The city of the four seasons in a day: that's how its inhabitants know it. And it is indeed true what they say about the capital of Victoria, the state in south-eastern Australia: at dawn, it can rain hard, in the morning it can be freezing, in the afternoon it can be suddenly hot and in the evening it can be mild. The culprit of this cheerful instability is the wind, with its unexpected currents. When planning your stay in Melbourne, you have a wide range of accommodation options to choose from. If you're after a more traditional setting, https://motel-12.hotelsinvictoria.net/en/ might be a good fit. But how do you pack for a trip to Melbourne with such variable weather? What do you take with you to face spring, summer, autumn and winter in the space of twenty-four hours? Let's find out together, season by season. If you are willing to spend a bit more, or are in search of luxury, check out some of the best hotels at tophotels.com. These accommodations are sure to elevate your stay in the city. Then, if once you land in Melbourne, perhaps on an on-the-road trip, you don't like the weather, follow the wise advice of the Australians: be patient, wait five minutes and it will change. Planning a special trip? Melbourne also boasts a selection of 5-star hotels perfect for a romantic getaway. These establishments offer top-notch service, comfort, and a touch of luxury to ensure your stay is unforgettable.
Melbourne's skyline over the Yarra River ©f11photo/Getty Images
Spring, September to November
First, pack your sunscreen, whatever the season may be. Spring can be deceptive in Melbourne, and temperatures of 10 to 20°C might make you think you won't get sunburnt. Nothing could be further from the truth: you don't mess around with the sun-kissing Australia, so choose a sunscreen with a factor 30 or higher. If you are more comfortable, you can buy it once you are in town, at any supermarket, convenience store, or pharmacy. As well as the tube, remember the hat and sunglasses.
This is the most variable and rainy season: you need protection from the sun, as well as from downpours. Don't be unprepared and bring a pair of water-resistant shoes and a sturdy umbrella for the gusts of wind that arise from the constant collisions between air masses, sometimes even from Antarctica.
A koala walks along the Great Ocean Road. ©John Crux Photography/Getty Images
Summer, December to February
As we begin to prepare for Christmas and snowfall in Italy, the weather warms up in Melbourne, averaging around 24°C, with peaks sometimes reaching over 30°C. These are rather dry months, leading to many muggy days. The best advice is to dress in layers, allowing you to take off and put on clothes as you need them. For those who are prone to dizziness due to the air conditioning, which is always present in shops and public transport, a pashmina to protect the neck is indispensable.
Green light then for summer clothing, including swimwear: the beaches of St Kilda, Brighton and Black Rock await. That said, pack a jumper and light jacket too, because the evenings are cool and the temperature range is a (perhaps the only one in Melbourne!) constant. Also, plan to pack fly and mosquito repellent for the more persistent flies and mosquitoes.
St Kilda Pier ©James Braund/Lonely Planet
Autumn, March to May
With the arrival of autumn, the days become shorter and average temperatures drop back to between 10 and 20°C as in spring. What makes all the difference is the morning mist, which slowly thins out as the hours pass, making way for clear skies and cotton-like clouds. With a pair of jeans, a long-sleeved sweater or sweatshirt, and a windbreaker you will be comfortable, even in bad weather.
If you've forgotten something at home, don't worry, it might be the right excuse to go shopping in Melbourne's Victorian galleries and malls, with plenty of bargains within your wallet and original brands. Also, keep in mind that it's easy to find laundromats in the city that will return your clothes clean, smelling and dry.
Winter, June to August
Very short days, overcast skies and sometimes freezing winds - Melbourne's winter is a lot like Italy's, although average temperatures are between 6 and 14°C. Despite the premise, it is easy for a spring sun to peep out of the blue between clouds. Snow in the city is rare, but to see it you only need to go to the nearby Victorian High Country. For those who ski or snowboard, the must-see destinations are the slopes of Hotham, Mount Buller and Falls Creek. In this case, technical mountain clothing can also be rented.
Finally, a little note on costumes. Whether it's 5 or 35°C, you'll quickly notice that it doesn't make that much difference to Australians: in the middle of winter, as in the middle of summer, it will be easy to see them with shorts, a cap and flip-flops on their feet. As well as, the surfboard under their arm. After all, if there's one thing that doesn't belong to the Aussie style, it's formality, so reserve the most elegant attire only for evenings at the theatre and the chicest restaurants.
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...and documents
Don't make the all too common mistake of believing that only clothes go into your suitcase. Instead, you must also remember the documents. Which are:
- The ETA, the electronic tourist visa, which can be obtained from travel agencies or airlines;
- The passport, which must have a residual validity of at least six months.