The high fell just shy of the predicted maximum of 19 degrees, but was the second hottest spring day recorded this year.

And Canberrans can expect the balmy conditions to continue this week, with temperatures in the high teens.

But a medium chance of showers through the week could see cloudy skies at times.

Night-time lows are expected to remain in the single digits, but the mercury should not dip into sub-zero territory.

The warm weather had visitors streaming into Commonwealth Park for Floriade.

The second day of the annual outdoor event drew a crowd in the tens of thousands.

Sonya and Danny Agnello, and their son, Gabriel, 10, of Forde, were among the Floriade visitors soaking up the spring sunshine.

The Gungahlin family visited the month-long free event as a part of a mothers group.

Mrs Agnello said the highlight of the visit had been the colours chosen for the flower displays.

A self-described "little person", she said the beds had been placed lower this year, which made it easier to view the arrangements.

"I love the colours this year. It's lovely, very pretty, and it's just nice," Mrs Agnello said.

"I usually visit [Floriade] ever year. I love the community coming together. The flowers. Just the hustle and bustle."

Mrs Agnello said the large crowd did cause parking issues, and prevented her from showing Gabriel the farmyard animals.

But she pledged to return on a quieter mid-week day with her son.

Floriade marketing manager Adelina La Vita said the weather played a vital role in the blockbuster start to the 2014 festival.

"It's been a great spring weekend. The park's been full most of the day," Ms La Vita said.

"When the sun comes out, people just love to walk among the flowers."

Ms La Vita said highlights of the Sunday event included live music, interactive displays, and presentations from broadcaster Indira Naidoo.

Ms Naidoo spruiked her book, The Edible Balcony, which is about growing food in small spaces, to a packed house.

Ms La Vita said the interactive nature of this year's Floriade meant visitors were staying longer.

She said Floriade 2014 also had a greater focus on mid-week events, such as a Dogs Day Out on October 7, to bolster mid-week crowds.

For more information on the flower festival, visit floriadeaustralia.com.