Victoria is located in the south-east corner of Australia and enjoys a temperate climate with four distinct seasons: spring (September to November), summer (December to February), autumn (March to May) and winter (June to August). Spring is mild and sunny with temperatures ranging from 10–20°C and frequent showers. Summer tends to be warm and dry with day-time temperatures averaging 28°C, but reaching 40°C during hot spells. Autumns are generally mild with temperatures from 11–20°C. Winter is the coolest period with the highest rainfall and temperatures averaging 8°C.
Clothing
Melbourne is known for its rapidly changing weather and variations of temperature - "Four seasons in one day!". For comfort, we recommend wearing layers of clothing.
We suggest you pack, or purchase in Australia, very light clothes for summer and warm and waterproof clothing for winter. As the temperature in winter can approach zero (or sometimes below in some regions of Victoria), you will need warm clothing, such as thick woollen jumpers, and a coat, scarf, hat and gloves. Most students in Australia dress casually, but you may need more formal clothing to attend a job interview or special event. There is a large range of types and quality of goods available in Melbourne and many outlets for cheap clothing, including markets and discount variety stores. Try Smith Street in Fitzroy and Bridge Road in Richmond for bargains on clothing and footwear.
Time Zones
Melbourne is in the Eastern Standard Time (EST) Zone, the equivalent to UTC (GMT) +10 hours. In October each year, daylight saving commences, and clocks are moved forward one hour at 2.00am EST. The end of daylight saving occurs the following March, and clocks are turned back one hour at 2.00am EST.
Voltages
Domestic electricity in Australia is 240/250 volts/50 Hz. The Australian three pin outlet is different from most other countries, so you may need to purchase an adapter plug for any electrical appliances (e.g. laptop computer) you bring with you. Transformers and adapters are easily obtained from an electrical appliance or travel goods store in Australia.
