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 chances of the warmest and sunniest weather that Melbourne will get all year, January is a great time 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 to Melbourne, even in summer!
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 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. In 2025, the NGV’s Summer blockbuster celebrates Yayoi Kusama, one of the most renowned living artists. 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 2025
Australian Open
The Australian Open returns to Melbourne from 6-26 January 2025 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.
Yayoi Kusama at the NGV
The NGV’s Summer Blockbuster of 2024/2025 celebrates Yayoi Kusama, with one of the most comprehensive retrospectives of her career that the world has ever seen. With more than 200 artworks and eye-popping immersive design, this is an unmissable exhibition in Melbourne this January.
The Outsiders Melbourne (Free)
Melbourne is renowned for its vibrant street art, which has contributed to a growing acceptance and celebration of street art across the world. The Outsiders Melbourne is a rare & exciting street art exhibition, with more than 100 works by street artists including notable artists Banksy, Rone, Shepard Fairey, Hush and Ron English. The exhibition is courtesy of Sandra Powell and Andrew King, who own the largest collection of street art in Australia. Together, they’ve advocated for street art and curated exhibitions in Australia and internationally. This exhibition is open to the public for the first time on the corner of Hosier Lane and Flinders Lane in Melbourne’s CBD.
Hours: 12-6pm from January 13-25 May
THE LUME Melbourne: Van Gogh
THE LUME is an immersive art experience, using virtual reality to bring artwork to life. In January 2025, THE LUME’s Vincent Van Gogh has returned to Melbourne three years after it’s world premiere, due to popular demand. THE LUME’s immersive art experience is suitable for all ages, and is open from 10am-5:30pm daily, with last entry at 4pm. I recommend booking tickets in advance.
Dear Evan Hansen
Catch the Australian premier of the Tony award-winning broadway blockbuster, Dear Evan Hansen, at the Arts Centre in Melbourne this January. The coming-of-age musical tells the story of socially anxious highschooler Evan Hansen, who is thrust into the spotlight when he inadvertently invents an important role for himself at the centre of a tragedy.
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 & Side 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.
Tasmania – Fly to Tasmania, which is enjoying its warmest weather of the year
While the Great Ocean Road is a popular summer destination, I don’t recommend planning to do a trip to the Great Ocean Road in January because of the high risk of bushfires in the area. Regardless of where you are going in Victoria in summer, check local authorities for the fire danger warning.
Hello! I’m an Australian travel blogger, living in Melbourne, Australia. I grew up in Brisbane, studied in Paris, lived & worked in New York City and now live in Melbourne, Australia.
I love sharing specific and useful recommendations, itineraries and guides for the most beautiful things to see, do, experience & eat wherever I go.
My favourite travel destinations are Australia, New York City & surrounds, France, Greece & Japan, but I’m always excited to explore somewhere new!
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