Perth is often touted as the destination of legend and one of the best places to visit in WA. Famous for its ribbons of white sand and sparkling turquoise waters, people flock to this city from near and far to soak in the laid-back yet humming atmosphere. The city offers beach-hopping, surfing, endless sunny days, hiking through unique natural landscapes, whale watching, festivals and arts, and colourful wildflowers. It’s a great holiday destination for all kinds of travellers – from those on a budget, adventure seekers, and beach lovers to couples and families.
But that begs the question, when best time to visit Perth?
The summer months of December to January is when Perth and surrounding beaches come alive with crowds of people enjoying the scorching temperatures and long sunny days. But is this truly the best time to visit Perth?
Overall, the spring season from September to November takes the top podium for the best time to visit Perth! For those seeking warm days and golden evenings coupled with fewer crowds and more affordable prices (as well as the aromatics of the wildflower season), we would recommend booking your trip in spring – one of the city’s shoulder seasons! If that doesn’t work with your timing, the other shoulder season of March to May would also deliver the best the city has to offer, with even fewer crowds and more budget-friendly prices.
But we know that every traveller has different priorities. Maybe you want to come face-to-face with the magical humpback whale migration or have an encounter with the elusive blue whale? Or is hiking in the wilderness is more your style? Or perhaps you want to experience Perth during the height of its iconic summer? On the other hand, you may prefer to plan your trip for more mild temperatures and fewer crowds for a peaceful getaway – especially at Perth’s top attractions.
Whatever your priorities are for your Perth trip, we have put together a guide to help you plan the holiday of your dreams. Whether you are planning a budget-friendly trip that doesn’t compromise on popular activities in Perth, we have got you covered.
If you want to skip the details, here is a summary of the best times to visit Perth for the top considerations.
- For weather: March to May and September to November
- For fewest crowds: June to August
- For lowest prices: June to August
- For beaches: December to February
- For visiting Rottnest Island: Year-round
- For hiking: September to November
- For wildflower season: August to late October
- For whale watching: April to December
- Overall: March to May and September to November
Best time to visit Perth for weather
Perth is lucky to be a destination that enjoys a lot of sun throughout the year. However, there are points of the year when it may be rainier and windier (winter, June to August), or overwhelmingly hot (summer, December to February). If you’re looking for the ideal weather when the days are golden, there’s less rain, and the temperatures are perfectly warm, overall, the best time to visit Perth for weather would be from March to May (autumn) and September to November (spring). These are the shoulder seasons, and therefore, enjoy plenty of sunshine and lovely temperatures for plenty of outdoor activities including swimming, reading on the beach, hiking, and whale watching.
March to May is characterised by warm days and cooler nights, perfect for those who want action-packed days in the outdoors, and comfortable evenings. There may be the occasional light rain shower but it’s great for those wishing to avoid the blazing hot sun that comes during summer (December to February).
September to November not only has beautiful weather that starts to warm up on the approach to summer, but it’s also the perfect time to visit Perth for its famous wildflower season. While temperatures start to increase throughout these months, they aren’t nearly as intense as summer, making it the perfect time for outdoor adventures including hiking and water activities.
Overall, both spring and autumn offer weather that is just right for visiting Perth, and therefore the perfect time to explore the colourful and rich landscapes in all their glory.
For a more detailed breakdown of the seasons and temperatures throughout the year, make sure to check out our guide to Perth’s weather and climate.
Best time to visit Perth for crowds and prices
If you want to enjoy a quieter, and more budget-friendly trip to Perth, it’s a good idea to know the peak and shoulder seasons so you can avoid the crowds and get better deals. Peak season in Perth is typically the summer season, especially December and January during school holidays. This is the time that Perth is truly famous for. With clear skies and an average high of 31°C, people from near and far flock to Perth’s beaches for the waves, pristine shores, and the buzzing energy at bars and restaurants. The city becomes a hustle and bustle of families and youth enjoying the summer, outdoor fanatics taking advantage of the beaches and nearby islands, and culture and arts lovers taking in the festivals. With the crowds come the higher prices, however.
If you are looking for lower prices, and fewer crowds, you may prefer to travel to Perth during the shoulder seasons, from March to May and September to November (excluding school holiday periods. With fewer throngs of people taking to the sands and waters, the beaches are serene and the water perfectly clear and refreshing for swimming or surfing. It also is a lot more pleasant to tick off all the items on our list of things to do in Perth without competing for space.
Low season, from June to August, is a far quieter period for this city due to the wintertime temperatures, rain and wind– which is great for those wanting to avoid crowds and get cheap deals on fights and accommodation.
Overall, the best time to visit Perth for the lowest prices and fewest crowds would be in the low season from June to August. However, as the weather is typically windy and rainy during the winter months, those wanting warm, sunny weather as well as affordable flights and accommodation and fewer crowds should plan for March to May or September to November (outside of school holiday periods).
Best time to visit Perth for activities
Perth is known for its endless sunshine and sweeps of beaches, drawing flocks of visitors for a wide range of activities – it's almost overwhelming to start planning your Perth itinerary!
