What's the Weather Like in Melbourne in August
Temperatures remain chilly throughout the month of August as winter begins to wind down. However, it is not time to put away the jackets and the sweaters just yet as the cold wind blowing off the nearby cool waters will make it feel much colder. This is also the last month before the crowds of tourists start to arrive once again and the last month for good deals on hotels and flights.
Rain
Once again, the chance of rain is high throughout the month with measurable rain expected on an average of 16 days. There is a good chance you'll need an umbrella and a waterproof jacket so make sure you're prepared for the elements. Overall, the region experiences an average of 57mm of precipitation over the course of the month.
Sunshine
There is still not a lot of sun during this time of the year as the earth's axis is pointed toward the sun. As a result, landmasses in the southern hemisphere experience winter ( June - August) and see much shorter days. Overall, the area experiences just 5 hours of sunshine per day.
Temperature
Without much sun, temperatures remain cold and only average 11°C (52°C) on a daily basis. The average afternoon high will climb to only 15°C (59°F) making extra layers of clothing necessary throughout the day. The average overnight low falls to 7°C (45°F) first thing in the morning.
Sea Temperature
Water temperatures also remain cold during this time of the year, averaging at only 13°C (55°F). These are also some of the coldest readings of the year and keep most people out of the water. Alas, this is not the best time of the year to try and hit the beach.
If you're looking for a weather forecast for Melbourne, you are advised to visit this page.
Hotels for Melbourne in August
The Hotel Windsor
Those looking for five-star luxury for their August holiday will find it at The Hotel Windsor. Over 130 years old, the luxury hotel boasts a total of 180 rooms and suites and over two million guests served in its rich history. All rooms are immaculately decorated with only the finest furnishings and all the amenities you could want. But what makes a stay here so special is the attention to detail and level of service you won't find in many other hotels.
Intercontinental Melbourne The Rialto
More five-star accommodations can be found at the Intercontinental Melbourne The Rialto. With world-class on-site dining, exquisite service and immaculate rooms, you can't go wrong with this choice of hotel. Located in the heart of the central business district, the hotel features a total of 253 rooms and suites and is located close to some of the city's best bars, restaurants and shopping areas.
Melbourne Rarkview Hotel
The Melbourne Parkview Hotel is the perfect choice for those who want to be in the heart of the city, but don't want to break the bank. The hotel is reasonably priced and offers many of the same amenities as higher-end choices. Here, guests can enjoy free WiFi, cardio gym and spa, and an on-site bar and restaurant.
Restaurants and Bars for Melbourne in August
Gingerboy
With funky décor, and a fast-paced environment, Gingerboy is a different and exciting type of restaurant. Known for its Asian fare, the menu at the restaurants changes depending on the seasons. All dishes make use of only the freshest local ingredients and are designed to be shared.
MoVida
Take a trip down Melbourne's laneways to find MoVida, which serves some of the city's best Spanish tapas. Known for its laid-back atmosphere and classic Iberian fare, this is an ideal place for a late lunch or as somewhere to retreat to with friends in the evening for dinner and drinks.
Good Egg
For brunches and lunches, take up a table at South Melbourne's Good Egg. You'll easily fill up on their hearty, wholesome breakfast dishes, which use fresh ingredients, all of which are locally sourced. They also serve a pleasing burger menu and offer appealing options for vegetarian and vegan diners.
Comic Lounge
If you want some late-night laughs, a great place to visit is the Comic Lounge. Open six nights a week, the venue is home to some of the best comics in Australia. While the venue will seat almost 500 people, you would never know, thanks to an intimate feel. Look at the website to see who will be playing when you're in town.
Things to Do in Melbourne in August
Melbourne Museum
With cool conditions still casting a shadow over the city in August, now makes a good time to visit the Melbourne Museum. Learn about dinosaurs, see more than 600 animals from all over the world and delve into the history of the area in this natural and cultural museum. Ranked as one of the best museums in the country, this is a real crowd-pleaser of a museum which has something to offer for the whole family. The museum is also home to the IMAX Melbourne, which regularly shows a range of films and documentaries, and proudly houses the largest cinema screen in the world.
National Sports Museum
If you're fond of both sports and museums, why not combine the two with a trip to the National Sports Museum. Located within the Melbourne Cricket Grounds, visitors are able to learn more about Australian participation in the Olympics, as well as educate themselves on the ins and outs of rugby and cricket. Audio tours are available to help guide visitors through the exhibitions.
Block Arcade
Venture indoors to the magnificent Block Arcade in Melbourne's Golden Mile if you're beset with a rainy day during your August visit. Dating back to the 1890s, this is one of the city's most grandest and most eminent buildings and was actually modelled on the Galleria Vittoria Emmanuele in Milan. Take a guided tour and gain an insight into Melbourne's colourful and rich colonial history.
Dandenong Ranges
Escape the buzz of the city by making a day trip to the outlying Dandenong Ranges in Victoria, a gorgeous getaway that's made up of fern glades, formidable forests and quaint villages. Kids and adults alike love the Puffing Billy steam train which slowly chugs its way through the forest and provides a picturesque way of taking in the scenery; a more vigorous option would be to walk the Thousand Steps or to take a hike in the unspoilt Sherbrooke Forest.
Melbourne International Film Festival
The annual Melbourne International Film Festival returns to the city in August and showcases a variety of cutting-edge films from around the globe, at a number of venues dotted about the city. The festival has been entertaining audiences since 1952 and exhibits documentaries, short films, arthouse movies and international features. Buy a festival pass to ensure free entry to all showings. This is closely followed by the Writers' Festival which brings together some of the biggest names in the literary world to celebrate Melbourne's status as a UNESCO City of Literature.
