How Weather Changes the Scenery from the Sky
No two hot air balloon flights over Melbourne are ever the same—and the reason is simple: weather.
Wind, clouds, temperature, and sunlight all shape what you see and how it feels to float above the city.
From misty autumn mornings to crystal-clear spring skies, the weather transforms the experience every single time.
Clear Skies: Crisp Colours and Endless Views ☀️
On a perfectly clear morning, visibility stretches for kilometres. You can see the entire city skyline, Port Phillip Bay, and even the Dandenong Ranges glowing in the distance.
The colours are vibrant, the shadows are sharp, and the photos look like they’ve been filtered by nature itself.
📸 Photo Tip: Use a wide-angle lens to capture the vast horizon and the curvature of the landscape.
Light Clouds: Drama and Depth 🌤️
A few scattered clouds can turn an ordinary sunrise into something cinematic. The sun peeks through gaps, creating soft beams of light that dance across the city and the Yarra River.
For photographers, this mix of light and shadow adds texture and emotion to every shot.
📸 Best Time: Early autumn mornings often have this perfect balance of clarity and cloud.
Fog and Mist: Pure Magic 🌫️
Some mornings, Melbourne wakes under a blanket of mist. From the ground, it might look grey—but from the basket, you rise above it into a world of gold and white.
The city disappears beneath you, leaving only the tops of skyscrapers and the glowing edge of the sunrise. It’s otherworldly, peaceful, and unforgettable.
📸 Pro Tip: Slightly overexpose your shots to preserve the dreamy, ethereal look.
Wind and Direction: The Path You Take 💨
Balloon flights are guided by the wind, which changes direction at different altitudes. Gentle winds over Melbourne often mean a slow, scenic drift; stronger winds might carry the balloon farther out toward the countryside.
Each variation gives passengers a different view of the city—from urban skylines to rolling farmlands.
📸 Fun Fact: The pilot can subtly change direction by climbing or descending into layers of wind that flow in different ways.
After Rain: Refreshed and Reflective 🌈
The morning after a light rain is one of the best times to fly. The air feels fresh and clean, and puddles below create tiny mirrors that reflect the sunrise.
Occasionally, you might even spot a rainbow—an unexpected gift for early risers.
📸 Photo Tip: Look for reflections in rivers, lakes, and even wet rooftops—they add sparkle and depth to your images.
Why Weather Makes Every Flight Unique
Ballooning depends on nature’s rhythm, which means no two mornings ever look alike.
One day you’ll glide over a glowing city; another day, you’ll float above clouds that look like cotton.
That unpredictability is part of the beauty—it’s what keeps even our pilots amazed after hundreds of flights.
✨ Ready to see what the sky has planned for you?
Join us for a sunrise hot air balloon flight in Melbourne and experience how every breeze, cloud, and ray of light paints a new picture of the city.