Australia, Oceania & Pacific

Melbourne in September

Spring begins, gardens bloom, and footy finals build to the AFL Grand Final in late September, when accommodation prices spike.

GoodMild, highs near 63F (17C), changeable

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

The straight answer

September is a good month to visit Melbourne. Spring begins, gardens bloom, and footy finals build to the AFL Grand Final in late September, when accommodation prices spike.

Weather: Mild, highs near 63F (17C), changeable
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What September is like in Melbourne

September is the start of spring. Days are mild, with highs near 63F (17C), and the weather is changeable, so expect sun, wind, and a shower in one afternoon. Gardens start to bloom, and the city builds toward footy finals. The AFL Grand Final, usually on the last Saturday of the month, brings a parade, a public holiday on the Friday before, and a spike in hotel prices.

It suits footy fans and garden lovers, and anyone who likes the energy of a city in finals mode. If you are not here for the Grand Final, avoid its week or book early. For more settled spring weather, October is the better bet.

Make the most of September

What is especially good about Melbourne this month.

AFL Grand Final week

Australian football's biggest day at the MCG comes with a parade and a Friday public holiday in Victoria. The whole city gets involved.

Spring blooms

The Royal Botanic Gardens and city parks come into flower. A slow morning walk is a fine way to start the day.

Early-spring value

Outside Grand Final week, prices are fair and the city is not yet busy.

What to pack for September

A light, waterproof jacket for changeable days
Layers for cool mornings and mild afternoons
Your team's scarf for finals
Comfortable walking shoes

Our timing tip

Book early if your trip overlaps the last weekend of September, and plan around the Friday public holiday, when some businesses close or open late.

Book Melbourne for September.

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

What's on in September

AFL Grand Final

Usually the last Saturday in September

Australian football's biggest day at the MCG, preceded by a parade and a Friday public holiday in Victoria. Expect accommodation to spike.

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 September, quick answers

Is September a good time to visit Melbourne?

September is a good month to visit Melbourne. Spring begins, gardens bloom, and footy finals build to the AFL Grand Final in late September, when accommodation prices spike.

What is the weather like in Melbourne in September?

Mild, highs near 63F (17C), changeable.

Is Melbourne crowded in September?

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

What is happening in Melbourne in September?

AFL Grand Final (usually the last saturday in september).