Melbourne in December

In December, Melbourne averages 25°C (77°F) during the day and 13°C (55°F) at night, with around 10 days of rain (60 mm total).

Peak season

Conditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.

December offers comfortable temperatures in Melbourne, with some rain to plan around.

25°C
Avg high
13°C
Avg low
10
Rain days
60 mm
Rainfall

How December compares to the rest of the year in Melbourne

3rd
warmest month of the 12
9th
wettest month of the 12
9%
of yearly rainfall falls in December
14 h 45 min
daylight on the 15th

December is one of the warmest months in Melbourne (3rd of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (9th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 5°C above the annual average (20°C). December runs 3°C warmer than November (22°C) and warms a further 1°C into January (26°C).

December sunrise & sunset in Melbourne

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
5:52 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
8:37 PM
Day length
14 h 45 min

Times shown for Melbourne local time (Australia/Melbourne), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Melbourne — December

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Melbourne's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
4:52 AM – 5:32 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
5:32 AM – 6:32 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
7:57 PM – 8:57 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
8:57 PM – 9:37 PM

📅 When to book — Melbourne in December

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Peak season) and Melbourne's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
4-6 months
Flight prices are near their annual peak. Watch fare-alert tools, book directly when you see a fare under the typical range for this city.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
5-7 months
Boutique hotels and tourist-zone properties fill 6 months out. If you're looking at a specific named hotel or rental, book it the moment you can.
⚠ Christmas / New Year travel is a global premium-pricing event — many destinations 30-50% above normal. Book 4+ months ahead if your dates are Dec 20 - Jan 2.

Crowds & pricing — December in Melbourne

Peak season

Melbourne is in peak season during this month — expect bigger crowds at famous sights, higher hotel and flight prices, and longer queues. Restaurant reservations a few days out are advisable, and any boutique hotels you have your eye on should be booked weeks ahead. The trade-off: most attractions, restaurants, and seasonal services are fully open, the weather is at its most reliable, and the city feels at its most alive.

Why this tier: excellent tourism weather

Sun & mosquito risk — December in Melbourne

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
12.5
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●●●
Severe
Severe mosquito season with active disease transmission risk. DEET 30%+, picaridin 20%, long sleeves day and night, treated nets, and check CDC/WHO travel advisories before going.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Sea temperature in Melbourne — December

21.3°C (70°F)
pleasant
warm enough for most swimmers without a wetsuit

Across the year Melbourne's sea swings from 10.5°C (July) to 22.2°C (January) — December sits at 21.3°C.

Melbourne in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 26°C / 79°F 14°C / 57°F 45 mm 8 0
February 26°C / 79°F 15°C / 59°F 50 mm 7 0
March 24°C / 75°F 13°C / 55°F 50 mm 9 0
April 20°C / 68°F 11°C / 52°F 55 mm 12 0
May 17°C / 63°F 9°C / 48°F 55 mm 14 0
June 14°C / 57°F 7°C / 45°F 50 mm 14 0
July 14°C / 57°F 6°C / 43°F 50 mm 14 0
August 15°C / 59°F 7°C / 45°F 55 mm 15 0
September 18°C / 64°F 8°C / 46°F 60 mm 14 0
October 20°C / 68°F 9°C / 48°F 65 mm 14 0
November 22°C / 72°F 11°C / 52°F 60 mm 12 0
December 25°C / 77°F 13°C / 55°F 60 mm 10 0

Other cities with similar December weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Melbourne in December →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Melbourne in December?

In December, Melbourne averages a high of 25°C (77°F) and a low of 13°C (55°F) — generally warm.

Does it rain a lot in Melbourne in December?

December can be fairly wet in Melbourne, with about 10 rainy days on average.

Is December a good time to visit Melbourne?

December is warm. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Melbourne in December?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Melbourne for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Melbourne on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.