What to expect in Melbourne in January
January is one of the best times to visit Melbourne. Expect 26° / 15°, the biggest crowds of the year and prices close to the yearly average.
Melbourne weather in January
Typical conditions in Melbourne during January, based on long-run climate normals rather than any single year. Treat it as a planning guide, not a forecast.
| Average high | 26°C 79°F |
|---|---|
| Average low | 15°C 59°F |
| Rainfall | Moderate 30/100 |
| How it feels | Warm and comfortable |
Average highs sit around 26°C with lows near 15°C. It is one of the drier months — pack light.
Crowds & demand
Crowd levels are High for Melbourne — the biggest crowds of the year.
Prices & value
Prices run mid-range this month: prices close to the yearly average.
What to pack
Light layers for 26°C days and something with sleeves for evenings, which cool to around 15°C.
What it costs
Costs in January sit around the yearly average for Melbourne — neither a bargain nor a squeeze. Booking a few weeks out is usually enough.
Who this month suits
- Travellers who want the most reliable weather
- Anyone travelling on a budget
- Visitors who want to catch a festival
- Families tied to school holidays
Events & what’s on
Look out for Australian Open while you’re there.
- Australian Open — The year's first tennis Grand Slam packs Melbourne Park for two summer weeks.
Melbourne in January compared with nearby months
If your dates are flexible by a few weeks, this is what shifting them actually buys you.
| Month | Temp | Crowds | Price | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November | 22° / 12° | Moderate | $$ | 61 |
| December | 24° / 13° | High | $$ | 58 |
| January · This month | 26° / 15° | High | $$ | 54 |
| February | 26° / 15° | Moderate | $$ | 58 |
| March | 24° / 13° | Moderate | $$ | 64 |
These months score higher for Melbourne on the same blend of weather, crowds and price. Same destination, better odds.
Or go somewhere else in January
If the destination is negotiable but the month is not, these places are at their best in January.
Figures are climate normals and modelled estimates — a planning guide, not a forecast. We separate fact, estimate and recommendation. Updated August 2026
