Summer, from December to February, is the best time to swim and spend days on the bay beaches. Autumn and spring suit visitors who want mild weather and easier bookings. Winter is the season for soaking in the hot springs and eating beside a fire. Your pick depends on what you want to do, because the peninsula has something to enjoy in every month.
Weather by month
The peninsula is surrounded by water on three sides, so it stays cooler in summer and warmer in winter than other parts of Victoria. This table uses long-term averages published by Visit Mornington Peninsula.
| Season | Months | Average maximum | Average rain days per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Dec to Feb | 22 to 25°C | 7 to 11 |
| Autumn | Mar to May | 17 to 23°C | 11 to 17 |
| Winter | Jun to Aug | 14 to 15°C | 18 |
| Spring | Sep to Nov | 16 to 20°C | 11 to 16 |
January and February are the driest months, with about 38 to 39 mm of rain. July and August are the wettest, with about 78 to 79 mm.
Summer for swimming and long beach days
Pack your towel and head to the bay side. Sorrento Front Beach, Safety Beach and Mount Martha have calm, shallow water that suits families. Summer days reach about 24 to 25°C in January and February, so you can swim, paddle and walk the coast in comfortable warmth.
Plan around the crowds. Victorian school holidays run from 21 December 2026 to 27 January 2027, and beaches, car parks and restaurants fill up. Book dining and cellar doors early, and arrive at the beach in the morning.
Autumn for mild days and quieter tracks
Autumn keeps the daylight walking weather and drops the school holiday rush. Maximums fall from about 23°C in March to about 17°C in May, which suits coastal walks, cellar door lunches and drives through the hinterland around Red Hill.
Rain days rise through the season, from about 11 in March to about 17 in May, so check the forecast before you head to the cliffs.
Winter for hot springs and fireside dining
Winter days average about 14°C, and the wettest weeks suit indoor plans. Peninsula Hot Springs is open every day, including public holidays. The Bath House opens 7am to 11pm Monday to Friday and 5am to 11pm on weekends.
The hot springs ask guests to book, especially on weekends and in peak holiday periods. Same-day bookings carry a 10 per cent premium, so reserve ahead to pay the standard price.
Visit Mornington Peninsula also lists fireside dining and art exhibitions as the cooler-season draw. Book a table for the weekend and walk the beach between showers.
Spring for warming days and market mornings
Spring maximums climb from about 16°C in September to about 20°C in November. Days are warm enough for a walk and cool enough for a long lunch.
The Hill & Ridge Community Market at the Red Hill Recreation Reserve runs on the first Saturday of each month from September to May, 9am to 2pm. Check the organiser's page before you go, because dates can change.
Which time suits you
- Swimming and family beach days: December to February
- Walks and wine lunches without the school holiday rush: March to May
- Hot springs and cosy dining: June to August
- Markets and mild weather: September to November
Booking and crowd tips
- Book the hot springs ahead on weekends and school holidays.
- Check the market dates before you plan a Saturday around it.
- Look at the forecast the night before, because bay and ocean conditions differ.
Questions travellers ask next
Is the Mornington Peninsula good in winter?
Yes. Winter averages about 14°C, and the hot springs open daily. Rain falls on about 18 days a month, so plan indoor stops as well as walks.
When is the Mornington Peninsula busiest?
Summer, especially the school holidays from 21 December 2026 to 27 January 2027. Hot springs bookings also fill on weekends.
Do you need to book the hot springs?
Booking is strongly recommended, especially on weekends and in peak holiday periods. Walk-ins are accepted only when the venue is not fully booked.
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