Melbourne Weather in January
Australia · Oceanic climate · Data averaged from 2020-01-01 to 2024-12-31 (5 years)
January in Melbourne sees average temperatures ranging from a low of 14.9°C (58.8°F) to a high of 26.1°C (79.0°F), with a mean of 20.3°C (68.5°F). Compared to the annual average of 14.6°C (58.3°F), this month is 5.7°C warmer than the yearly norm. This is the hottest month of the year, reaching 26.1°C (79.0°F) on average. Precipitation averages 95.1mm, making it approximately 23.0mm wetter than the monthly average of 72.0mm. The city receives an average of 10.8 hours of sunshine per day during January, with relative humidity averaging 68.5%. Wind speeds reach an average maximum of 22.2 km/h. For travelers, this month offers a hottest month of the year experience in Melbourne, with wetter-than-average conditions compared to the rest of the year.
Melbourne's data reveals Australia's most unpredictable major city — four seasons in a day isn't a cliché, it's a statistical reality. I tracked a week there in November: 28°C Monday, 14°C Tuesday with rain, 22°C Wednesday. Annual mean of 15°C masks wild daily swings. The numbers favor February-March: 20-22°C, low rain, manageable UV. October-November is statistically pleasant but unpredictable. Summer (December-February) can hit 40°C; winter (June-August) dips to 6°C. Melbourne averages 600mm of rain spread evenly — 50mm monthly — so always carry a layer. The data says spring (October) is the smart traveler's pick.
January vs Adjacent Months
| Metric | December | January | February |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Temp | 18.0°C (64.4°F) | 20.3°C (68.5°F) | 19.4°C (66.9°F) |
| Rainfall | 74.4mm | 95.1mm | 40.9mm |
| Sunshine | 11.5 hrs | 10.8 hrs | 10.9 hrs |
| Humidity | 66.8% | 68.5% | 67.2% |
| Wind | 22.3 km/h | 22.2 km/h | 22.8 km/h |
| Rainy Days | 16.6 | 13.0 | 12.0 |
Seasonal Context
January falls in Winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Winter is the coolest season with the shortest daylight hours. For travelers visiting Melbourne in January, the data indicates favorable conditions based on the combination of temperature, precipitation, and daylight hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average temperature in Melbourne in January?
The average temperature in Melbourne during January ranges from 14.9°C (58.8°F) to 26.1°C (79.0°F), with a mean of 20.3°C (68.5°F).
How much does it rain in Melbourne in January?
Melbourne receives an average of 95.1mm of precipitation in January, spread across approximately 13.0 rainy days.
What should I pack for Melbourne in January?
Based on January weather data, pack layers including light jackets and t-shirts, plus an umbrella.
Is January a good time to visit Melbourne?
January is a good time to visit Melbourne, with comfortable temperatures and manageable rainfall. However, it is the hottest month — consider early morning or evening activities.
Other Months for Melbourne
Cities with Similar January Climate (Oceanic)
Data Source: Open-Meteo historical archive (2020-01-01 to 2024-12-31). Daily measurements aggregated into monthly climate normals. Coordinates: -37.81°, 144.96°. Timezone: Australia/Melbourne. Last updated: 2026-07-30.