A guide to the best time to visit Perth, for those dreaming of chasing waves and suntans in Australia’s sunniest city!
Bustling yet laid-back, Perth lies on the sun-drenched coast of Western Australia and has warm, sunny days most of the year. A flawless fusion of urban chic, vibrant local culture, and natural beauty, it boasts an outdoorsy lifestyle with gorgeous landscapes to match.
The city stretches 150 kilometers, and each corner has something to offer, from the multi-colored gardens in Kings Park to the lush vineyards in Margaret River and the sandy coves on Rottnest Island. It means you’ll never run out of fun and fascinating things to do when you visit Perth, no matter the time of year.
The best time to visit Perth depends on what type of activities and experiences you’re after.
The city often has clear blue skies, so you can drop by anytime and generally not worry about bad weather. But, for those who want to experience the city’s seasonal highlights, it only seems right to visit Perth when these local events happen.
Visiting Perth in summer is perfect for beach days or swimming in the Swan River. Spring is for long hikes and witnessing Western Australia’s famous wildflowers.
Autumn is great for wine tours in the Swan Valley. The winter months, which bring chilly winds and more rain, mean fewer crowds and lower accommodation prices.
Every season adds a distinct flair to this warm and welcoming city. While you can definitely visit Perth year round, hopefully this guide will help you decide the best time to visit the city!
When is the Best Time to Visit Perth?
Spring, the wildflower season in Western Australia, is often considered the best time to visit Perth. Not only is the city in full bloom, but it also experiences cooler temperatures and very little rainfall.
The weather is ideal for outdoor activities, like picnicking or hiking along the banks of Swan River. The drawback is spring can be crowded and costly, with hotel prices shooting up.
The other seasons also have their allure. If you don’t mind the heat, summer is fantastic for spending time on the beach in Perth. But it can be packed with tourists due to the Australian school holidays.
Autumn is the shoulder season, so it’s quieter and has fewer tourists. Winter is the low season and is the cheapest time to visit the city, so perfect for budget travellers!
Read more: The Ultimate Western Australia Road Trip Itinerary
Summer in Perth
Summer spans from December to February. With average temperatures between 30°C and 35°C, summer is the hottest time in Perth. The heat reaches its highest point in February, making it the hottest month.
As summer is the dry season, it gets very little rain, although short-lived thunderstorms happen occasionally. Thankfully, a cooling afternoon sea breeze, known as Fremantle Doctor, helps ease the heat.
The peak season and liveliest months in Perth are December and January. Tourism is in full swing, as beach lovers and families on school holidays flock to the city. Consequently, rates are higher, and hotels get booked quickly.
By February, Perth quiets down as most visitors return to work and school, causing prices to drop down a bit!
Top things to do during summer in Perth
Perth’s sunny summer days are perfect for beach lounging, trying water sports, and sailing the crystal-clear waters of Western Australia. Postcard beaches like Scarborough and Cottesloe become hubs for swimming, surfing, snorkelling, and sunset walks.
In summer, Perth hosts some of its most popular events, including Fringe World and Australia Day, both in January.
In February you can attend the Perth Festival, Australia’s oldest art fest, celebrated with live music, literature, film, and visual arts. And of course, there are Christmas festivities like the Festival of Lights and Christmas markets in December.
Summer is also the best time to visit Rottnest Island on a day trip from Perth. You can join a Rottnest Island tour to discover its rich history and unique wildlife, including the lovable quokkas. Or, you can book a full-day bike trip to soak up the island’s breathtaking landscape in summer.
Check out our guide to the best Perth beaches!
Autumn in Perth
Autumn is Perth’s shoulder season, spanning from March to May. This time of the year, daytime temperatures have mellowed to an average high of 29°C. Nighttime is even cooler, with temperatures that sometimes go as low as 15°C.
Autumn is the best time to visit for travellers seeking balmy weather without the hordes of tourists. It gets a lot of sunny days for outdoor activities like nature hikes and river cruises.
Hotel and flight prices drop after the bustle of the peak season, allowing you to save a bit of money in Australia.
Top things to do during autumn in Perth
If you’re a wine connoisseur planning to visit Western Australia, consider travelling in autumn! Harvest season is in full swing in March, making this the perfect time to go wine tasting and vineyard touring in Swan Valley or Margaret River, two renowned wine regions near Perth.
Autumn also marks the beginning of whale season in Perth! From March to May each year, blue whales gather in Perth Canyon, about 55 kilometers from Perth. This is one of the main whale watching seasons in Australia, as it’s the only time tourists can see these endangered mammals feeding in the area.
If you have more time to spare, you can head up to Coral Bay and swim with whales sharks on a tour to Ningaloo Reef. Known as the biggest fish in the sea, whale sharks visit the reef annually between March and June.
Many fun events happen in autumn, including Cottesloe’s Sculpture by the Sea, which occurs every March. The same month also hosts the Hyde Park Fair and the Perth Craft Beer Festival.
The Perth Comedy Festival starts in April and ends in May. For surf enthusiasts, the Margaret River Pro surfing competition is in May.
Winter in Perth
Perth’s winter months are June, July, and August. This is the wettest season that often has rains and sometimes storms. But although it’s winter in Perth, daytime temperatures never go below 18°C.
