Knud Frederik Vilhelm Hannibal Melbye (14 May 1824 – 6 October 1882) was a Danish marine artist.

Over the course of his career, he painted seascapes, coastal and harbor scenes, sailing vessels and topographical subjects in many parts of Europe, especially in the Mediterranean region.

He was the son of Jacob Buntzen Melbye and Anna Marie (Clara) Christine Løehts.

He first trained to become a merchant but then turned to painting, studying under his older brother Anton, already an established marine painter, and attending the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts from 1844 to 1847.

Vilhelm Melbye preferred a realistic style, often also with romantic or dramatic scenes.