Melbourne

Is Melbourne Airport turbulent?

Melbourne is famous for experiencing 'four seasons in one day' due to its position where hot northern air meets cool Southern Ocean weather. Strong wind changes can occur rapidly as fronts pass through. The airport occasionally experiences gusty conditions during these transitions. Summer thunderstorms add another element of weather variability.

• Famous for rapid weather changes
• Cold fronts from the Southern Ocean bring wind shifts
• Summer thunderstorms cause occasional delays

Why does Melbourne weather change so quickly?

Melbourne sits at the boundary between hot continental air from Australia's interior and cold air masses from the Southern Ocean. When fronts pass through, temperature can drop 15C in an hour with winds shifting dramatically. These changes are well-forecasted but can catch visitors off guard. The airport handles these transitions routinely.

When is the best time to fly from Melbourne?

Autumn (March-May) offers pleasant, stable conditions. Summer (December-February) is warm but brings thunderstorm risk. Winter is cool and changeable but rarely severe. Spring is the most unpredictable season with dramatic frontal passages. Melbourne's weather rarely causes extended airport closures.