What's the weather like at the Australian Open, and what should I pack?
Four seasons in a day, and it's not just a saying here
Melbourne's January weather genuinely swings 15-20°C in a single day — a cool 20°C morning can turn into a 38°C afternoon, then drop again by evening. This isn't exaggerated local colour; it's the real reason layering matters more here than at most other Grand Slams.
Typical January conditions
Outdoor courts can be directly affected by heat
Rod Laver Arena and Margaret Court Arena both have retractable roofs (see the Venue Map), but the outside courts are fully exposed. On a genuine heatwave day, this is a real factor for anyone holding a Ground Pass or outer-court ticket — not just a comfort issue but something that can shape when and how long you spend outdoors.
What to pack
Clothing
Layers are non-negotiable — a light jacket or long sleeves for a cool morning, breathable clothing for a 15-20°C swing into the afternoon. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for the outside courts, where there's little to no shade for hours at a time. Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes — a full day covers multiple courts and the wider precinct on foot.
Sun and heat
Sunscreen applied before you arrive, not after — Australian UV is genuinely strong even on a mild-feeling day. A refillable water bottle: Melbourne Park has free water refill points and misting fans placed around the grounds specifically for hot sessions. On a genuine heatwave day, the tournament's own Extreme Heat Policy can pause outside-court play entirely — one more reason a roofed-arena ticket is worth having in your back pocket if the forecast looks extreme.
On the grounds — what's allowed
One bag per person, sized to fit under your seat — large bags, eskies, and hampers aren't permitted, so a soft day-bag is the practical choice. No outside alcohol at all, unlike some tournaments that allow a BYO allowance — anything alcoholic has to be bought inside the grounds. Non-alcoholic drinks and food are fine in reasonable, non-glass packaging. Personal cameras are fine; professional equipment, large lenses, tripods, and drones need separate accreditation.
No overnight queue here
Unlike Wimbledon, the Australian Open doesn't have an overnight-camping queue culture — Ground Passes are sold as standard tickets for same-day entry, not earned by waiting outside from the night before. One less thing to plan around, and one more reason the presale calendar (see the Ticket Guide) is where the real advance-planning effort goes instead.
The figures above are January climate patterns, not a forecast — for real conditions on your actual travel dates, check a live 10-day forecast once you're within range of the tournament.
10-day forecast for Melbourne on AccuWeather →