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The weather in Perth, Western Australia’s capital, is generally warm. It can get especially hot during the summer when the temperature sits between 17.5°C and 30°C. 

During the summer, Perth is hot and dry and barely gets any rainfall. Thankfully, an afternoon sea breeze known as the Fremantle Doctor blows through the city and helps cool everyone down. 

Heading to Perth? Here’s everything you need to know about Perth’s climate, so you plan your wardrobe accordingly. 

What’s the weather like in Perth? 

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Western Australia’s capital city, Perth, is famous worldwide for its bright and mostly pleasant Mediterranean climate. 

According to the Bureau of Meteorology, Perth is Australia’s sunniest capital, with an average of 8.8 hours of sunlight a day or about 32,000 hours of sunlight a year. 

This is why it’s one of the best places in the world to enjoy the great outdoors. It’s also a place where installing solar panels in your home might be a smart move. 

Below are the average temperatures for all four of Perth’s seasons. 

Summer

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Summer in Perth, which lasts from December to March, is hot and dry. The temperature usually hits its peak during the early afternoon, before the Fremantle Doctor starts.

During the summer, Perth residents take advantage of sunny days with clear skies by going to the beach, going on bike rides, grabbing some gelato, and catching an outdoor film. 

What is the Fremantle Doctor?

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The Fremantle Doctor is named for the city of Fremantle, which is the direction where the wind comes from. The sea breeze was dubbed ‘doctor’ because it provides residents with relief during scorching summer afternoons. 
The Fremantle Doctor comes from the southern half of the west coast. The breeze starts to blow between 10 AM and 3 PM. 
From December to January, which is when the temperature difference between the land and sea is at its biggest, the Fremantle Doctor is at its strongest. During the other months, the Fremantle Doctor is not felt as much. 

Autumn

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During the autumn months of April to May, the days are still bright and sunny but much cooler compared to summer. Rain becomes more frequent, as the city begins to experience occasional showers and humidity. 

Autumn in Perth is a great time for apple-picking, playing with the crisp autumn leaves, and going whale-watching by the coast. 

Winter 

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Rainfall and thunderstorms are common during winter in Perth. From June to August the season is cool and wet but never reaches temperatures below the freezing point. 

Perth has no record of ever experiencing snowfall. You can enjoy the cool temperatures with warm wine at a rooftop bar or a nice, scenic walk. 

Spring

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After the rainclouds of winter have cleared, the warm sun settles over Perth again during the spring. From September to November, all the parks and nature reserves begin to burst with colorful flowers in full bloom. 

Spring is a great time to check out parks such as the famous Kings Park and Botanic Gardens. You can also have a picnic or take a hike at any of Perth’s nature reserves. 

How hot does it get in Perth? 

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Summer is the only time when the heat in Perth starts to pose a problem for some. 

The hottest day in Perth’s history was on 23 February 1991, when the temperature reached 46.2°C. 

While the temperature is generally bearable, 2022’s summer saw consecutive days exceeding 40°C. 

Though summers do not usually reach over 30°C, forecaster Jessica Lingard said natural phenomena such as high-pressure systems and the west coast trough caused changes in some weather patterns. 

These systems normally move east quickly, but their stay in the west lasted longer than usual in 2022. This was the year the Bureau of Meteorology recorded Perth’s hottest summer to date. 13 days had temperatures above 40°C; 6 of these were consecutive.

How to Beat Perth’s Summer Heat 

While life in Western Australia’s sunniest city definitely has its perks, it’s also for the best that you take precautions to avoid excessive heat and exposure to the sun. 

Drinking enough water and being generous with the amount of sunscreen you lather on your skin are common pieces of advice. Here are a few extra tips to help you beat Perth’s summer heat. 

Make sure your home has shade

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Houses in Perth benefit greatly from different sources of shade, especially if you have east and west-facing windows. 

If you own a house, one thing you can do is plant trees around your home. You can also encourage ventilation by opening your windows during the evening. 

During the day, keep your doors closed to prevent unwelcome heat from getting inside your house. However, keep your interior doors open to allow cold air to flow throughout the house. 

Eat fresh fruit

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Many common fruits such as watermelon naturally contain water. Stay hydrated and full by grabbing a healthy snack at any of Perth’s local markets.

Avoid food and drinks that will dehydrate you. Caffeinated drinks such as coffee are a common example of this. 

Stick to water, juice, and fresh fruit. 

Maximize your AC

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Always make sure that your air-con units are well-maintained; you’ll need them during the summer. Clean the filter at least once a month, especially when the temperature begins to rise, and hire air-con repair to address any malfunctions. 

Avoid wasting energy and electricity by turning off the AC when you leave a room for more than an hour. Don’t use a dehumidifier and an air-con at the same time, as it will force the latter to spend more energy and work double-time. 

Conclusion: Is it too hot to live in Perth? 

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While summer days might occasionally reach high temperatures, Perth’s overall climate remains pleasant and inviting whether you’re indoors or outdoors. 

During summer, the hottest time of the year, there are steps that you can take to beat the heat and stay cool. The Fremantle Doctor also provides significant relief from the scorching midday sun. 

Western Australia’s capital is definitely still a great place for some fun in the sun. 

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