Question 1

What was the hottest month in Melbourne in 2024?

Accepted Answer

February was the hottest month in Melbourne in 2024, recording an average temperature of 20.0°C (68.0°F). This made it slightly warmer than both January at 19.4°C (66.9°F) and December at 19.9°C (67.8°F).

Melbourne's February 2024 was characterized by warm, dry conditions. The month saw maximum temperatures reach 37.5°C (99.5°F), while overnight lows dropped to around 8.6°C (47.5°F). With only 10.9mm of rainfall and 284.2 hours of sunshine, February offered ideal summer weather for outdoor activities.

While February had the highest average temperatures, December 2024 recorded Melbourne's most extreme heat of the year. The city experienced a scorching maximum of 41.0°C (105.8°F) during December, making it the hottest single day recorded in 2024. December also delivered the most sunshine hours of any month at 309.3 hours.

The contrast between Melbourne's hottest and coldest months in 2024 was substantial. July was the coldest month with an average of just 9.0°C (48.2°F), representing an 11.0°C (19.8°F) difference from February's peak warmth. This significant temperature range highlights Melbourne's variable climate across the seasons.

Question 2

How much rainfall did Melbourne receive in 2024?

Accepted Answer

Melbourne received a total of 734.6mm (28.9 inches) of rainfall throughout 2024, with precipitation distributed unevenly across the year.

The wettest month in Melbourne was January 2024, which recorded 140.7mm (5.5 inches) of rain. July followed as the second wettest month with 107.3mm (4.2 inches), while April rounded out the top three with 93.8mm (3.7 inches). In contrast, February 2024 was exceptionally dry, receiving just 10.9mm (0.4 inches) of precipitation.

Looking at seasonal patterns, spring (September to November) was the wettest period in Melbourne during 2024, accumulating 218.2mm (8.6 inches). Summer months within 2024 (January, February, and December) totalled 197.8mm (7.8 inches), though this figure was heavily influenced by the wet January. Winter (June to August) brought 174.1mm (6.9 inches), while autumn (March to May) was the driest season with 144.5mm (5.7 inches).

The average monthly rainfall for Melbourne in 2024 was 61.2mm (2.4 inches). This variability is typical of Melbourne's climate, where conditions can shift quickly. For visitors planning outdoor activities, checking forecasts close to your travel dates remains essential, particularly during the wetter months of January, July, and spring.

Question 3

Which months had the most sunshine in Melbourne in 2024?

Accepted Answer

Melbourne enjoyed the most sunshine during December 2024, recording an impressive 309.3 hours of sunlight throughout the month. This was followed by February with 284.2 hours and March with 280.0 hours, making the late summer and early autumn period the sunniest time of year.

The city accumulated a total of 2,613.3 hours of sunshine across 2024, averaging approximately 217.8 hours per month. December stood out with an average of 10.0 hours of daily sunshine, combined with pleasant temperatures averaging 19.9°C (67.8°F). February followed closely with 9.8 hours of sunshine per day.

Melbourne's summer months (December, January, and February) delivered a combined 855.5 hours of sunshine, averaging 285.2 hours monthly. In contrast, the winter months of June, July, and August saw significantly less sun, totalling just 472.0 hours with a monthly average of 157.3 hours. July proved to be the cloudiest month with only 126.0 hours of sunshine.

For visitors planning outdoor activities or those seeking sunny weather, Melbourne's late spring through early autumn (November to March) offers the best conditions. These months consistently recorded over 250 hours of sunshine each, providing ideal weather for exploring the city's beaches, parks, and outdoor dining scene.

Question 4

How cold does Melbourne get in winter?

Accepted Answer

Melbourne experiences mild but crisp winter conditions from June to August, with average temperatures of 10.3°C (50.5°F) and occasional near-freezing mornings.

During winter 2024, Melbourne's overnight temperatures averaged 6.5°C (43.7°F), while daytime highs typically reached 14.6°C (58.2°F). The coldest temperature recorded was -0.3°C (31.5°F) on July 3, marking the only day with sub-zero conditions. However, 30 days throughout the season saw minimum temperatures drop below 5°C (41°F), particularly during June and July.

July proved to be Melbourne's coldest month in 2024, with an average temperature of just 9.1°C (48.4°F). June was slightly warmer at 9.5°C (49.1°F), while August showed the transition toward spring with averages climbing to 12.2°C (54.0°F) and some days reaching 22.7°C (72.9°F).

Melbourne winters are characterised by significant daily temperature swings averaging 8.1°C between morning lows and afternoon highs. This means layered clothing is essential, as mornings can feel quite cold while afternoons often become pleasant enough for outdoor activities. While frost is possible on the coldest mornings, Melbourne's coastal position keeps temperatures considerably milder than inland Australian cities.

Question 5

What were the average wind speeds in Melbourne in 2024?

Accepted Answer

Melbourne experienced an average wind speed of 13.6 km/h (8.4 mph) throughout 2024, with notable seasonal variations reflecting the city's famously changeable weather patterns.

The windiest months in Melbourne during 2024 were September and August, when average wind speeds reached 17.3 km/h (10.7 mph) and 17.1 km/h (10.6 mph) respectively. This increased wind activity during late winter and early spring is typical for Melbourne, as weather systems transition between seasons. In contrast, May recorded the calmest conditions of the year with an average of just 9.3 km/h (5.8 mph).

Looking at seasonal patterns, winter (June to August) and spring (September to November) were the windiest periods in Melbourne, both averaging 14.8 km/h (9.2 mph). Autumn (March to May) was notably calmer at 11.4 km/h (7.1 mph), while summer (December to February) averaged 13.4 km/h (8.3 mph).

For visitors planning outdoor activities in Melbourne, the autumn months offer the most settled wind conditions. However, the city's reputation for "four seasons in one day" means wind patterns can shift quickly regardless of the month, so layered clothing and flexible plans are always advisable.

Jolimont

Victoria

Wind

Weather Map

FAQ

What was the hottest month in Melbourne in 2024?

How much rainfall did Melbourne receive in 2024?

Which months had the most sunshine in Melbourne in 2024?

How cold does Melbourne get in winter?

What were the average wind speeds in Melbourne in 2024?