What to eat in Melbourne in September: Seasonal delicacies
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Wood-fired pizza on Lygon Street
Spring evenings in September suit sharing thin-crust, wood-fired pizza at one of Lygon Street’s long-running Italian restaurants. It is an easy, familiar option if you are travelling with family during the Royal Melbourne Show or AFL finals period.
September signals spring’s arrival—highs reach 17°C (63°F), and gardens begin to bloom. The city gears up for the AFL Grand Final and Royal Melbourne Show, filling streets with colour and excitement. Weather is famously fickle, so locals carry both sunglasses and umbrellas. The air is fresh, and picnics in the park become a favourite pastime. September is a month of celebration, anticipation, and the promise of warmer days ahead.
Pro tips for visiting Melbourne in September
Book accommodation early for Royal Melbourne Show and AFL Grand Final week.
Avoid travel on Grand Final day if not attending—crowds and road closures are extensive.
Join a footy watch party at a local pub for authentic atmosphere.
Visit parks for spring blooms and picnics on pleasant days.
Carry both an umbrella and sunglasses—weather can change quickly.
Take Route 96 tram for a self-guided city-to-beach journey.
Explore the Royal Melbourne Show on weekdays for fewer crowds.
Check for fashion week runway shows and pop-up events.
Use public transport for major events—parking is limited and traffic heavy.
Enjoy weekday deals at restaurants and attractions outside event weekends.
Festivals and events in Melbourne this September 2026
This large agricultural show runs through the spring school holidays with rides, animal pavilions and showbags. Crowds peak on weekends and fine days. Extra trains serve the Showgrounds but expect queues for entry, food stalls and public transport at closing time.
Typically in early September (dates TBC within this week), the city hosts runways and fashion events in Town Hall and laneways. It adds a stylish buzz to the CBD, with some free outdoor shows drawing lunchtime crowds and occasional street closures.
Late September’s AFL Grand Final week culminates in the Saturday decider at the MCG and a public holiday parade the day before. Accommodation, bars and public transport around the CBD and Richmond are extremely busy, and ticket demand is intense.
A one-day sneaker and streetwear convention at the Convention Centre, featuring trading tables, brand stands and panel talks. It attracts style-conscious crowds, but impact is localised to South Wharf, where cafes and outlets see increased traffic.
Melbourne in September at a glance
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Weather
Maximum temperature: 17°C
Minimum temperature: 8°C
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Daylight
Around 11 hours 30 minutes of daylight
Sunrise: 6:30am
Sunset: 6pm
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Key events
Royal Melbourne Show, Melbourne Fashion Week, AFL Grand Final Week, Sneaker Con Melbourne
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Crowds
Balanced crowds, with manageable queues and a mix of tourists and local visitors in the city.
