Perth is considered Australia’s sunniest city. With more than 139 sunny days recorded annually by Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology, this city has a stable climate, perfect for lovers of warm weather.

Keen to learn more about Perth’s weather? I’ll discuss in detail why my city is the sunniest in the country and give you some tips on how to work with Perth’s weather to make the most of your visit.

A Brief Overview of the Climate of Perth

The state of Western Australia has three climatic zones: tropical, semi-arid, and Mediterranean. Perth falls into the Mediterranean Zone, which is why it has long, sunny days.

What is Perth’s climate zone?

Regions of Earth with a Mediterranean climate (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Perth’s climate is classified as Mediterranean under the Köppen climate classification. Under a Mediterranean climate, the city is used to hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters.

Because of its temperate climate, Perth enjoys consistent weather year-round without the extreme temperatures you’ll find in tropical and arctic zones. Its temperate climate also allows the city to experience all four seasons of the year.

What is the average temperature in Perth?

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The average temperature in Perth is between 13 and 25°C (55.2 to 76.9°F). The hottest month of the city is February, with average temperatures reaching as high as 31.6°C (88.9°F).

Meanwhile, July is the month when temperatures in the city are at their lowest, with the highest average temperature sitting at only 18.4°C (65.1°F).

These temperatures are, in my opinion, what make Perth a great place to live. Having no terribly hot summers and super-cold winters is something I can brag about to my overseas friends whenever they ask me what I love about this city.

How does climate change affect Perth?

Photo credit: ABC

Climate change has started to affect Perth greatly during the last few years, with rising average temperatures and reduced rainfall. 

According to a report released by the Water Corporation, the average rainfall in Perth has decreased by 20% since 1970.

The reduced average rainfall has made it harder for Perth’s dams to collect enough potable water to support the population. To resolve this issue, Perth is encouraged to rely more on recycled water in the future.

Photo credit: WAtoday

Perth, like most coastal cities around the world, has also begun to feel the effects of rising sea levels due to melting polar caps. The rising sea levels have led to a higher risk of flooding and storm surges among suburbs near the coastline.

Overall, the future isn’t looking good. This phenomenon isn’t limited to my city but extends to the entire state as well. The droughts are affecting our farmlands, and the warming seas are heavily affecting the fish population of Australia.

Hopefully, our combined efforts can mitigate the effects of global warming. A lot of things are on the line if this phenomenon spirals out of control.

The Seasons in Perth

Photo credit: The Times

As a city with a Mediterranean climate, Perth enjoys the four seasons to a mild degree. The summer isn’t as hot as you would expect in a tropical country, and the winter isn’t as cold as those in Scandinavian countries.

Let’s discuss the seasons of Perth in detail and when’s the best time to visit the city.

What are the seasons in Perth?

Perth has four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Here are some brief descriptions of these seasons and their effects on the city.

Spring

Photo credit: The Urban List

Months: September to November

Spring is usually the best season to visit my city. Perth’s average temperature during this season is between 11.7 and 23°C (53 to 73.4°F). 

These moderate temperatures are the best for exploring the city and trying out its outdoor activities.

I’m also happy to say that this season doesn’t have much rainfall. My friends and I usually plan a lot of stuff during this season because the chance of being interrupted by heavy rainfall or storms is so low.

If you’re a lover of plant life, then this season is also the best time for you. A lot of wildflowers in the city start to bloom during this time, especially in Perth’s natural reserves and botanic gardens like Kings Park.

Summer

Photo credit: The West Australian

Months: December to February

Summer is the hottest season in the city, with temperatures ranging from 17.5 to 30 °C (63.5 to 86°F). The chance of rainfall during this period is extremely low, which makes the city very dry and hot.

The only chance for rainfall during the summer season is when an occasional thunderstorm passes by the city. Summer is the time when you’ll usually find me cooped up in my room with the AC blasting cold air.

