What to eat in Melbourne in February: Seasonal delicacies
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Vietnamese phở
Phở is aromatic beef or chicken noodle soup with herbs, popular year-round but especially pleasant on slightly cooler February evenings. Head to Footscray’s Hopkins Street strip for steaming bowls and quick service, perfect after a day at St Kilda Festival.
With warm February nights and outdoor events, gelato is a practical way to cool down. Lygon Street’s long-established gelaterias serve classic flavours in small cups or cones. Visit after dinner to join locals strolling between cinemas and cafes.
February’s warm, dry days (highs near 27°C/81°F) keep Melbourne in summer mode, but the city settles into a slightly gentler rhythm after school holidays. The air is balmy, sunsets arrive just after 8pm, and the St Kilda Festival transforms the foreshore into a sea of music and dancing. Lunar New Year celebrations fill the markets with lanterns and lion dances, while evenings are made for alfresco dining and open-air cinemas. Crowds linger on weekends, especially at the beach, but midweek brings a quieter side to the city. February is when Melbourne’s multicultural spirit shines brightest, and every night feels like an invitation to stay out late.
Pro tips for visiting Melbourne in February
Book St Kilda Festival accommodation and restaurants early—beachside spots fill up fast.
Visit tourist sites midweek for fewer crowds after local schools return.
Enjoy evening activities—outdoor cinemas and rooftop bars are ideal in balmy weather.
Reserve tables at popular St Kilda and CBD eateries during festival weekends.
Use public transport for festival access; parking is limited and roads may close.
Carry a compact umbrella for sudden summer showers.
For wildlife, catch the penguin parade at St Kilda Pier after sunset—arrive early for a good viewing spot.
Explore Queen Victoria Market during Lunar New Year for special food stalls and performances.
Take advantage of late sunsets for evening walks along Southbank.
Hydrate regularly—UV and heat can be deceptive even on cloudy days.
Festivals and events in Melbourne this February 2026
Melbourne’s flagship LGBTQ+ arts festival spans three weeks of theatre, music, cabaret and exhibitions across the city. Expect packed bars, busy trams and higher central accommodation demand, especially around major weekend events and the closing weekend.
A free weekend music festival that turns St Kilda foreshore into multiple outdoor stages. Crowds can top hundreds of thousands, so expect packed trams, limited parking and long queues at beachside venues. Best for travellers who enjoy loud, all-day live music by the bay.
Usually held on the last weekend of February (exact 2026 dates TBC within this range), Antipodes fills Lonsdale Street with Greek food stalls, live music and dancing. It is family-friendly yet crowded, and it temporarily closes central streets in the Greek Precinct.
Two weeks of Grand Slam tennis at Melbourne Park with day and night sessions. The precinct buzzes with live music, food precincts and big-screen fan zones. Hotels near the CBD and Southbank are in high demand, and public transport runs late to handle crowds.
A one-day celebration of Lunar New Year with lion dances, drumming, firecrackers and Asian street food at Queen Victoria Market. It is loud and colourful, drawing big lunchtime and evening crowds. Great for experiencing Melbourne’s Asian communities in a central, accessible venue.
As the finale of Midsumma, thousands of marchers and floats move along Fitzroy Street in St Kilda. Spectators line the route and gather in Catani Gardens afterwards. Road closures are significant, and the mood is loud and celebratory, with a strong community feel.
Melbourne in February at a glance
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Weather
Maximum temperature: 27°C
Minimum temperature: 15°C
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Daylight
Around 13 hours 35 minutes of daylight
Sunrise: 6:40am
Sunset: 8:15pm
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Key events
Midsumma Festival, St Kilda Festival, Australian Open, Lunar New Year at Queen Victoria Market
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Crowds
Tourist-heavy, with long queues at attractions, crowded streets, and seasonal events adding to the buzz.
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What to pack
Light layers, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, compact umbrella, refillable water bottle.
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Seasonal treats
Lunar New Year dumplings at Queen Victoria Market, Greek loukoumades at Antipodes Festival, fresh berries at South Melbourne Market, seafood platters in St Kilda
Plan ahead: must-visit experiences for Melbourne in February
