Best Time To Visit Western Australia

As the largest state in Australia, the weather and climate of Western Australia is as diverse as the destination itself. From the tropical north to the moderate south, the best time to visit Western Australia depends on which part of the state you will be exploring as well as whole host of seasonal attractions. Intersected by the Tropic of Capricorn, the southern part of the state is ideal for visiting in summer between November and March when there is less rain and warmer temperatures. However if you plan on exploring the northern part of WA then the dry season from May to October is the best time to visit when temperatures are milder.

SUMMER: December - February

Unsurprisingly, summer is the hottest time to visit Western Australia with temperatures reading up to 29°C in Perth. It can get even hotter in Fremantle or Margaret River, however this is the perfect place to cool off with a swim at the beach. Further north conditions are humid with the occasional shower, however the sun stays out long enough for Broome's famous beaches or a river paddle in the Kimberley's. Summer is a festive time in the city, with big celebrations planned for Christmas and Perth's biggest New Year's Eve party.

AUTUMN: March - May

This marks the beginning of the dry season in Broome and northern parts of Western Australia. The ultimate time for outdoor fun, warm sunny days with very little rain make this a popular time for hiking, biking and big swell surf season in Margaret River. This is also the best time to visit Western Australia for big fish bucket listers in Exmouth, where the whale shark season begins. Ideal for getting out on the water, these days are perfect to go swimming with the largest fish in the world. These magnificent gentle giants are a popular Autumn attraction.

WINTER: June - August

Despite it's warm reputation, Western Australia does experience cooler temperatures in the winter, although these tend to sit at a fairly mild 12°C in Perth. There's still plenty of sunshine around and not a cloud in the sky, with Perth's average sunshine an impressive nine hours a day for 131 days of the year. Winter is the best time to visit Western Australia for cosy wine tasting by the fire in the Margaret River wine region or crisp walks in the forest air, however the most popular winter attraction are the stunning display of Geraldton wildflowers that bloom from June to November. Carpeting Mullewa, Chapman River Regional Park and Perth's Kings Park, this glorious spectacle is as colourful as the City of Perth Winter Arts Festival which is also held throughout June, July and August.

SPRING: September - November

In contrast to the south, Spring in the north is the start of the green season bringing wet conditions and dramatic thunderstorms in the Kimberley. High humidity and short-lived showers don't stop tours from operating, but do attract fewer tourists to the region making it the ideal time to score a great deal. If seeking sun is more your style, head to Fremantle and Perth or catch the tail end of wildflower season in Shark Bar on the Peron Peninsula. Foodies flock to Margaret River for the decadent Gourmet Escape festival, celebrating all things good food and good wine among the scenic rolling vineyards of the region.