What December feels like in Melbourne
December is early summer in Melbourne (Melbourne is in the southern hemisphere, so the seasons run opposite to Europe and North America). Warm daytime weather invites long lunches outside and evening strolls. Evenings bring a clear drop in temperature, and nights stay mild. The air carries some moisture, so hot spells feel a little sticky.
Rain in Melbourne in December
Showers are a regular feature, arriving about one day in 4. A rainy day brings about 7.8 mm (0.3 in) on average — steady rain rather than a passing shower. That is heavier than Melbourne's usual 6.2 mm per rainy day across the year. It is among the three wettest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in December
Mid-month, Melbourne gets 14 h 45 min of daylight, from sunrise near 5:53 am to sunset near 8:38 pm. Days are getting longer: 37 min more daylight than in mid-November. Measured sunshine covers about 81% of the daylight — skies are mostly clear.
How December compares to the rest of the year
December is the 3rd warmest month of the year in Melbourne. Afternoons run 2.2°C (4°F) warmer than in November, with 16 mm less rain. Temperatures keep climbing into January. The next month's average high: 26.4°C (79.5°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — the weather rarely gets in the way of a city walk.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — pleasant for gardens, parks and riversides.
- Beach: less ideal — too many rainy days.
Tips for visiting Melbourne in December
Versatile Layers
Pack pieces you can take off by noon and put back on at dusk.
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Sunglasses
Bright days make sunglasses worth packing.
Quick questions
How warm is Melbourne in December?
Expect around 24°C (75.2°F) in the afternoon and 13.1°C (55.6°F) at night, which most visitors would call warm.
Does it rain a lot in Melbourne in December?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about one day in 4 and totals about 62 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Melbourne in December?
The numbers point to versatile layers, rain protection and sunglasses. Add a layer for after dark.
Is December or January better for visiting Melbourne?
January scores better on our climate ranking (#1 of 12 vs #4), rated Great against Great. January is warmer and has fewer rainy days.