Last Updated on 22 January 2026 by Ariana Svenson
This travel guide covers when the best time to visit Western Australia. As a local, I definitely have my opinion of when is the best season for a visit, but add the caveat – it really depends on what you are looking for in your trip. Here are some factors to consider:
Best time to visit Western Australia – in a nutshell
Weather: Western Australia experiences a Mediterranean climate, with hot and dry summers from December to February and generally temperate mild winter months with rain and wind from June to August. The shoulder seasons of spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) offer pleasant weather and are ideal for outdoor activities. Summer in Perth and further north is very hot and means that outdoor activities are hard to do during the day.
- Wildflower Season: In my opinion, Wildlflower season is the best time to visit Western Australia; and runs from August to November. During this period, the region’s national parks, such as Kings Park in Perth and Fitzgerald River National Park near Bremer Bay come alive with vibrant and diverse blossoms. (Extended details below)
- Whale Watching: If you wish to experiencethe annual migration of humpback whales, you should plan your trip between June and November. The south coast, including Albany and Augusta, are popular spots for whale watching during this time.
There are two main whale-watching seasons. Around 35,000 whales leave Antarctica in April to raise their young in the warm waters of the north west of WA. They return from September to December, coming closer to the coastline.
During March to May, male humpback whales make a stop in Flinders Bay, Augusta, for mating, while the females travel along the coast to Coral Bay and Exmouth in the Kimberley region. A great way to visit these areas is by stoppis as part of a Perth to Exmouth road trip or similar.
Check out the best places to visit in Western Australia, as well as more about road trips from Perth, in these blog posts.
- Swimming with Whale Sharks: More or less in the middle of Western Autralia, a visit to Ningaloo Reef is on many people’s bucket list, and luckily it is a special place to visit all year round, with the water temperatures consistently quite warm. Mid-March to August are the best months to visit Ningaloo and see the whale sharks. The hottest months are November to February which can be very humid and bring seasonal cyclones and destructive winds to the Northern part of the state.
- Beaches and Water Activities: If you’re eager to swim, snorkel, or engage in other water activities, the best time to visit is during the high season/ summer months (November through to March) though it gets very hot during the day and if you don’t protect yourself from the sun you will get very, very sunburned. Be warned!
- If you want to visit the North of Western Australia: This state is huge and the northwestern part of the state, including Broome, the Kimberley (like Geikie Gorge) and Ningaloo Reef, features warm waters and beautiful beaches… but the December to February period coincides with the ‘wet season’ when its very hot and there is the possiblity of cyclones. The best time to visit Northern Western Australia is the Dry season (eg, April through to September) when the outback is not too hot!
- Events and Festivals: Western Australia hosts a number of sporting, cultural, and food festivals during the year. We got into much more detail below about these and more below!
My favourite time in Western Australia?
While I love the riot of color in the bush during Western Australian Wildflower season, my very favourite time of year is April and May, Djeran in the Noongar Calendar, as the days become shorter and cooler, but are crisp and clear. The colors seem brighter, and a bush walk is a joy without the flies and heat of summer.
Western Australia Travel Guide – Must Read Information
- Given that the tourist seasons and weather patterns vary in different regions of Western Australia (which is the largest state in Australia!), it is vital to check specific destination details before planning your trip so you can decide the best time for YOU and your family.
- Once you reach the Tropic of Capricorn (between Carnarvon and Exmouth) and above, the seasons are different; you no longer have four seasons, you have two weather zones; the dry season (April – September) and the wet season (October – March).
- Also keep in mind that Western Australian School Holidays are much busier than other times of the year, with caravan parks full and the roads with a lot more traffic. Those from populated parts of the world might not notice this traffic too much; but for West Aussies, the traffic during school holidays is a lot!
Did you know?
Perth has an average of 8.8 hours of sunshine per day, which equates to around 3,200 hours of annual sunshine, and 138.7 clear days annually, making it the sunniest capital city in Australia, and one of the most pleasant cities in the world.
WA Public Holidays and their impact on the travel seasons
If you are looking for the solitude that Western Australia is famous for, keep an eye on the public holiday calendar and avoid travelling (or find a nice bush camp away from the madding crowd).
Boxing Day, New Years Day and Australia Day (26th January) all fall during the Summer School holidays and are very busy.
The March long weekend, celebrating Labour Day, usually falls on the first weekend of March and is the end of summer for the Sandgropers (West Aussies). Everyone loves to take advantage of this weekend.