Photo credit: ABC

People who don’t want to stay in their rooms the entire day can still enjoy the afternoon sea breeze during this season. Known as the “Fremantle Doctor,” this sea breeze cools down the city’s temperature enough to make it tolerable to go outside.

Still, summer in Perth is not as bad as I make it seem. This is the best season for beachgoers to go out and enjoy the city’s beautiful beaches. Summer is also the best time for surfers to ride the waves and show off their skills.

Autumn

Photo credit: So Perth

Months: March to May

Autumn is the time when the city experiences some extreme changes in its temperature depending on the time of day. Temperatures during this season are between 13.7 and 26°C (56.6 to 78.8°F).

During this season, expect to enjoy warm, sunny days and cool, relaxing nights. The nearing arrival of the winter season has led to some autumn nights experiencing temperatures lower than 10°C (50°F).

Photo credit: All Trees Perth

Rainfall starts to pick up in the autumn. Expect to encounter regular rain showers, which turn up the city’s humidity. 

I always make sure I have an umbrella with me before leaving the house during this season.

Overall, this season is still somewhat good if you want to explore the city. However, make sure to check the daily weather forecast before going out to avoid the rain ruining your day.

Winter

Photo credit: The West Australian

Months: June to August

Winter is the coldest and wettest season in Perth. Average temperatures during this period are only between 8 and 19°C (46.4 to 66.2°F). This is the season when rainfall is common, with some even lasting for days.

Most times the temperature stays at double digits, but the chance for it to drop to single digits is highly likely during winter. A lot of us locals tend to enjoy this season indoors to avoid the constant rainfall.

As you can probably tell, winter isn’t the best time to explore the city and enjoy some outdoor activities. 

However, winter is a great season if you’re a fan of indoor events like Luna Cinema’s Scandinavian Film Festival and the Perth Observatory Winter Night Tours.

When is the best season to visit Perth?

Photo credit: StudyPerth

In my opinion, spring is the best time to visit Perth. This season arrives in the city between the months of September and November.

The moderate temperature and little chance of rainfall make it easy for visitors to travel around the city. A lot of seasonal flowers also start to bloom during this season, which adds more colour to the city!

The spring season’s calm weather is also perfect for hosting outdoor events and performances. My favourite yearly outdoor event, the Perth Royal Show, is held during the last week of September.

The Effects of Perth’s Weather on the City

So how exactly does Perth’s weather affect its locals? Here are some answers I can give you based on my own experiences and those of my friends and families in the city.

The Effects of Weather on Perth’s Transportation Systems

Photo credit: The West Australian

Perth’s mild weather has allowed it to liberally develop its transportation systems without many restrictions. Our public transportation revolves mainly around buses, trains, and river ferries.

All timetables and routes can be found on Transperth’s website.

Because we don’t normally encounter extreme weather here in Perth, delays or cancellations due to bad weather are fairly uncommon among our public transportation.

If you’re more of a car person, you don’t need to worry because we don’t experience snow in the city. The only time you need to be extra careful is during a heavy storm when road visibility is low and the roads are slippery.

Photo credit: Broadsheet

I am also pleased to report that my city is committed to being a walkable and bike-friendly city. Our walkways are wide, and most of the roads here have ample space for bike travel.

Just make sure to watch the daily weather forecast, especially during the autumn and winter. The chance of rainfall is high in these two seasons, and the last thing you’ll want is rain ruining your outfit.

When’s the best time for outdoor activities in Perth?

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

The best time for outdoor activities in Perth is in the spring and summer, specifically between the months of October and March.

The city has a minimal chance of rainfall and outdoor temperatures suitable for sightseeing and walking around the city during spring. Summer is hotter, but the afternoon sea breeze cools down the city’s temperature a bit.

As the sunniest city in Australia with a large coastline, Perth has one of the most active beach scenes in the country. If you’re a fan of surfing and swimming, I suggest you visit during the summer since this is the time when rainfall chances are very low.

When’s the best time for indoor activities in Perth?

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Meanwhile, the best time for indoor activities in Perth is in the fall and winter, which are in the months between March and August.

