As the sun beats down and the city heats up this weekend, Melburnians seeking sanctuary can look to the trees.

This weekend is the city's first big heat spell of the summer, with a high of 39 degrees expected on Friday and 41 degrees on Saturday. On average, Melbourne experiences nine days over 35 degrees each year, and there will be two of them in the first week of January.

A map prepared by Melbourne City Council shows just how much of the city is covered by tree canopy and, thus, by shade. If you are forced to leave the house as the mercury climbs, you can use the map at data.melbourne.vic.gov.au to plan a trip from High Street, Prahran, all the way to the Flemington Racecourse, leaping from shade spot to shade spot.