Whether you want to beach-hop, go swimming or snorkelling, meet the famous quokkas of Rottnest Island, go wine tasting, explore the city or have a rare encounter with a blue whale, there are certainly things to do all year-round. However, some activities are best done at certain times of the year, so we have rounded up some of the most popular activities in Perth and the best time to visit for them.
Best time for exploring the beaches
For beach buffs, swimmers, snorkellers, watersport enthusiasts and anyone else wanting a beach holiday, summer is a great time of year to visit Perth. From December to February, the sun is hot, the sand is golden, and the water is warm. However, this is the hottest time of the year to visit Perth. With little to no rainfall, and high UV, this can be too hot for some.
But fear not, because you can also plan your Perth visit towards the end of spring (late October to November) or at the beginning of autumn (early March to April) -when the temperatures are cooler than summer, yet still warm enough to enjoy soaking in the sun and sea salt air. As an added bonus, as the peak tourist season has passed, you can be guaranteed for peaceful sprawls of sand.
Best time for visiting Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island is an exquisite holiday destination off the coast of Perth, famous for its beaches, hiking, snorkelling, and encounters with the cute and curious quokkas. It’s one of the most unique things to do in Perth and a must for any trip to WA’s capital city! You can visit the island year-round, but different seasons lend various experiences. Summer is popular for swimming and lazing on the many incredible beaches. Although you might find lots of crowds because it is the school holidays. You can still enjoy swimming and snorkelling during spring (September to November) and in autumn (March to May).
Many argue that the winter months of June to August are the best time for visiting Rottnest Island for the cooler temperatures, serenity of far fewer visitors, and better chance of meeting a quokka! It also isn’t super cold during the winter. The island tends to enjoy a daytime temperature of 19°C.
Best time for hiking
For those who love to hit the trails and explore nature, Perth is a wonderful destination. The region boasts a wide range of trails – from the dense bush walks that have a very New Zealand-like appearance, to stunning coastal walks, you will be simply spoiled for choice. Some popular hiking trails in Perth include the Kings Park Bushland Nature Trail, Wadjemup Bidi (the trail network of Rottnest Island), and Eagle View Walk Trail of the John Forrest National Park and if you're looking for the perfect weather to hike in, our advice is to avoid summer.
To enjoy warm temperatures, without getting too hot, as well as minimal chance of getting wet September to November would be a great choice to plan your hiking trip. With an average high of 25°C, and very little rainfall, spring won’t disappoint. It’s also a beautiful time to experience the most vibrant and lush flora and fauna – especially the famous wildflowers!
While the winter months of June to August would offer the coolest temperatures for hiking, it is a time of increased rain and wind, so we’d recommend sticking the spring months of September to November.
Best time for wildflower viewing
Perth is famed for its glorious wildflower season. During this time, the land is blanketed with bursts of vibrant colours as the flora and fauna show off for the season. The diverse wildflower species include the banksias, kangaroo paws, wattle, orchids, and more. The best time to see the wildflowers in Perth is typically between early August and late October. However, it’s important to remember that the season can differ slightly year-to-year based on rainfall and temperature.
Best time for whale watching
Perth is lucky to enjoy two seasons of whale migration each year, spanning from April to December. Meeting one of these magical gentle giants should be at the top of every traveller’s bucket list. And Perth is the perfect place for ticking that off. Each of these whale species have slightly different habitats and the best time for whale watching can also vary depending on which one you want to see.
The unparalleled humpback whale migration occurs from April to December, where some 35,000 humpback whales migrate from Antarctica, along the coast of Western Australia and near Perth. Popular places where visitors can spot them as they journey to and from their breeding grounds include Hillarys, Fremantle and Rottnest island.
For a far rarer encounter, you can catch sight of the elusive Blue Whale from March to May in Perth Canyon, located 30 nautical miles off the coast of Perth. Specialised tours are your best chance to see these elusive animals during autumn!
Best time for festivals and events
Perth is a city teeming with local festivals and events year-round. During the summer, you’ll find plenty of music festivals including the sell-out New Years Eve music festival known as Snack. The months October to March are prime for music lovers wishing to dabble in local music festivals.
Whether you are into arts, music, or culture, Perth has plenty of events to offer. Let’s look at some of the most popular ones.
Perth Festival: The best time to visit Perth for the Perth Festival, famous for its lineup of music, dance and culture is typically between February and March. In 2025, it will take place Friday 7 February 2025 to Sunday 2 March 2025 at a range of venues across the city.
Sculpture by the Sea: A famous art festival held in Cottesloe, WA, uplifts local artists, empowering them with a place to showcase their unique sculpture pieces. It is typically held in March, although it is on pause for 2025.
Rottnest Swim: Considered one of Western Australia's most legendary events, the Rottnest Channel Swim dares those up for a challenge to swim 19.7km. This open water swim from Cottesloe Beach to Rottnest Island tends to take place in February – 22 February for 2025. Whether you wish to participate or simply watch and take in the energy, this is a great one to catch.
