WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT Western Australia?

If we had to pick just one month to be in Western Australia, we think October is the best time to visit. With stunning wildflower displays and pleasant temperatures for exploring.

However, as you can imagine, in a state that runs the length of the continent the weather varies considerably from North to South so rather than choosing the best time to visit Western Australia you need to decide the best time to visit the region you are heading to. If you are planning to see as much of the state as you can you will have less than ideal weather for some part of your visit.

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Weather in Western Australia

Western Australia has three weather zones, and where you go really depends on what time of year, you are visiting

Perth, the South West, and the Coral Coast

The middle to the bottom of Western Australia enjoys a Mediterranean climate. These areas are best in summer, late spring and early autumn if you want good swimming weather.

Tropical – Broome and North West

Broome is considered to have two seasons, the wet and the dry. The dry season starts in May and is the most popular time to visit due to lower levels of humidity. July is the least humid and, as a result, popularity increases.

Broome receives a similar amount of rain overall to Perth but almost all of it falls from the middle of the wet season and usually at the end of the day in the form of afternoon storms rather than full days of rain. Cyclones and flooding are more likely in Jan-February. Find detailed information on the weather in Broome here.

The traditional owners of Broome the Yawuru (pronounced Ya-roo) identify 6 rather than two seasons

Bureau of Meterology

Desert

The east of the state offers temps of 15-37 degrees – avoid this in summer, it becomes unbearable. The best time to visit is between May and September. Spring and summer see a higher risk of floods and the arrival of the flies!

Average temperatures in Perth

Month Maximum temperatureMinimum temperature Average rainfall (mm)
January31.218.117mm
February31.618.313mm
March 29.616.721mm
April 25.913.837mm
May 22.310.589mm
June19.48.6127mm
July18.47.8147mm
August 19.08.3122mm
September20.39.587mm
October23.411.639mm
November26.714.323mm
December29.116.312mm
Source: Climate of Australia

Check details for other cities in Western Australia on the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) website

Western Australia Festivals and events

Some events may have their dates changed or postponed, so please check individual links before making any plans*

January Hopman Cup
11 Feb- 6 March 2022Perth Festival
17-20 March 2022Hand in Hand Festival – celebrating Irish and Aboriginal culture (Fremantle)
24 April-4th May 2022Margaret Rivers Pro (Surfing)
13-15 April 2022Karijini Experience – a festival of culture, food, music and art 
15-18 April 2022Fremantle International Street Arts Festival (theatre, street art,
13-20 May 2022Gibb Challenge (Cycling)
July (TBC) 10 Days in Port (Fremantle)
25 September- 2 October Perth Show (Agriculture/Food)
Throughout OctoberWildflower festivals (Perth, Busselton, and the North)
Subject to change – Please check individual events before making any plans

Western Australia School and Public Holidays

Public Holidays in Western Australia 2022-2023

Holiday 20222023
New Year’s Day + Monday Holiday 01 and 03 January01 and 02 January
Australia Day26 January26 January
Labour Day 07 March 06 March
Good Friday15 April07 April
Easter Monday18 April10 April
Anzac Day25 April 25 April
Western Australia Day 06 June 05 June
Queen’s Birthday 26 September* 25 September*
Christmas Eve24 December24 December
Christmas Day25-26 December 25 December
Boxing Day27 December 26 December
* Some regional areas in WA hold the Queen’s Birthday public holiday on a different date Source: Government of Western Australia website

School Holidays in Western Australia 2022-2023

School holidays see prices go up and availability reduce. If you don’t need to be travelling at this time, you can save quite a bit by avoiding it.

Period 20222023
Autumn break:09 April – 25 April 07 April – 23 April
Winter break: 02 July – 17 July 01 July – 16 July
Spring break:24 September – 09 October23 September – 08 October
Summer break:16 December – 31 January 15 December – 31 January*
*Subject to change Source: Government of Western Australia – Department of Education website

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