While there’s always a chance of rain, it’s not uncommon to see clear skies. But, the unpredictability of the rainy season could hinder your outdoor plans.
Between rain showers, however, winter is a great time to see Perth’s tourist attractions, such as Kings Park Botanic Gardens, which can get swamped with visitors during the peak season.
On the bright side, winter is the low season, so hotel rates are at their lowest. So winter is the best time to visit Perth for budget-friendly travel!
Top things to do during winter in Perth
Winter in Perth may not be the best time for many outdoor activities, but it’s the best time to surf. Eager to catch the waves, many surfers around Western Australia head to Perth as early as June. So, if you’re a surfing fan, winter is the best time to visit Perth.
The city itself doesn’t have exposed beaches with big swells. But the ones it has (Cottesloe, Scarborough, and Trigg) are perfect for beginners who want to work on their surfing techniques. For more challenging swells, Perth is the gateway to Kalbarri and Margaret River, some of the top surfing hubs in Western Australia.
If, by chance, you visit Perth on a rainy day, take it as an opportunity to see the city’s indoor attractions. Explore the Art Gallery of Western Australia or the Maritime Museum of Western Australia. Check out the buzzing Fremantle Markets or the Lumber Punks for exciting axe-throwing action.
For those who want to feel the winter vibe, Bibra Lake’s Cockburn Ice Arena, the largest skating rink in Western Australia, is less than 30 minutes from the city center. This is a top destination for kids and adults alike, as is the nearby Kings Park, which is usually uncrowded in winter.
As for festivals, Perth observes Western Australia Day every first Monday of June. The city then celebrates the Perth Winter Arts Festival in July with acrobatic performances, winter fare, live music, fashion shows, and workshops. The Good Food and Wine Show, which showcases delicious food and beverages, happens in August.
Escape the cold by heading north on a Perth to Broome Road Trip Itinerary!
Spring in Perth
Perth enjoys spring from September to November. The weather starts to warm up, rising to an average high of 23°C. There might be sudden downpours early in September, but the rain comes less often to none as the season progresses.
Spring is also the shoulder season, and at this time Perth receives fewer visitors than in summer so it’s far less crowded in the city. Many accommodation prices, however, stay on the higher end in anticipation of the spring school holidays.
Perhaps the most notable thing about spring in Perth is that Western Australia’s famous wildflowers are in full bloom, bathing the city in beautiful colours. The blooms, the quieter atmosphere, and the lovely weather make spring the best season for long scenic hikes and other outdoor adventures.
Top things to do during spring in Perth
Spring turns Western Australia into a kaleidoscope of hues as millions of wildflowers bloom.
In Perth, you’ll see this floral display in Kings Park. The 400-hectare green space has more than 3,000 species of flowering plants lining its many walking trails. Another popular site is Ellis Brook Valley Reserve, about 40 minutes from the city center.
Spring is also a great time to go on a whale-watching cruise, especially for those who want to see humpback whales. From September to early December, these graceful mammals, including mothers with their newborns, move back to Antarctica. The migrating whales pass the sheltered waters along the Perth coast, which make a safe resting ground.
Spring is also a great time to explore Perth’s stunning outskirts. Most wineries replenish their stocks with new releases in spring. You can cycle to Swan Valley and taste some of the freshest wines and the older vintages.
Take advantage of spring’s mild weather and go on a day trip to the Pinnacles Desert, where you can admire the clusters of limestone pillars formed thousands of years ago. If you need more time to relish the scenery, you can stay on for a sunset and star-gazing tour. And if you’re up for a road trip, spring has the perfect weather to drive to Karijini National Park or Kalbarri National Park.
Though summer is the liveliest time in Perth, spring is not far behind when it comes to festivals. The key events in September include the Perth Royal Show and the Kings Park Festival, known for its ornate floral exhibitions. October has the Perth Hills Spring Festival, Unwined, and the Perth International Jazz Festival.
Unfortunately, the prestigious Margaret River Gourmet Escape has been canceled indefinitely. But a new event called Pair’d takes its place in November, featuring great food and fine wine from the Perth metropolitan area, Margaret River, and other nearby towns in Western Australia.
What is the best month to visit Perth?
The best time to visit Perth is in spring, which includes September, October, and November. The weather is warm but not scorching, perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, or exploring the nearby wine regions. It’s also the peak season for witnessing the celebrated wildflower blooms.
For marine enthusiasts, spring is the best time for whale watching as migrating humpback whales pass by the waters near Perth’s coastline. Spring also has lively festivals, usually celebrating Western Australia’s produce, food, and wine.
As a shoulder season, spring is not as crowded as summer, except on school holidays. But hotel rates may not be as cheap as expected.
Autumn, another shoulder season, is the second best time to visit the city for those who want to escape the crowds and catch more affordable rates. It’s also the only season when you can see the elusive blue whales near Perth.
Summer is also a great time to visit Perth for those who love the beach. The coasts come to life with beachcombers and water sports enthusiasts. The favorable winds make the season the peak for kite surfing and windsurfing.
Summer is crowded and expensive, though. You may have to book accommodation in advance!
Winter is the off-season. Perth is at its quietest, except in late December and early January when people visit for the holidays. For budget travelers seeking great deals and discounts, winter is the best time to visit the city.
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