If you’re thinking about moving to Australia, there’s a good chance you’ve already heard plenty about the weather. Depending on where you’re coming from, you may have visions of year-round sunshine, endless beach days and temperatures that never seem to drop below 20°C. And if you’re moving to Perth, you’ve probably been told that we have some of the best weather in the country here.
I’m not going to argue with that last one.
After living in Perth for more than a decade, I absolutely love our weather. But I also think there’s a bit of a misconception about what “Perth weather” actually means. Yes, we have long, hot, dry summers. Yes, winter is much milder than the winters I remember from the UK. And yes, we get an extraordinary amount of sunshine.
But Perth has seasons, even if spring and autumn seem to go past in the blink of an eye. Winter can be wet, windy and surprisingly cold. Spring can be gloriously sunny one day and throwing it down the next. Autumn is often one of the loveliest times of year, while summer can be very hot, particularly once you head inland and away from the coast.
And then there’s the fact that the weather can vary considerably depending on where you live. The coastal suburbs, the hills, the northern suburbs and the areas south of the river can all have slightly different experiences. Sometimes I can leave home in one part of Perth wearing one thing and wonder what on earth I was thinking when I arrive somewhere else!
So, if you’re planning a move to Perth and want to know what the seasons here are really like, rather than just being told that it’s sunny here, here’s my experience of living through them, along with photos I’ve taken in each season.
What Are Perth Seasons Really Like?
Perth is known for having a Mediterranean climate, which means we have hot, dry summers and cool, wetter winters. Official Bureau of Meteorology averages for Perth Metro put the mean maximum temperature at around 31°C in January and February, falling to around 18–19°C in July and August. Rainfall is heavily concentrated in the cooler months, with June to August generally being the wettest months.
That seasonal contrast is probably one of the biggest things that surprised me when I first moved here. Perth isn’t simply hot all the time. We have a very definite winter, and while it’s mild compared with many places overseas, it can feel properly cold when you’re used to the idea that Australia is supposed to be warm all the time.
There’s also a big difference between what the temperature says on paper and what it feels like. A 19°C winter day with rain, cloud and a chilly breeze can feel considerably colder than a sunny 19°C day. Conversely, a 32°C summer day with a sea breeze can be far more pleasant than the number suggests. Having horses, and constantly wondering whether they need a rug on, means I check the feels like temperature about 10 times a day in winter!
Then there’s Perth’s famous wind. If you’ve spent any time here in summer, you’ll have heard people talk about the Fremantle Doctor. This is the afternoon sea breeze that comes in from the coast and can provide glorious relief after a hot day. It’s one of those little pieces of Perth weather knowledge that you quickly learn after moving here. The traditional pattern of warm easterly winds followed by an afternoon sea breeze is also reflected in descriptions of the Noongar seasons.
Where you live can make a difference too. I’ve always found the coastal suburbs noticeably more influenced by the ocean, while inland areas can feel hotter in summer and colder in winter. The Swan Valley and areas further east can really heat up during summer, while places close to the coast benefit from that sea breeze.
And yes, I have a personal theory that the south of the river gets more rain. I’m not going to pretend that’s a scientific law, because it isn’t, but it’s certainly how it can feel when you live in Perth! Some southern and south-eastern areas can get noticeably different rainfall totals to the city and coastal suburbs. The Bureau of Meteorology’s 2025 figures, for example, show quite substantial differences between locations around the Perth region, including Jandakot, Bickley, Swan Valley and coastal sites.
So, when someone tells you “Perth gets hardly any rain”, take it with a pinch of salt. We absolutely do get rain. It’s just that most of it arrives during winter, rather than being spread evenly throughout the year.
Spring
Spring in Perth is one of those seasons that can be absolutely beautiful – but it’s also probably the season where I’d tell anyone moving here not to put away their winter clothes too quickly.
Officially, spring covers September, October and November, and the temperatures gradually climb from the cooler conditions of winter. Perth Metro averages a mean maximum of around 20°C in September, 23.5°C in October and nearly 27°C in November. Rainfall also steadily decreases, from an average of around 72mm in September to about 43mm in October and 26mm in November.
But averages don’t tell the whole story. Spring can feel like several different seasons rolled into one. We can have a glorious 27°C day where everyone suddenly decides it’s time to get the BBQ out and outdoor furniture uncovered, only to be followed by a cold, wet and windy week when you’re reaching for a jumper and your furniture covers again. I’ve learnt not to trust a warm September afternoon as proof that winter is definitely over!
One of the best things about spring, though, is watching Perth come back to life. The wildflowers start appearing, gardens suddenly become colourful and there’s a feeling that the city is waking up after winter. This is also one of my favourite times to get out and explore because the weather is often warm enough to enjoy being outdoors before the intensity of summer smacks you in the face like you’ve opened your oven on 220 degrees.
Spring is also when the wind can become more noticeable. As the weather warms, those afternoon sea breezes become increasingly important, particularly if you live close to the coast. If you’re sitting on the beach in the afternoon, a light breeze can be very welcome after a warm morning. If you’re trying to have lunch outdoors and your napkins, hair and entire table setting are attempting to migrate to Gingin, it can be slightly less charming!
