Welcome! The Wanderbug is an AI-free zone, written for humans, by a human (Genevieve!).  I write all content myself, based on my own, real, travel experiences.

Are you planning to visit Melbourne in January? From the thrill of the Australian Open, to the wonder of the NGV’s summer blockbuster, and the peak of summer in Melbourne, January is one of the best times of year to visit Melbourne.

In this guide to visiting Melbourne in January, I’ve included what to expect from the weather, the best things to do in Melbourne in January and the best January events in Melbourne.

I’ve lived in Melbourne for the better part of a decade, and love sharing my tips and recommendations with visitors. For more ideas, check out my itinerary for 3 days in Melbourne.

Weather in Melbourne in January

In January, Melbourne is in the height of summer. You can expect mostly hot, sunny days, and even the occasional scorching temperatures above 40°C (104 °F). The average daily temperature in Melbourne in January is 14-26 °C (58-79 °F), but apart from the odd rainy or cool day, it has consistently been hot and sunny. 

Melbourne has famously changeable weather and is renowned for seeing four seasons in a day, so it always pays to bring a light jacket or jumper, even during summer in Melbourne!

Best Things to Do in Melbourne in January

The Australian Open 

The Australian Open is one of four global Grand Slam tennis tournaments, and one of the best sporting events to attend in Australia. The Australian Open is held in Melbourne Park, in Richmond, which is just outside the Melbourne CBD (downtown).

Book tickets for a particular match, or book a Ground Pass for access to the outer courts and the festivities on the grounds. I think it’s one of the best-run sports events in the world, with an excellent set up of pop up bars, restaurants and screens, in the grounds. I’ve attended the Aus Open twice!

St Kilda Beach 

Make the most of the warm weather, and visit St Kilda beach. St Kilda is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Melbourne, and is about a 10 minute drive from the CBD. Check out my St Kilda neighbourhood guide for more details.

Sunset Picnics 

Due to daylight savings, the sun sets as late as 9pm in Melbourne in January! Make the most of the long days with an evening picnic, as it begins to cool down. It’s one of the few times of the year it’s warm enough for a sunset picnic overlooking the bay.

I love Catani Gardens in St Kilda, Point Ormond in Elwood or along the foreshore in Brighton for views of the sunset over the water. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Fitzroy Gardens, Carlton Gardens and St Kilda Botanical Gardens are all perfect picnic spots!

Brighton Bathing Boxes 

On a sunny day, the famous Brighton Bathing Boxes really shine! The brightly coloured, 19th-century Victorian beach huts on Dendy Beach in Brighton, are a classic Melbourne landmark.

NGV’s Summer Blockbuster 

The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) holds exhibitions year-round, but the two most highly anticipated exhibitions of the year are held over summer and winter.

The NGV’s Summer Blockbuster usually celebrates a contemporary or modern artist, and is always a world-class exhibition. This is a ticketed event, you can visit during standard opening hours, or book tickets to NGV Friday Nights, a series of evening events with live music, pop up bars, and late access to the exhibition.

Drink & dine on the Yarra River

There’s no better time to drink & dine riverside, by the Yarra River. There are plenty of restaurants and bars facing the river along Southbank Boulevard, but Yarra Botanica has the unique distinction of being a floating bar & eatery directly on the river, with a 100% Victorian menu.

Events in Melbourne in January 2026

Australian Open

The Australian Open returns to Melbourne in January 2026, for three weeks of world-class tennis at Melbourne Park.

Book tickets to particular days or matches, or book a Ground Pass to soak up the atmosphere of the Open amongst the pop up bars, restaurants and big screens in the grounds, as well as get access to the outer courts.

Dates: Monday 12 January-Sunday 1 February, 2026

Westwood | Kawabuko at the NGV

The NGV’s Summer Blockbuster of 2025/2206 celebrates two global fashion icons (and iconoclasts): the late British designer Vivienne Westwood, and Japanese designer Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garcons.

Westwood | Kawakubo at the NGV will feature more than 140 designs, which showcase and celebrate the similarities and differences between the two rebel designers. The NGV summer blockbuster is always one of the best things to do in Melbourne in January, and is expected to draw huge crowds.

Tip: Book your tickets online to skip the queue!

Dates: 7 December, 2025 – 19 April 2026

Midsumma

Midsumma is one of the biggest & best LGBTQIA+ arts & cultural festivals in Australia, and lights up Melbourne every summer. Kicking off on 18 January, Midsumma launches with Midsumma Carnival in the Alexandra Gardens, which is one of Melbourne’s biggest days out. The festival program includes theatre, music, cabaret, visual art and outdoor performances, and take place across Melbourne over three weeks.

Dates: 18 January-8 February 2026

Anastasia, The Musical

Anastasia is a hit Broadway musical, based on the classic 1997 animated film of the same name. Anastasia, the musical, is playing in Melbourne in January 2026, at the Regent Theatre on Collins St. This is one of the most beautiful theatres in Melbourne!

Anastasia is set in 1920s Paris, and tells the story of a young woman named Anya, who is on a journey to remember her past. The story is based on Anastasia Romanov, the youngest daughter of Tsar Nicholas II, who was the last sovereig of Imperial Russia. The Romanov family was assassinated in their home in 1918, but for years afterwards, rumours circulated that the youngest, Anastasia, had escaped.

Dates: 20 December, 2025 – 15 February 2026

My Brilliant Career, The Musical

My Brilliant Career, the musical, is returning to Melbourne for a limited encore run, after a sold-out premiere season. The musical is based on the classic Australian novel by Miles Franklin of the same name, and has been called a “funny, feminist triumph” by the Guardian, alongside a number of other five-star reviews.

Dates: 23 January – 26 February 2026

Crowds & Costs in Melbourne in January

January is peak season in Melbourne. It’s the middle of summer, school holidays, and it’s when the Australian Open is one, which brings thousands of tennis fans to Melbourne every year. 

You will likely enjoy the best summer weather of the year, and the whole city has a lively atmosphere because of the Australian Open. 

You can expect crowds and higher prices, and should make as many reservations in advance as possible.  

Day Trips from Melbourne in January

Mornington Peninsula – Summer is the perfect time of year to make a day trip or side trip to the wineries & beaches of the Mornington Peninsula. Summer is busy on the peninsula, so make as many of your hotel, restaurant and wine tasting bookings in advance as you can.

Bellarine Peninsula – West of Melbourne, the Bellarine Peninsula is less of a tourist hotspot than the Mornington Peninsula, while still offering beaches and oceanfront wineries for visitors. I love Jack Rabbit Vineyard for wine tasting with a stunning ocean view.

Yarra Valley – The Yarra Valley is the premier wine region in Victoria, and is an easy day trip from Melbourne. The best way to visit the Yarra Valley is to book a day tour leaving from Melbourne, so you don’t need to worry about driving.

The Wanderbug is reader supported. This site may contain links to affiliate websites, which means when you buy through links on this site I may receive a small affiliate commission at no cost to you. Thank you for your support!