Last Updated on July 26, 2026 by Home in the World
When planning a trip, one of the main things to consider is what the weather will be like at that destination – it determines the type of clothes you pack, what kind of activities you can do and whether any potential seasonal events are on.
If you’re wondering about the best time to visit Perth, it is important to know that the city, and Australia’s southwest region more broadly, actually has 6 seasons.
While we do loosely follow the conventional cycle of summer, autumn, winter and spring, I recommend paying closer heed to the 6 seasons specific to this part of the world.
They are based on the Noongar system, the Noongar (sometimes also written as Nyoongar) being the local Aboriginal people who have been living in this corner of Australia for the last 45,000 years. So it’s safe to say they are the absolute authority on the land and weather here, having observed its trends and evolutions for countless generations. No one is more connected to this land than them, and it shows in their 6-season system that is actually a lot more accurate than the conventional four seasons.
So read on to find out more about these seasons and decide which is the best time to visit Perth for your particular needs.
December-January: Birak
Being in the Southern Hemisphere, Birak is the season that marks the start of our region’s conventional ‘summer’. It is often represented by reds and oranges in Noongar art, and is considered to be the season of the young.
Daytime temperatures at this time of year hover around 30°C-35°C (86-95°F) on average, but may sometimes be a little cooler or hotter. Rain is minimal. From mid-December through to the end of January, Australian children are on their summer holidays, and Perth plays host to sporting events in the form of international test cricket, the Big Bash cricket series and the United Cup international tennis event.
Don’t expect the hugely festive Christmas vibes you tend to find in places like Europe. While there are plenty of end-of-year Christmas parties, houses illuminated with Christmas lights, and the annual Christmas pageant through the city, I personally don’t find that Perth feels particularly Christmassy.
The climate may also have a bit to do with this. Instead, Christmas in Perth is more about relaxing on the beach or having a BBQ in the backyard with family. It may seem a little odd to Northern-Hemisphere dwellers, but it is perfectly normal for us! On the plus side, New Year’s Eve is generally balmy and warm – perfect for partying outside, at rooftop bars or by the water.
Birak is also a great time to enjoy Perth’s lavender season, because it’s when the purple flowers are in full bloom. I recommend heading to Lavender Estate in January for the best viewing.
If you want to experience an Australian Christmas and are ok with relatively hot weather, Birak could be a good option for you. Be aware, however, that hotel prices may be higher at this time of year.
February-March: Bunuru
Bunuru is deep summer, or ‘second summer’, the hottest time of the year in Perth, when temperatures around 40°C (104°F) are not uncommon and there is little rain. It is often represented by oranges and yellows, and is considered as the season of adolescence.
It is also a prime time for festivals and outdoor art exhibitions. Fringe World, which starts in January and runs through to mid-February, is extremely popular, providing a range of eclectic entertainment at multiple venues across the city. This is then followed by the Perth Festival, which features a a whole host of paid and free art & cultural events over the course of several weeks.
In March is the annual Sculpture by the Sea event, which has become a Perth institution, showcasing art sculptures by local and international artists on the city’s iconic Cottesloe Beach. It is in fact the world’s largest outdoor sculpture exhibition. I have been almost every year and highly recommend it, especially if you’re able to go at sunset. Seeing amazing art on the beach on a balmy summer’s day really is a great experience for all ages (and it’s free, though donations are encouraged).
This is definitely a good candidate for the best time to visit Perth, especially if you’re someone who enjoys being outside and/or attending art & cultural festivals.
As mentioned, the temperatures can get quite hot, both in the day and at night, but if that doesn’t bother you, you’ll definitely enjoy the long summer days and stunning sunsets that come with Bunuru. You might even want to consider doing a day trip to Rottnest Island to see the smiley, Insta-famous quokkas. It’s only approximately 45 minutes away by ferry.
It is also worth remembering that UV in Australia is dangerously high during both Birak and Bunuru, so sun protection is highly recommended.
April-May: Djeran
Djeran marks the onset of cooler weather, the start of traditional ‘autumn’. It is often represented by rich browns or greens, and is considered the season of adulthood.
There’s a definite shift when Djeran comes into season; the days gradually become noticeably cooler (though early April can still be quite warm), the sun feels softer, and the leaves start to turn. Daytime temperatures generally hover around the low 20s to mid-20s (low 70s in Fahrenheit), and there starts to be more rain, especially as May rolls around. The second half of May can also bring some intense storms.
Overall, however, the weather is still relatively stable, and it’s the perfect time to enjoy the changing foliage, both in and around the city.
If you’re interested in catching an AFL (Australian football) game, the season is in full swing at this time, running from late March to the end of August. It’s a great way to experience Perth’s premier sporting venue, Optus Stadium, which is located spectacularly right on the river, just a short train ride from the city centre.
The cooler temperatures and clear skies that abound at this time of year make it perfect for visiting the unique, otherworldly landscapes of the Pinnacles National Park, an approx. 2-hour drive north of Perth.
In general, for visitors wanting to escape the intense heat of summer, while still enjoying decent weather for sightseeing – including a potential side trip to the world-class Margaret River wine region 3 hours’ drive south of the city –, I can certainly also recommend Djeran as a solid candidate for the best time to visit Perth.
