The best times to visit Victoria

Melbourne is known to experience 4 seasons in one day and so my number one tip when travelling around Victoria would be to be prepared for anything - rain, hail or shine! Sometimes the weather app or forecast can lie to us or days can change suddenly near the coast or when exploring mountainous regions so extra layers and sun protection is a must!

Summer

Summer in Victoria is from December - February and is the best time to explore our coastlines and beaches, find hidden rock pools or cool off in a swimming hole or waterfall. This is probably the busiest time of year for adventuring so I'd keep that in mind when planning adventures and trips - especially school holidays and long weekends.

Best places to visit

My favourite places to visit in summer would be the High Country, Mornington Peninsula or the Murray River region. The Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island are also great destinations by the coast but just keep in mind they're 2 of the biggest attractions Victoria has to offer so it is usually very busy with domestic and international visitors.

Weather

Melbourne warms up in summer with mean temperatures between 14 - 25.3°C but it wouldn't be unlikely to get a few days in the mid 30s. While it is the hottest part of the year, being in Victoria there will probably still be rain at times so just keep your eye on the weather forecast.

Clothing

Slip slop slap and seek shade where possible! Bring a hat, sunglasses, pop on some sunscreen and take advantage of shade when you can. It can get quite hot so you can expect to feel quite comfortable in summer dresses or shorts and a t-shirt.

Autumn

Autumn in Victoria is from March - May and is the best time to visit some of the most beautiful gardens, parks and region towns across the state that light up in autumn colour, making for the perfect day trip or weekend getaway.

Best places to visit

My favourite towns and regions to visit in Victoria during autumn would have to be the Macedon Ranges, Dandenong Ranges, Bright, Beechworth and Walhalla. These places are often characterised by great autumn leaf colour and coverage as well as having their own dedicated autumn festivals or a number of gardens that are perfect for an autumn outing.

Weather

Autumn in Victoria has typically cooler weather with average temperatures ranging from 10.9 – 20.3°C but it wouldn't but unlikely to get a few days in the mid to late 20's from time to time, especially early in the season. Morning fog usually clears to welcome fine, sunny days, however toward the end of the season there can be extended periods of light winds.

Clothing

I'd recommend always carrying a jumper, jacket or cardigan during autumn as layers are then easy to take off throughout the day as the sun comes out. You never know what kind of day you're going to get but it's best to come prepared in case it does get a bit chilly.

Winter

Winter in Victoria is from June - August and is prime time for snow adventures across the state with loads of resorts to choose from depending on the time of escape your looking for. While it might rain a little more than usual this is a great opportunity to go waterfall chasing, explore rainforests, enjoy a hearty meal in a regional town or book a cosy stay and curl up by the fire.

Best places to visit

Victoria is home to 6 alpine resorts and actually gets snowfall every year, the amount of snow differs every year but usually July seems to be the best. Just keep an eyes on snow cameras and forecasts leading up to your trips.

• Mt Hotham and Falls Creek are the best for experienced skiers and snowboarders as runs are a lot steeper, varied and snowfall is more reliable at the higher altitudes (Falls Creek is now my favourite after skiing a few times)!

• Mt Buller is perfect for beginner skiers and snowboarders as I've found the trails to be much easier to learn on and it's much closer to Melbourne for a day or quick trip to the snow. Snow play and tobogganing is also available

• Mt Baw Baw is another great introductory mountain with snow play, tobogganing, skiing and snowboarding on offer (I think it's marketed as the cheapest too)

• Lake Mountain is a great day trip for the little ones with tobogganing and snow play being the prime focus here with no accommodation on the mountain

Weather

Winter in Victoria is characterised by an average temperatures range from 6.5 - 14.2°C, and snow falls in Victoria's High Country. The weather is frequently cold and cloudy, and nights can be accompanied by frosts. Although heavy rain is rare at this time of year.

Clothing

Layers, beanies, scarves, long pants, jackets ... everything you can think of to keep you warm I'd have it or bring it with you just in case! A raincoat is a necessary staple in your wardrobe when exploring Victoria in winter.

Spring

Spring in Victoria is from September - November and is the best time for exploring gardens, taking advantage of discounted snow passes at the end of the season (if snow is still good), waterfall chasing and hiking in cooler weather before summer sets in.

Best places to visit

My favourite places to visit during spring would be the Bendigo Annual Tulip Display (free), Cornella Canola Walk and all the Gardens in the Dandenong Ranges! For waterfall chasing I'd recommend Victoria's High Country after the snow melts, Great Otway National Park and Grampians National Park! This is also a great time to explore the Great Ocean Road before the summer crowds arrive.

Weather

During spring average temperatures range from 9.6 - 19.6°C and weather is most variable and can change from sunny and calm to cold and windy very quickly. October is usually the wettest month.

Clothing

You're still going to need long sleeves, jumpers and rain jackets and for the better half of the season before it warms up a little towards the end. Bring an umbrella as some of the most rainfall actually happens in Spring.