Easter and ANZAC Day (25th April) usually coincide or buffer another series of school holidays and are both popular times for a getaway.
Western Australia Day, celebrated on the first weekend in June is typically the quietest long weekend of the year in WA and you will experience fewer tourists. The Kings Birthday, celebrated on the last weekend in September is the beginning of spring and also coincides with the September school holiday, and the Perth Royal Show.
The Noongar Calendar & the climate of Western Australia
With over 35,000 years of living on the land we call Western Australia, it makes sense that the indigenous Noongar have created a calendar that perfectly and accurately describes the seasons that we experience. From the moment I first learned about the calendar, I’ve talked about it with my children, pointing out the different characteristics I see in the landscape and how they relate to the seasons.
Noongar country extends from near Jurien Bay on Australia’s Coral Coast to beyond Cape Arid, near Esperance, in Australia’s southwest. Check out our blog posts on the Great Ocean Drive Esperance, things to do in Esperance and top accommodations in Esperance for more details.
The Noongar calendar describes six seasons – Birak, Bunuru, Djeran, Makuru, Djilba, and Kambarang. Each season represents seasonal changes that occur annually, like the flowering of different plants, the hibernation of reptiles, and the moulting of swans. The dates are not exact, but guided by the land.
Birak (December & January)
Birak gives a great sky show with spectacular sunrises and sunsets. The Christmas Tree (Moodjar) with bright orange/yellow flowers is now in full bloom. Reptiles are active and will be shedding their skin and young Magpies (Koolbardi) are learning new techniques but still reliant on their parents, and you hear their calls in the bush.
Bunuru (February & March)
In the South West Bunuru is hot, with northerly winds and a shortage of fresh water. Marron, Gilgies, Gooya (burrowing frogs) and Buyi (tortoises) were collected from wetlands.
Djeran (April & May)
Djeran season sees a break in the really hot weather, and is associated with the arrival of the cool nights that bring a dewy presence in the early mornings. It is represented by the color green, and is generally a very balmy time of year with plenty of warm sunny days.
As the season progresses, the nights will become cooler and damp. With the cool and rainy days arriving, the traditional mia mias (houses or shelters) were repaired to make sure they were waterproofed and facing in the right direction in readiness for the heavy rains and squalls to come.
Makuru (June & July)
The coldest and wettest time of the year, and the start of the winter rainfall, Makuru was the time that Noongar people moved back inland and away from the coast. Winds turned to the west and south bringing rain and occasional snow on the peaks of the Stirling and Porongurup Ranges.
During this season, waterways and catchments begin to fill and Noongar people changed their diet from eating food from the sea and lakes to hunting grazing animals such as the kangaroo (Yongar). The Yongar not only provided a food source but also Bookas, which are animal skin cloaks used as nights became much colder.
Makuru is also a time for animals to begin pairing up in preparation for breeding in the coming season.
Djilba (August & September)
These days we refer to Djilba as the ‘Widflower Season’ and in the Noongar Calendar it is is represented by the colour pink as it symbolises growth of wildflowers and plants. Djilba is a transitional time of the year, with some very cold and clear days combining with warmer,rainy and windy days mixing with an occasional sunny day or two.
Kambarang (October & November)
Kambarang means ‘rains decreasing‘ and brings warmer days and more flowers as the wildflower season continues. It is also referrred to as the “Season of Birth” and coincides with the Western concept of spring when baby animals are born.
Kaartdijin Noongar (Welcome to Noongar Knowledge) is an excellent resource on Noongar culture.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have occupied and cared for this land for over 65,000 years. We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and First People of these lands. We would like to pay our respects to the Elders past, present, and future, for they hold the memories, the traditions, the culture, and hopes of their people.
“Always was, always will be Aboriginal land”
Quick Questions Answered
Do Perth & Western Australia observe daylight savings ?
Perth and Western Australia do NOT have daylight savings.
At what time of year does Perth experience the shortest amount of daylight?
Perth experiences its shortest daylight hours in June, with the sun rising around 7:15 am and setting at approximately 5:20 pm. In December, Perth experiences its longest daylight hours, with the sun rising at about 5 am and setting at around 7:30 pm.
Perth weather by seasons; a travel guide
Perth’s weather varies throughout the year, and we prefer to follow the six season Noongar calendar as the most accurate explanaion of the changing seasons. That said, the European seasons also loosely apply to Perth weather.
