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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 23 June 2026 by the Southern Monitor Weather Desk. Data from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and other national met services via Open-Meteo.
Harkness is currently experiencing the conditions shown in the live forecast above. As a suburb on Melbourne’s western fringe, its weather is shaped by the nearby You Yangs and the plains, often feeling a few degrees warmer than the city centre in summer and cooler in winter.
What makes Harkness weather different from Melbourne city?
Harkness sits further from Port Phillip Bay, so it misses the cooling sea breezes that often moderate temperatures in central Melbourne. Summer afternoons can be 2–4°C hotter, while winter mornings tend to be colder and frostier. Rainfall is similar to the rest of the western suburbs, averaging around 500–550 mm per year, with most falls in spring and winter.
How does the wind affect Harkness?
North-westerly winds are common in spring and summer, bringing hot, dry air from inland. These winds can spike fire danger ratings. The area is also exposed to strong southerly changes that sweep across the plains, dropping temperatures sharply in summer afternoons. Check the severe weather warning page for wind alerts.
Does Harkness get frost in winter?
Yes. On clear, calm winter nights, cold air drains from the hills and pools across the plains. Frost is common in low-lying parts of Harkness, especially from June to August.
Is Harkness prone to thunderstorms?
Thunderstorms occur mostly in spring and summer, often developing over the ranges to the north-west. They can bring heavy rain, hail and gusty winds. The open terrain makes lightning a risk.
How does Harkness compare to nearby Melton?
Harkness and Melton weather are very similar, as they are only about 5 km apart. Both share the same plains climate, though Harkness is slightly closer to the bay, giving a marginally milder summer afternoon on some days.