Our timing tip

Look up the Grand Prix date first and book your hotel either side of it, unless you are going to the race.

Book Melbourne for March.

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 March, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for March
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 March. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in March

Australian Grand Prix

Usually March, sometimes shifting on the Formula 1 calendar

The Formula 1 race at Albert Park draws big crowds and pushes hotel prices up for that week.

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 March, quick answers

Is March a good time to visit Melbourne?

March is one of the best months of the year to visit Melbourne. Arguably the best month: steady weather, the Food and Wine Festival, Moomba, and usually the Grand Prix. Book around Grand Prix week.

What is the weather like in Melbourne in March?

Warm and settled, highs near 75F (24C).

Is Melbourne crowded in March?

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

What is happening in Melbourne in March?

Australian Grand Prix (usually march, sometimes shifting on the formula 1 calendar); Melbourne International Comedy Festival (late march into april).