Where you live matters here too. Coastal suburbs can remain cooler, particularly when the sea breeze kicks in, while inland suburbs can warm up much more quickly. The difference isn’t necessarily enormous, but you’ll notice it once you’ve lived here for a while.
Spring is also the season where I think Perth really earns its reputation for beauty. There’s sunshine, wildflowers, longer days and that lovely anticipation that summer is on its way. For anyone moving to Perth, it’s a wonderful time to get outside and explore your new surroundings.
Summer
Summer is probably the season most people imagine when they think about moving to Perth (and Australia in general), and, to be fair, the stereotype isn’t entirely wrong. Perth summers are commonly hot, dry and gloriously sunny. They’re also really hot at times.
January and February are typically the hottest months, with Perth Airport’s long-term mean maximum temperatures sitting at around 32°C. Minimum temperatures average around 17–18°C, so even the nights can remain warm. Rain is extremely limited compared with winter, with average rainfall of only around 10–14mm in January and February.
And that dryness makes a huge difference. A 35°C day in Perth doesn’t necessarily feel like the same temperature in a humid climate. We don’t generally have the heavy tropical humidity you’ll experience in parts of the northern and eastern coasts of Australia, so although the heat can be intense, there are often days when it’s surprisingly manageable.
Then comes the Freo Doctor.
The famous afternoon sea breeze is one of Perth’s great summer weather features. After a hot morning and early afternoon, the wind can suddenly pick up from the coast and bring noticeably cooler air inland. If you’re near the beach, you’ll often feel it first. If you’re further inland, you might spend the day wondering why everyone else keeps talking about this magical breeze before eventually feeling it arrive!
The downside is that the wind can be strong enough to affect your plans. It’s one reason you’ll often see people heading to the beach earlier in the day rather than waiting until the afternoon. It’s also why some Perth beaches are much better suited to certain activities in the morning. I’ve been at the beach many a time and literally seen the waves and current shift direction in front of my eyes in just a few seconds.
Summer temperatures can vary quite dramatically across Perth. Inland suburbs and areas towards the Swan Valley can become considerably hotter than coastal areas, particularly when the sea breeze doesn’t penetrate as strongly. The coast can feel several degrees more comfortable, and the difference becomes very noticeable during heatwaves.
For me, though, Perth summer is one of the reasons I love living here. It’s the long evenings, eating outside, heading to the beach after work, swimming, exploring WA and generally feeling as though there are more hours in the day. You do have to respect the heat, of course, but once you understand how Perth summers work, you learn to work with the weather rather than against it.
Autumn
Autumn is possibly the most underrated Perth season. If you ask me when I think Perth is at its most comfortable, autumn would be very high on the list. It’s usually the time of year I recommend visitors come over, as it’s warm and pleasant, without being unbearable for people who have never experienced Perth heat before.
March can still feel very much like summer, with Perth’s average maximum temperature around 30°C, but by April it drops to around 26°C and May is closer to 22°C. Rainfall also begins to increase, although May is really when you start to notice the transition towards winter. Perth Airport averages around 16mm of rain in March, 39mm in April and almost 96mm in May.
This gradual change is one of the things I love about Perth. We don’t tend to go from blazing summer to freezing winter overnight, although sometimes it does feel like we do. Instead, the evenings slowly become cooler, the mornings become more comfortable and you start noticing that you need a jacket when you go out at night.
March can still be glorious for beach days. April is often that perfect middle ground where you can enjoy warm days without feeling as though you’re melting. By May, you know winter is coming, particularly when the first proper rainy days arrive and you decide to finally put your braai into hibernation for another year.
Autumn can also be quite windy at times, although the character of the wind changes as we move away from summer. The Freo Doctor is still part of the picture earlier in the season, but as the weather patterns shift, we gradually start moving towards the wetter and more unsettled conditions of winter.
Again, where you live makes a difference. Coastal suburbs can retain a little more of that maritime influence, while inland areas can have warmer afternoons and cooler nights. The Perth hills can feel different again, particularly as temperatures drop overnight.
One of my favourite things about Perth autumn is that it’s a brilliant time for getting out and exploring. We can still have beautiful sunny days without the oppressive heat of summer. It’s a great season for road trips, walks, outdoor markets, winery visits and generally doing the things you might avoid during a 40°C day.
If you’re moving to Perth from somewhere with a very defined autumn – particularly somewhere with spectacular red and orange foliage – don’t expect the same experience. Perth’s autumn is much more subtle. It’s less about dramatic leaves changing colour and more about gradually cooling temperatures, shorter days and the return of regular rainfall.
And then, before you know it, winter has arrived.
Winter
Perth winter gets a bad reputation from people who’ve never experienced it. “It’s Australia – how cold can it possibly be?” is something I’ve heard in various forms, and my answer is: colder than you might think!
Now, I’m not suggesting Perth winter is comparable to a European winter. It absolutely isn’t. We don’t have snow, freezing temperatures or months of darkness. But we do have rain, cold mornings, chilly evenings, wind and plenty of grey days. And because so many Perth homes are designed around keeping cool in summer rather than keeping warm in winter, those chilly days can feel even colder indoors. My tip – invest in heating for your home and an Oodie for everyone!