Summer (Peak Season)
During the busiest season, which corresponds wtih summer and runs between November and March, you can expect sunshine and many hot days in Perth, with very little rain. Keep in mind that accommodation prices are at their highest during the high season between mid-December and late January, and many places have minium stay requirements like 5 or 7 nights. See our guide to the Best Perth family hotels.
If you want to experience some of the World’s best Beaches then you will likely want to visit Perth in the summer months between November and March. While popular, we love Cottesloe and Scarborough beaches, though there are a number of secret gems out there too – check out Perth beaches and Western Australia’s Best Beaches. Definite avoid summer if you want to hike or don’t like the heat (January and February are the hottest months of the year). Although average temperatures are about 30°C, they can a maximum temperature of 40-44°C, often for several days in a row.
Perth is famously cooled off by a sea breeze known as the “Fremantle Doctor” which brings welcome relief during the long hot days of summer.
February is generally a month of scorching temperartures with an average maximum of 32°C during the day. But February is also a great time to travel to WA if you don’t mind the heat as Australian’s have generally all gone back to work after the festive season which ends after the January Long Weekend and school has started for the new year. This means that tourist attractions are quieter and you shouldn’t have the same crowds.
Spring & Autumn (Shoulder Season)
The shoulder season, consisting of September, October, April, and May, is a good option if you want to spend time around Perth as there are always some beautiful days interdispersed with rain. Temperatures are milder, without being extreme; while September heralds the start of the wildflower season and a burst of color. Airfares and accommodation prices are generally cheaper during this time, except for the Easter and September school holidays. Personally, I find spring and autumn to be the ideal time to be in Perth.
Winter (Low Season)
In contrast, the low season falls between June and August. This is the quietest time in Perth, and you can take advantage of the most affordable accommodation prices. However, be prepared for the possibility of wet and windy weather, which may limit outdoor activities. Daytime temperatures range around 12°c – 16°c-18 degrees with overnight temperatures falling as low as freezing but usually a more temperate 8°c. While you will get days of rain in a row, you would be unlucky if you get more than 2-3 stormy days.
There are still so many exciting things to do in Perth during winter. Read this blog post to learn more about it.
When is the best time to visit Rottnest Island (Wadjemup)
Rottnest Island is great to visit year round. While summer (December – March) is the most popular time to explore the beautiful beaches, you can still enjoy warmer weather for water-based activities between September and April (if you are lucky) and you will find many people still go swimming in the shoulder seasons.
While Rottnest’s climate is similar to the weather in Perth, it benefits from the sea breezes, so the temperatures always stay a few degrees below the city.
Quokkas are nocturnal and will spend most of the day sleeping and resting under shady bushes. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to see quokkas out and about.
Yes, it is possible to take a day trip to Rottnest Island – but I would personally avoid the public holidays like as well as weekends. During November the island is filled with schoolies, which you man want to avoid.
Best Time to Visit Perth for….
- Wilflowers – visit Perth in in September or October. The season begins in the northern part of WA in June and extends south, reaching Perth in September and the South West later on, with the October the best time to visit for Wilflowers.
- For weddings and honeymoons – the best time to visit Perth is from November to March when there is minimal rainfall.
- Families – should plan their visit to Perth between November to mid-December, February, and March. It’s best to avoid the Australian school holidays when accommodations are full and prices are high.
- For hiking – The best time for hiking in Perth is during the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn. Waterfalls are most spectacular in September when wildflowers are in bloom. I prefer hiking in the autumn months to avoid the nuisance of flies that are common in spring. Check out our blog posts on Margaret River waterfalls and best waterfalls to visit in Western Australia!
Western Australia Festival Calendar
Explore Western Australia’s vibrant festival scene with our guide to the best times to visit. While some events may shift dates or be rescheduled, it’s always a good idea to double-check individual links before setting your itinerary in stone. Dive into the excitement and plan your adventure with confidence, using the invaluable resource, Events to Attend in Western Australia.
January
The Festival of Busselton is synonymous with summertime, with events and activities staged across the city throughout January each year. Keep an eye out on the Festival of Busselton’s website for more details of this year programme.
Looking for more information about Busselton? Then discover the top things to do in Busselton for families and best things to do in Busselton.
February & March
Taking place during the third weekend of February, the Boyup Brook Country Music Festival is a highly popular music and camping event in Western Australia, held annually. Situated in the South West region around 270 kilometers from Perth, Boyup Brook is known as the Country Music Capital of WA. People who love country music from all over the state and beyond travel to Boyup Brook to enjoy eventful days and starry nights. The town experiences a significant increase in population during the festival, as thousands of caravans, campers, utes and trucks make use of the various community-run camping grounds, all competing for the best spot to enjoy a few days of wholesome country entertainment.
