The best time to visit the Kimberley region is during the winter dry season, from June to August when you can expect clear blue, sunny skies, with warm days and cool nights.
The Kimberley experiences a hot semi-arid climate with two seasons: the dry season – known locally as The Dry – from May through October, and the wet season – or The Wet – from November through April.
The Kimberley is one of the hottest regions of Australia, with the average annual mean temperature around 27°C (81°F), and the average maximum temperature peaking around 38°C (100°F) in October and November.
The hottest part of the year is just before the rains breaks in November, and in December, when temperatures frequently peak above 37°C (98°F) on the coast, and above 40°C (104°F) inland.
Average minimum temperatures in July range from around 12°C (54°F) in the south to 16°C (61°F) along the coast, while in November and December they are generally around 26°C (79°F).
What is the best month to visit the Kimberley region?
June and July are the best months to visit the Kimberley region, since this is the cooler time of year, with less-intense temperatures and no rainfall.
The Dry – In the dry season, south easterly breezes bring clear, sunny skies and cool nights, with an average high temperature around 30°C (86°F).
The Wet – The wet season produces heavy rains, especially in coastal areas. The Gibb River Road is closed and various areas become flooded.
The Wet is also known as the Green Season among the locals, and is often considered their favourite time of year, with the opportunity to see the Kimberley in its glory – green and with overflowing waterfalls.
The Kimberley receives about 90% of its rainfall during the wet season, when cyclones are common (especially around Broome) and the rivers flood.
Annual rainfall is highest in the northwest, where Kalumburu and the Mitchell Plateau average 1270mm (50in) per year, and lowest in the southeast where it is around 520mm (20in).
The weather during October and November often produces afternoon thunderstorms and spectacular lightning displays, especially in the north at Kununurra and Wyndham.
Note: The Aboriginal people of the Kimberley recognise six traditional seasons based on meteorological events, as well as observations of flora and fauna.
What is the humidity in the Kimberley?
The Kimberley experiences seasonal variation in perceived humidity, with approximate average relative humidity calculated at between 31% – 75% over the course of the year.
The more humid time of year lasts from mid-September through April, when you can expect the comfort level to be muggy at least 25% of the time.
The months with the most muggy days in the Kimberley are January and February, with every day in each month that are muggy or worse.
We derive the humidity comfort level from the dew point temperature, which measures moisture content in the air. A higher dew point feels muggy and uncomfortable.
June through August is generally more comfortable, with less than two days in any month that is muggy.
January – Very wet, with steamy daytime temperatures averaging a high of 33°C (91°F), and a low of 22°C (71°F).
Waterfalls are spectacular – if you can reach them. Many locations such as El Questro and Home Valley Station are closed during the Wet.
February & March – Much the same as January in terms of high temperature, rainfall and days of rain.
April – Humidity softens as does the number of rainy days, but the average high temperature is around 33°C (91°F).
Attractions start to open, including El Questro, Purnululu National Park and the Gibb River Road.
Native flora and wild-flowers can be especially beautiful at this time of year. Waterfalls such as Emma Gorge at El Questro are at their best, and given the continuing high heat there are few people around.
May – The rain has almost stopped and temperatures cool down with the average daytime temperature dropping to a comfortable 24°C (75°F), and a high of 30°C (86°F).
May enjoys most of the advantages of April but without the humidity and heat.
Check out the iconic 10-day Ord Valley Muster festival which features the Wild Walks, native bush tucker food events, art events and the Kimberley Moon Experience. In 2021, the 20th anniversary of the Kimberley Moon will be held on Saturday May 22nd.
June – With daytime temperatures averaging 20°C (68°F) rising to a high of 27°C (80°F), June is a great month to visit the Kimberley.
Everything is open and the weather is reliably cool. Visitor numbers start to increase.
July – July is the most popular month of the year, with similar weather as June, averaging 20°C (68°F) and rising to a high of 28°C (82°F).
Crowds swell and restaurants, hotels and caravan parks fill up quickly, so advance bookings are necessary.
August – While nights are still cool, days start to get warmer, averaging 22°C (71°F), with a high of 30°C (86°F).
The crowds start to thin out, and after several months of no rain it's quite dusty.
Check out the Kununurra and Wyndham Race Rounds – famous for being the most beautiful race course in Australia.
September – Similar to May (but not quite as good), with temperatures climbing to an average of 26°C (78°F), and a high of 34°C (88°F).
Tourist crowds drop considerably and attractions start to shorten trading hours.
However, the warmer temperatures are good for fishing – join the Apex Fishing Competition or the Pentecost Pro and hook a Kimberley barra.
October – Dry, hot weather with daytime temperatures averaging 30°C (86°F), and peaking around 36°C (96°F). The first drops of rain arrive.
Tourist attractions start to close down. The bright spot is the start of the mango season.
November – Not the best time to visit the Kimberely – November is one of the hottest months of the year, with daytime temperatures averaging 31°C (87°F) and peaking around 38°C (100°F).
However, November is the best month to see thunderstorms and lightning shows, among the best in the world.
December – The second half of December sees the start of the 'proper wet': the Kimberley ranges burst forth with green grass and tumbling waterfalls.
Daytime temperatures average 32°C (90°F), and peak around 38°C (100°F).
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Average high temperature (°C) | |||||||||||
33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 30 | 28 | 28 | 30 | 34 | 36 | 36 | 34 |
Average low temperature (°C) | |||||||||||
22 | 22 | 20 | 17 | 12 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 14 | 19 | 21 | 22 |
Average daily sunshine (hrs) | |||||||||||
8 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 |
Average daily daylight (hrs) | |||||||||||
13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
Comfort level | |||||||||||
Average relative humidity (%) | |||||||||||
70 | 75 | 64 | 45 | 38 | 38 | 34 | 31 | 32 | 35 | 44 | 63 |
UV Index (max) | |||||||||||
11+ | 11+ | 11+ | 11 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 11+ | 11+ | 11+ |
Average days of rainfall (≥1mm) | |||||||||||
15 | 14 | 10 | 3 | - | - | - | - | - | 3 | 7 | 11 |
Average monthly rainfall (mm) | |||||||||||
252 | 203 | 127 | 26 | - | - | - | - | - | 16 | 74 | 147 |
Mount Elizabeth Station, North Kimberley, Western Australia |
High season: Winter – May to September,
Low season: Summer – December to February.
Source: Meteorological data for The Kimberley region is based on weather statistics gathered for the 27-year period 1993 to 2022 by the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) from the closest cental weather station: Mount Elizabeth WS, North Kimberley.
Advice on the best time to visit a particular destination is based on average local weather statistics, when the weather conditions are generally better than at other times of the year. We consider high and low temperatures, risk of rain (and thunderstorms, etc.), amount of sunshine and sea temperature. For general outdoor activities we favour clear, rainless days with a temperature range between 18°C (64°F) and 27°C (80°F); and for hot-weather activities we favour clear, rainless days with a temperature range between 24°C (75°F) and 32°C (89°F). Often, the best times to visit correspond to high season and therefore involve higher prices.
Latest update: Best time to visit the Kimberley: 10 May, 2024
Disclaimer: The information on this site is provided as is, without any assurances as to its accuracy or suitability for any purpose. Weather data and conditions at any given location and time are unpredictable and variable. We assume no responsibility and can not be held legally responsible for any decisions made on the basis of the information presented on this site.
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