June-July: Makuru
Makuru is what would be considered the depths of winter in Perth. It is the coldest, wettest time of year and, unsurprisingly, often represented by blues and greys. In Noongar beliefs, it is the season of fertility.
This tends to be a quieter time of year in Perth in general, with some people preferring to hibernate a bit, or indeed head to warmer parts of the world for a summer break.
But compared to a lot of Northern Hemisphere winters, Perth winters are pretty tame, with daytime temperatures usually around 17°C (63°F). Nights and early mornings can get quite chilly, often dipping to below 5°C (41°F).
As mentioned, this is the rainiest time of year in Perth, so visiting during these months will require you to be rain-ready and have indoor back-up plans if you’re intending to do outdoor activities.
The rain does, however, make it the perfect time to head to Perth’s waterfalls, which are usually flush with water and looking particularly spectacular.
And if you want to experience the city’s iconic Kings Park transformed into a colourful winter wonderland, the Lightscape immersive light trail runs throughout most of Makuru.
So while this might not be considered the absolute best time to visit Perth, it is also not terrible. We still get a lot of clear, sunny days that are perfect for exercising or lunching outside (without the searing heat of summer), and you are likely to find some decent hotel bargains too, given it is low season.
August-September: Djilba
Djilba is the end of traditional winter and beginning of traditional spring, when plants and wildflowers start to grow. It is considered to be the season of conception, often represented by purples, greens or pinks.
Early August sees the hosting of the annual Avon Descent, a major event for paddle-craft competitors – and one that draws plenty of spectators too.
Towards the end of August, the London Plane Trees that lost their leaves in winter start sprouting green buds, and a variety of native and non-native flora pop up in parks and even by the roadside. Among the landmark events celebrating this new season are the Araluen Tulip Festival and the Everlasting Kings Park Festival.
Even if you can’t manage to catch the Everlasting Festival, I highly recommend heading to Kings Park anyway, as you’ll still be able to enjoy an abundance of incredibly beautiful native plants throughout Djilba.
As August rolls into September, the days become noticeably longer and warmer, with daytime temperatures usually hovering around 20-25°C (68-77°F), though expect it to be colder earlier in August and warmer later in September. Rain is still around, but gets less frequent as we head through September. Expect quite a bit of wind and pollen allergies in September though!
If mild-ish temperatures and pretty flowers are your thing, consider Djilba as a candidate for the best time to visit Perth.
October-November: Kambarang
Kambarang marks the start of warmer weather again, the end of traditional ‘spring’, with the feel of summer just around the corner. It is the season of birth, often represented by bright wildflower colours and yellows.
It is arguably the prettiest season in Perth; the pops of colour from the aforementioned wildflowers are still to be found in October, before slowly giving way to stunning jacarandas in November. A veritable purple haze descends over the city, and, coupled with abundant sunshine and pleasantly warm temperatures, it’s as close to picture perfect as it’s going to get.
You can really feel a shift as the uplifting, pre-summer vibe starts to kick in. People have emerged from their winter hibernation, they’re doing outdoor activities, picnicking, heading to the beach… all that fun stuff.
And speaking of beaches, another fabulous sculpture exhibition takes places at this time of year in the form of Castaways at Rockingham Beach. All the artworks are made from recycled/salvaged materials and are a true testament to the artists’ creativity. Rockingham is approximately 45 min-1 hour south of Perth, but it’s a great little excursion if you can time it with the exhibition, which is traditionally held from late October to early November.
It is also another great time to visit Rottnest Island, the Swan Valley wineries and the Margaret River wine region.
On balance, I would say Kambarang is right up there in terms of the best time to visit Perth. I certainly love the feel of the city during this purple patch of a season.
Getting to Perth, and where to stay
Ready to book your flights to Perth? I recommend using Skyscanner or Trip.com to find and compare the best fares. Perth is serviced by a number of major airlines, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Cathay Pacific, ANA and many more, with direct flights from Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe. Virgin Australia and Qantas also offer numerous daily flights from other parts of Australia. Search for suitable connections below.
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Perth, you can find a property suiting your needs and budget by searching below.
Final thoughts on the best time to visit Perth
With some 300 sunny days a year, Perth is blessed with a pretty decent climate all round. As such, there is no single best time to visit Perth; it all depends on what you enjoy doing and how tolerant you are of heat in summer or rain in winter.
As you’ll have hopefully seen in this article, there are plenty of things on offer throughout all the 6 seasons – whether in the form of cultural and sporting events, art exhibitions or natural beauty. So you can’t really go wrong.
In any case, I hope this serves you as a useful guide to help plan your trip. And if you have any further questions, feel free to drop me a line and I’ll do my best to assist.
** This post, like everything else on this website, has been written entirely by me. No ChatGPT or any other AI tool has been used. It takes longer to create, but I value 100% human-generated content and I hope you do too! **
Before you go…
Consider following me on Instagram, where I post regularly about travel around the world, and subscribe to my monthly newsletter for travel inspiration, news and book recommendations delivered straight to your inbox.
Like this post? Pin it!
What an informative and “different” interpretation of the seasons. Certainly makes a lot of sense and is so accurate
I am sure it will provide a great guide for visitors to Perth
Thank you, yes, they are definitely very accurate – and hopefully helpful for people trying to plan a trip!