February & Early March
The Perth Festival is when the best artists from Western Australia and the world stand shoulder to shoulder in creative unity within the community. Perth Festival is a not-for-profit multi-arts festival that brings world class performance, music, film, visual arts and literary events to Perth, Western Australia, every summer.
The Festival has been celebrating Perth, its people and its culture on the shores of the Derbarl Yerrigan (Swan River) for 70 years as Australia’s longest-running arts festival. Grounded on Noongar Boodjar, it is uniquely placed to celebrate the oldest living cultures in the world by championing rich Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traditions and contemporary arts practice. The annual Perth Festival brings together top artists from Western Australia and around the world to showcase their creativity and talent within the local community. This non-profit event features a diverse range of performances, music, film, visual arts, and literary gatherings, making it a highlight of the summer in Perth, Western Australia.
April
The Karijini Experience
The Karijini Experience is a four-day event that celebrates culture, art, cuisine, and music in the stunning Karijini National Park. It features a range of genuine Aboriginal experiences and top-notch arts and cultural activities, with the aim of creating connections between individuals and the traditional land of the Banjima people, as well as the magnificent scenery of the national park.
Experience a variety of events here, ranging from exclusive fine dining under the stars to live music and free community and family-friendly gatherings.
Shore Leave Festival, Geraldton
Shore Leave is the ultimate seafood festival. Taking place in Geraldton Western Australia Shore Leave celebrates all things seafood, culture, food, and adventure that make the Midwest region unique. The name Shore Leave is a nod to the rich maritime history and the connotations of holiday, leisure, and adventure synonymous with the region. The festival hosts one of the most unique dining experiences in Western Australia with the Abrolhos Long Table Lunch.
Fremantle Street Arts Festival
Fremantle International Street Arts Festival is a great way to celebrate the long Easter weekend! It started as a celebration of Fremantle’s local busking culture in 1999 and has grown into a showcase of the world’s best street theatre.
Each year the streets of Fremantle are transformed into an open-air theatre of the amazing, weird and wacky, while Fremantle’s famous alfresco dining steps up a notch, with pop-up bars and eateries extending into the streets.
Entertainment centres around several major ‘pitches’ or performance locations and roving performers pop up in surprising and interesting places all across the City.
Explore Fremantle further by diving into these blog posts: Is Fremantle Worth Visiting? and Things to Do in Fremantle.
Margaret River Pro
Margaret River’s wild coastline is renowned for its 75+ top surfing spots, making it a premier location for consistently large waves. Since 2014, the Margaret River Pro has been a fixture on the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour, attracting the best male and female surfers to tackle some of the most challenging and intense waves in the world. Margaret River Pro is usually held in April-May.
Surfers Point is the prime location to witness the majority of the competition at Main Break, South Side, and The Box. The event hub will have large screens displaying replays, expert analysis, food trucks, and merchandise booths. It’s a great opportunity for young aspiring surfers to meet and interact with their surfing idols.
May
Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival This event of established and emerging storytellers is unmissable for bibliophiles & lovers of the arts, culture & Margaret River. With past guests including the likes of Germaine Greer, Michael Palin, Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, Kerry O’Brien & Geraldine Brooks, it is a weekend of author talks, Q&A sessions, panel discussions, book signings, feature events, workshops as well as free events & entertainment for the whole family. Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival is created and presented by Arts Margaret River.
Are you looking for more tips and recommendations for Margaret River? Then read our blog posts on Margaret River Glamping, Best Margaret River Breweries and Best Things to Do in Margaret River in Winter.
Taste Great Southern
Great Southern TASTE is a festival that celebrates the culinary delights of the Great Southern region, including fresh local food, boutique wines, and delicious flavors. Stretching from the rugged coastline to the mountains and forests, this festival showcases the unique and vibrant food and drink scene of the area.
Highlighting the distinctive wines and craft breweries of the Great Southern, this event offers a variety of wine varietals such as Shiraz, Pinot Noir, and Riesling, along with local craft beers. Guests can also indulge in a range of fresh and local produce, from seafood and oysters to chicken, beef, lamb, heirloom vegetables, and cheeses.
