The bureau's climate outlooks release indicated a 72 per cent likelihood that Bendigo would experience a wetter than average January, February and March.

Maximum temperatures from January to March are expected to be on par with historic measures, while minimum temperatures for the first quarter are likely to be above average for Bendigo, in line with the national prediction.

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While not a forecast, BOM's outlooks rate above average minimum temperatures an 86 per cent probability.

According to BOM data measured at Bendigo Airport, 595.2 millimetres of rain fell in Bendigo during 2020, compared to the historic 29-year average of 503.4mm.

Bendigo's wettest day came on April 4, when 47.2mm fell.

The driest month recorded was in July, when 14.6mm of rain fell, more than three times below average.

Bendigo's average maximum temperatures were mostly on average, with April recording the largest deviation, with maximum temperatures averaging 26.2 degrees Celsius higher, 4.8 degrees higher than the historic average of 21.4.

Bendigo's hottest day was on January 31, when temperatures soared to 43.6 degrees.

No other day in 2020 recorded a maximum temperature of more than 40 degrees.

Minimum temperatures experienced during 2020 were slightly higher than average, with April's minimum of 10.5 degrees representing a 2.5 degrees difference to its average of 8 degrees.

Victorians should expect a wetter than average first quarter of 2021, according to the Bureau of Meteorology's climate outlook.

The La Nina weather phenomenon remains active but is nearing its peak, the Bureau said.

Modelling suggests a return to neutral conditions during the late summer or early autumn.

A La Nina event typically results in above average spring and summer rainfall over eastern and northern Australia and combines with other drivers that enhance rainfall, including warmer than average waters to the north of Australia.