July is generally the coolest month, with Perth Airport averaging a maximum of around 18°C and a minimum of around 8°C. June and July are also among the wettest months, each averaging around 154mm of rainfall at Perth Airport.
This is the season when the phrase “Perth gets no rain” becomes particularly amusing to anyone who actually lives here. Winter is our rainy season. We can have periods of glorious sunshine followed by days of heavy showers, strong winds and dramatic skies.
And the rain can be proper rain. Not necessarily the constant drizzle you might associate with a British winter, but heavy bursts followed by sunshine. You can leave the house under blue skies and return looking as though you’ve just swum home. Trust me, having horses that need to be checked daily, I have returned home plenty of times looking and feeling like a very soggy drowned rat!
I also think the south of the river can sometimes feel particularly wet. This is very much my personal Perth observation rather than a blanket meteorological rule, but if you live south of the river you may find yourself becoming quite familiar with the sound of rain on the roof. A lot of weather fronts swirl up to Perth from the south west, and can dissipate by the time it hits the north of the river suburbs, making it feel less wet NOR than SOR. Areas further inland and in the hills can also experience noticeably different conditions from the coastal suburbs.
There is still a lot to love about a Perth winter. The rain transforms the landscape. The bush becomes greener, the gardens perk up and the countryside around Perth looks completely different from its dry summer appearance. It’s also the time of year when you appreciate a sunny day more because you know it’s not guaranteed. Plus, hay fever symptoms are at their lowest!
So, if you’re moving to Perth soon, bring a decent waterproof jacket. You probably won’t need a huge collection of heavy winter coats, but you’ll absolutely want warm layers, something waterproof and don’t forget shoes that can cope with wet weather.
And don’t make the mistake I see people make of assuming that because it’s 18°C, you’ll be perfectly warm. Add rain and wind and you may find yourself reaching for the blanket on the sofa sooner than expected! 18°C in winter after a summer of 35°C + is especially chilly!
Noongar Seasons
One of the things I love about living in Western Australia is that there’s another way of looking at the seasons beyond the traditional four-season calendar many of us grew up with.
The Noongar seasonal calendar recognises six seasons rather than four: Birak, Bunuru, Djeran, Makuru, Djilba and Kambarang. These seasons aren’t simply different names for summer, autumn, winter and spring. They’re connected to changes in weather, plants, animals, landscapes and life on Country.
I actually discovered more about the six Noongar seasons during a Perth gin tour I did with Hidden deTours, which took us to Old Young’s Distillery in the Swan Valley. Hidden deTours runs gin experiences around Perth and the Swan Valley, including behind-the-scenes distillery visits and tastings.
And this is where my story takes a very important turn: I discovered Six Seasons Gin.
Now, I’ve never been what you’d call a gin lover. In fact, I’d go as far as saying that I was firmly in the “no thank you” camp. But Six Seasons Gin from Old Young’s may have single-handedly converted me.
The gin is inspired by the six Noongar seasons and uses native Australian botanicals, with Old Young’s describing it as an earthy, herbal and savoury gin. Each of the six native botanicals represents one of the Noongar seasons.
And suddenly, I was learning about the seasons while drinking a gin that was literally inspired by them. I’m not sure there’s a better way to discover local culture and climate!
The six seasons give a much more nuanced picture of the year. Birak, generally December and January, is known as the first summer and brings hot, dry conditions, while Bunuru, February and March, is the hottest part of the year – essentially a second summer. Djeran, around April and May, marks the cooler transition. Makuru, June and July, is the coldest and wettest period. Djilba, August and September, is associated with the second rains and the beginnings of spring, while Kambarang, October and November, is the season of birth and warming weather.
What I particularly love about this way of thinking about the year is that it feels much more connected to what’s actually happening around us. The traditional four seasons can make it sound as though everything changes neatly on a particular date, whereas nature obviously doesn’t work like that.
Since learning about the six seasons, I’ve found myself noticing those changes more. I think that’s one of the lovely things about moving somewhere new: you gradually stop simply trying to predict the weather and start understanding the place you live in.
And, of course, I now associate the six seasons with a rather delicious gin. I’m calling that a win!
So, What’s Perth Weather Really Like?
If you’re moving to Perth, my biggest piece of advice is not to arrive expecting endless sunshine and one long, hot summer. Perth has some incredible weather year-round, but it also has rain, wind, chilly winters and the occasional brutally hot summer day.
The wonderful thing is that the seasons are distinct, and each has its own personality. Summer is hot and dry, autumn is warm and comfortable, winter is wet and surprisingly chilly, and spring brings sunshine, wildflowers and the promise of warmer days ahead.
And once you’ve lived here for a while, you’ll start to notice the smaller differences too – whether the wind is coming from the coast, whether you’re north or south of the river, whether you’re close to the beach or further inland, and whether that dark cloud on the horizon is actually heading your way or is going to completely miss you.
That’s Perth weather for you. It keeps you guessing just enough to make things interesting.
And honestly, after all these years, I still wouldn’t swap it for anywhere else.
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