Fringe World Festival: There is truly something for everyone at Fringe World, a popular annual festival in Perth. Events include comedy, music and musicals, circus performances and more. It tends to run between January and February.
Perth Royal Show: An annual event typically held in late September to early October, the Perth Royal Show is all about showcasing the best of WA’s agriculture, horticulture and rural industries, while providing entertainment, rides and festival fun that the whole family can enjoy.
Kings Park Wildflower Festival: Perth is famous for its wildflower season and Kings Park is one of the best places go see the stunning display of colour. Usually held in late September or early October, the Kings Park Wildflower Festival highlights some of the state’s most unique wildflowers and some beautiful floral displays.
Worst time to visit Perth
While each traveller may have a different opinion on what the worst time to visit Perth is, it’s a good idea to know what you are not looking for in your holiday so you can best plan.
If you are not into endless scorcher days with lots of crowds, we’d recommend avoiding the summer season, December to February. You’d be able to skip the higher prices too!
On the other hand, winter, from June to August, might not deliver the energy or relaxation that you seek, with its colder and typically rainier weather. While you will get to nab the best prices, the ocean won’t be as ideal for swimming and the buzz that Perth is known for might not quite show itself as it usually does in warmer seasons. So if you want beautiful weather and a vibrant atmosphere, the worst time to visit Perth would be from June to August.
What month has the best weather in Perth?
For warm sunny days, cooler nights, low humidity and almost no chance of rain, plan your visit to Perth for November. As Perth’s driest month, you can enjoy temperatures of ranging between 15 and 26°C on average, sometimes even higher, and relatively low humidity, making it the perfect time to experience Perth’s beautiful beaches, national parks, and outdoor activities. The flora of the region also comes out to play during this time, with more than 12,000 wildflower species blooming and boasting their colours across the national parks and nature reserves.
While Perth is lucky enough to enjoy awesome weather most times of the year, overall, the best weather and just-right temperatures sit in November. It is the most idyllic month of sunshine, warmth, the hum in the air, and the splashes of colour from the flowers.
What time of year is cheapest to go to Perth?
The cheapest time of year to visit Perth would ultimately be the winter season, June to August, but some may also find great deals in late May. With the chillier weather and increased chance of wind and rain comes a decrease in prices for flights and accommodation.
However, many tout winter as an underrated time to visit Perth. While temperatures tend to be between 8 and 19°C during the day, there are plenty of exciting winter activities that come about during this season. The Scarborough Sunset markets switch from their traditional summer vibes to a winter wonderland, including marshmallow roasting at fire pits. This is also a great time to go whale watching! The humpback whale migration makes an appearance along the Western Australia coastline during this time of year. You can even enjoy hiking in the winter. Many consider the gentle winds and cooler temperatures the perfect time to hit the trails through Kings Park and the Perth Botanical Gardens. Other activities you can enjoy in the winter include chasing waterfalls, indulging in the food and wine scene, surfing – thanks to the season’s winds and waves – and even a hot air balloon ride.
So, if you are on a budget, you can still enjoy Perth during the winter. However, if you want to enjoy the best of both worlds – warmer temperatures and budget-friendly prices – plan your trip during the shoulder months of March to May and September to November.
Some other considerations that could help you secure cheap flights to Perth include:
- Booking early
- Flying on a weekday rather than between Friday and Sunday
- Choosing flight times that are either early in the morning or late in the night.
What is the best time to visit Perth with family?
Perth is a wonderful choice for a family holiday – Rottnest Island in particular is easily one of the best family holiday destinations in Australia! Offering the perfect blend of open spaces, playgrounds, white sandy beaches and a plethora of cultural activities, many families enjoy Perth for their holiday.
One of the best times to visit Perth with kids is from December to January, during the summer school holidays. However, it does mean that the beaches and playgrounds could be extra busy with lots of local children and families. Not to mention, the blazing hot days that can even push over 40°C.
The good news is that your family can enjoy beautiful weather that’s not as hot or stifling during the April and September school holidays.
If you’d prefer a family holiday that’s not as crowded and you have some flexibility around school terms, consider planning your trip around the school holiday periods from March to May and September to November. These times of year are splendid for the perfect combination of warm temperatures, sunshine, little rain, and fewer crowds.
The final verdict on the best time to visit Perth
Perth is a legendary holiday destination, a place where people chase waves, ribbons of turquoise waters, and an unmatched relaxing atmosphere, paired with exquisite flora and fauna. The good news is that Perth enjoys plenty of sunshine year-round. You can create a wonderful holiday at any time of the year, but overall, the best time to visit Perth would be March to May or September to November, for the warm and pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and best chance for cheaper flights and accommodation. If we want to narrow it down more, we recommend travelling between September to November, which will deliver the perfect spring atmosphere with plenty of sunshine, colourful wildflowers, the murmuring energy, tepid waters, and warm days.
Flights to Perth
Virgin Australia offers direct flights to Perth from major Australian cities, including:
