Things to do in Melbourne in August

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Overview

August is a less popular time to visit Melbourne. The weather is usually moderately chilly and breezy, with temperatures ranging from 43—56°F (6—13°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Melbourne during this time. Some of our top recommendations: go whale watching in Port Phillip Bay, take a winter hike in the Dandenong Ranges, and visit the Melbourne Writers Festival!

Melbourne has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your August trip to Melbourne. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to August. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Melbourne in August. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout August, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Don't take our word for it
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Best events and things to do in Melbourne in August

Top experiences in August
Go whale watching in Port Phillip Bay
August is the peak season for whale watching in Port Phillip Bay, as humpback and southern right whales migrate along the coast of Victoria. You can join a whale watching tour and witness these majestic creatures breaching and playing in the waters of the bay, creating unforgettable memories of nature's wonders.
Take a winter hike in the Dandenong Ranges
August is the perfect time to explore the natural beauty of the Dandenong Ranges, just a short drive from Melbourne. You can embark on scenic hikes through lush forests, visit picturesque waterfalls, and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, all while experiencing the crisp winter air.
Visit the Melbourne Writers Festival
August is the month when the Melbourne Writers Festival takes place, bringing together writers, thinkers, and readers to celebrate the power of words and ideas. You can attend author talks, panel discussions, workshops, and literary events, and engage with the vibrant literary community in Melbourne.
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Holidays in Melbourne in August
August

There are no holidays in Melbourne in August

Other notable holidays

Weather in Melbourne in August

Temperatures on an average day in Melbourne in August

The average temperature in Melbourne in August for a typical day ranges from a high of 56°F (13°C) to a low of 43°F (6°C). Some would describe it as moderately chilly and breezy.

For comparison, the hottest month in Melbourne, January, has days with highs of 82°F (28°C) and lows of 59°F (15°C). The coldest month, July has days with highs of 55°F (13°C) and lows of 43°F (6°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Melbourne in August based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in August
56°F
highs
43°F
lows

General weather summary

Moderately chilly and breezy
Feels like
33%
Chance of rain
0.083 in
Amount
15.9 mph
Wind speed
76%
Humidity
10.6 hrs
Daylight length
7:04 AM
Sunrise
5:43 PM
Sunset
54%
Cloud cover
Jacket
What to wear
What to wear in August
With an average high of 56°F (13°C) and a low of 43°F (6°C), it generally feels moderately chilly and breezy. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something warm like a jacket
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Best attractions for Melbourne in August

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Melbourne has to offer for travelers in August, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Melbourne that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Melbourne for August.
Spencer St/La Trobe St
1. Spencer St/La Trobe St
4.3
(6)
Tram stop
Transportation
Melbourne Cricket Ground
2. Melbourne Cricket Ground
4.7
(26401)
Stadium
Sights & Landmarks
Home of Australian football and the National Sports Museum, also serving as a music venue and more.
Melbourne Skydeck
3. Melbourne Skydeck
4.5
(14802)
Observation deck
Sights & Landmarks
Gold-plated observation deck on the 88th floor with panoramic city views & a protruding glass cube.
Melbourne Zoo
4. Melbourne Zoo
4.4
(5372)
Zoo
Zoos & Aquariums
Modelled on London Zoo, this family-friendly establishment has animals from all around the world.
Shrine of Remembrance
5. Shrine of Remembrance
4.8
(7101)
War memorial
Sights & Landmarks
Shrine commemorating Australian wartime service with memorials, exhibitions & gardens.
National Gallery of Victoria
6. National Gallery of Victoria
4.7
(20510)
Art gallery
Museums
Public gallery with vast, varied collection of noted Australian and international art and artefacts.
The Block Arcade
7. The Block Arcade
4.5
(2965)
Shopping mall
Sights & Landmarks
Retail shops & a tea room in an opulent 19th-century arcade with mosaic floors & a glass roof.
Melbourne Museum
8. Melbourne Museum
4.6
(15519)
History museum
Museums
Modern building of an institution founded in 1854 containing dinosaur and regional history exhibits.
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
9. SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
4.3
(15538)
Aquarium
Zoos & Aquariums
Interactive multilevel aquarium housing 10,000+ animals, including sharks & saltwater crocodiles.
Old Melbourne Gaol
10. Old Melbourne Gaol
4.5
(3052)
Museum
Sights & Landmarks
Now a museum with self & guided tours, this storied tri-level jail once housed notorious inmates.
Fed Square
11. Fed Square
4.5
(2699)
Plaza
Museums
Abstract buildings flank this block-size plaza, filled with restaurants, museums and arts venues.
State Library Victoria
12. State Library Victoria
4.8
(3081)
Public library
Art gallery
State landmark opened in 1856, spanning one city block & featuring a grand reading room.
Southbank
13. Southbank
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Southbank draws a sophisticated crowd to its cultural venues, which include the Malthouse theater, based in a restored brewery, and the state-of-the-art Melbourne Recital Centre which hosts classical concerts. There are clubs, food courts and designer shops in the sprawling Crown Casino complex. The lively riverside promenades feature al fresco fine dining and cargo sheds housing craft-beer bars.
St Kilda beach
14. St Kilda beach
4.5
(2396)
Beach
Outdoor Activities
This famous city beach features a boardwalk, the St. Kilda Pier, swimming & various water sports.
Prada Australia Melbourne Crown Casino
15. Prada Australia Melbourne Crown Casino
4.6
(33)
Women's clothing store
Casinos & Gambling
Retailer of upscale apparel, handbags, fragrances & more from the Italian designer.
Hosier Ln
16. Hosier Ln
4.2
(435)
Notable street
Sights & Landmarks
Vibrant, landmark district of noteworthy urban art & graffiti with a local small-plates restaurant.

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Melbourne?

Get inspired for your trip to Melbourne with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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