Floriade re-opens to the public after wet weather forces two-day closure

An overcast forecast and the occasional shower did nothing to perturb visitors, with a steady crowd streaming in the gates throughout the day.

The closure of Floriade and cancellation of Nightfest for two days, Thursday and Friday, is the first time in its 29-year history that it had closed for more than a day. It came as Canberra recorded its second-wettest September on record.

Floriade spokeswoman Jasmine De Martin said it was encouraging to see the crowds return to Commonwealth Park, just in time for the October long weekend.

"Having the park closed was quite tough for organisers and visitors, so today it's been lovely to see all the people about," she said.

"It's been a really wet spring for Canberra."

However, the weather conditions meant entertainment at Floriade was scaled back, including Circus for Life demonstrations.

"The reason the park was closed was because it was quite wet and needed time to dry out," Ms De Martin said.

"It was based on a myriad of factors and was not made lightly."

While Ms De Martin said it was difficult to estimate the number of people affected by the two-day closure, she expected most people who purchased tickets to Nightfest would attend an alternate session.

Ticket holders had been contacted by Ticketek informing them of the cancellation, offering either to transfer dates or a refund.

Jade Chang was one of the many visitors to Canberra affected by Floriade's closure.

The Sydney resident had planned to visit the event on Friday but said it was lucky it re-opened on Saturday.

"It was very disappointing to not go yesterday but today turned out to be a good day," she said.

"We go back to Sydney tonight so it was very lucky [Floriade] was open."

Ms De Martin said organisers would be monitoring the forecast over coming days in case of another storm front.

Forecaster Miranda Langton from the Bureau of Meteorology said the low pressure system that brought heavy rain to the ACT had moved on.

She said that Sunday had been the best pick of the days this long weekend for Floriade visitors.

"Sunday will be sunny and 21 degrees and then on Monday rain will develop," she said.

The bureau is forecasting for up to 10 millimetres of rain on Monday, with possible showers predicted for Tuesday.