The chances of rainfall and thunderstorms go up during these seasons, which makes a lot of outdoor activities inaccessible. Thankfully, our city has a lot of indoor activities available for visitors to enjoy.

Perth has a healthy mix of shopping malls, art galleries, museums, and theatres you can enjoy. We also have a robust food scene in the city, so you can go and enjoy a rainy day in the comfort of a restaurant or cafe anywhere in the city.

Photo credit: Duxton Hotel

The best part about visiting the city in autumn and winter is the cheaper prices for accommodation. Hotel prices tend to slump downward during these seasons as demand goes down after the summer season.

If you want to enjoy my city on a tight budget, then the colder seasons might be the best time to do so.

Best Outfits for Perth’s Weather

Looking to wear the optimal outfit for your visit to Perth? Then I have some outfit recommendations you can try out for each season so you’ll remain fresh and comfortable throughout your trip.

Spring

Photo credit: Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona 

Spring is the season when you’ll experience a fairly stable temperature throughout the day. Expect warm, sunny days, which means you’ll need to wear something light: a simple T-shirt or blouse and a fitted pair of shorts or pants.

Temperatures drop once evening falls, so I recommend you wear a light jacket to provide you with some protection from the cold.

Overall, this season is the mildest of the four. You don’t need to wear any special form of clothing to protect yourself from extreme temperatures.

As long as you’re comfortable with your outfit, you’ll have no problem walking around Perth all day.

Summer

Photo credit: Australia The Gift

Summer is the time when temperatures can sometimes exceed 30°C. To keep your body cool, I recommend you wear loose-fitting clothes like a simple T-shirt with shorts.

I also encourage you to wear only clothes in light colours. Lighter colours reflect most of the sunlight instead of absorbing it, which helps keep your body cool throughout your walk around Perth.

For footwear, sneakers or sandals will do you just fine. Just make sure that you always have a bottle of water with you to help you stay hydrated and avoid any chance of getting a heat stroke.

Autumn

Photo credit: Sacred Seed Photography

Average temperatures start dropping once autumn rolls around. This time, I suggest you go for clothes that offer more coverage. Clothing like jeans and long-sleeved shirts is what we commonly wear during the autumn.

If you still feel chilly while travelling around the city, especially in the early morning or evening, then you might want to wear a light jacket or hoodie. For footwear, you can wear a good set of rubber or leather shoes to keep your feet warm.

I also suggest that you bring an umbrella with you at all times. Rainfall chances are significantly higher in autumn compared to spring and summer.

Winter

Photo credit: Lion in the Wild

Winter, as expected, is the chilliest time of the year. It doesn’t snow in Perth, but our local temperature regularly drops to less than 20°C most times of the day. 

This is the season when I recommend wearing thick clothes.

Most of us wear long-sleeved shirts coupled with thick jeans or pants during the winter. For footwear, I suggest you go for boots or rubber shoes with wool socks to give your feet the best insulation possible.

If you still feel chilly, you can also wear a medium-weight jacket to warm you up. You can also wear a nice scarf around your neck for some extra warmth.

What should I bring on my trip to help me with Perth’s weather?

Aside from wearing the appropriate clothes for the season when you’ll visit the city, here are some must-haves you need to bring to help you with Perth’s weather:

For warm seasons 

Photo credit: Allure

• Sunscreen lotion (at least 50 SPF) 
• Insect repellent lotion 
• UV-blocking umbrella 
• Sunglasses 
• Bathing suit

For cold seasons 

Photo credit: The Conversation

• Poncho/raincoat 
• Umbrella 
• Insect repellent lotion 
• Scarf
• Jacket or sweater 

If you’re worried about carrying too much luggage, you don’t have to worry. A lot of the stuff I mentioned can be easily found among the many stores here in Perth.

Some of the stuff I mentioned here, like insect repellent and sunscreen, is best bought here in the city. Products like these are designed to work better in the locations where they are sold.

FAQs about Perth’s Weather