Featuring a range of events such as regional food and wine festivals, long lunches, unique dinners, pairing events, and community markets, Great Southern TASTE offers something for everyone. Attendees can enjoy festival favorites like the Great Southern Cellar Door, Catch of the South, Women of the Region Luncheon, and the Great Southern Wine Journey, among others.
Looking for tips on visitin Albany? Then read our guides on Things to do in Albany, Best Family Accommodations in Albany, and Perth to Albany road trip.
August
10 Nights in Port
Wanjoo/Welcome to 10 Nights in Port, Walyalup’s warming winter festival which sets the town aglow every year with music, sensory splendour, fire, ceremony and art.
We live and love in a special place. We don’t own it, it owns us.
Our festival reflects the fierce creative power of our town and in turn our collective ownership and the strength of our community.
At the creative heart of this festival is a deep consideration of ways to lighten and brighten each other’s lives, to showcase unique local stories and focus on pathways forward.
Nannup Flower and Garden Festival
The Nannup Flower and Garden Festival is held every year in August, in the townsite of Nannup. It is coordinated by the Nannup Garden Village and showcases open gardens, the hero flower tulips, bulbs, Town Hall display and associated cultural, artistic and environmental events.
Araluen Tulip Festival
Why do I say, planned? The tulips are naturally growing plants, and so, while the intention is for them to begin blooming in mid-August, this will depend on the weather in Perth.
Over the past few years, I have checked out the Araluen Instagram account to get a good idea of what the tulips growing in Araluen Botanic Park are doing in real-time. I have even seen the annual springtime festival end early due to unexpected early hot weather.
Read our guide to the Araluen Tulip Festival for detailed info.
Balingup Medieval festival
Travel back in time when visiting the Balingup Medieval Festival! This captivating event draws in visitors from all over, offering fun for the whole family. Whether you’re young or old, there’s plenty to enjoy.
The highlight of the festival is the amazing Burning of the Dragon ceremony on Saturday night, where drummers set the rhythm for a fantastic show. Throughout the festival, you will find performers entertaining with live music, dancing, and exciting battles. Be sure not to miss the daily grand parade, filled with colorful costumes and cheerful participants.
Besides, there are plenty of delicious food from market stalls – sip on tasty local wines, ciders, and mead, and try out fun activities like camel rides and archery tag. You can even get close to raptors and cuddle friendly snakes! With so much to see and do, the Balingup Medieval Festival is an unforgettable experience for everyone.
September
The Kings Park Festival honors the incredible plant diversity of Western Australia, highlighting its beauty and the urgent call for preservation. The majority of festivities occur in the Western Australian Botanic Garden, which is renowned as one of the most popular and respected botanical gardens globally. This garden specifically focuses on native plant species as a tribute to the diverse, delicate, and exceptionally beautiful flora found in Western Australia. The South West region of WA, which includes Perth, is identified as one of Australia’s two officially recognized biodiversity hotspots.
Read more information about things to do in Kings Park in our guides Kings Park playgrounds and Kings Park Perth travel guide.
Late September
The Perth Royal Show is a yearly agricultural exhibition that takes place at the Claremont Showground in Perth, Western Australia. It includes educational displays, agricultural contests, and animal exhibitions, as well as a carnival area with rides and showbags. With more than 400 performers, 300 shows, and countless hours of fun, the Perth Royal Show is a cherished cultural and community gathering.
The Southern Art and Craft Trail
The Southern Art + Craft Trail includes the towns of Albany, Torbay, Kronkup, Little Grove, Denmark, Walpole, Mount Barker, Lake Grace, Kojonup, Dumbleyung, Manjimup and Gnowangerup.
74 different venues, including cafes, wineries, galleries, local businesses, community halls, libraries, art centres, studios and pop-up spaces will exhibit artworks. The variety of venues and range of professional Artists will show huge diversity. From textiles, painting, sculpture and jewellery, to printmaking, photography, pottery and woodcraft are on display.
Do you want to know more about these towns? Then read everything about them in our guides here: Hike to Granite Skywalk Castel Rock WA, Best accommodations in Walpole, Places to Eat in Denmark, and Stops on a Walpole to Albany trip. Even though Manjimup might seem like a small village, there are exciting things to do in Manjimup!
The Verdict – The Best time to visit Perth & Travel to Western Australia
We hope we have given you ample information about when is the best time to visit WA, and especially when to visit Perth, the capital. We have also covered a range of other places including Albany, Geraldton and Bunbury & the South West) and the types of climate that you expect in these vastly different areas.
Explore more here:
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