Best Things to Do in Esperance in Winter

When Is Winter in Esperance? 

The seasons in Australia are the opposite of those in the Northern Hemisphere, and the winter in Esperance spans between the months of June and September. Winter brings cooler temperatures, but also fewer crowds and a chance to appreciate the region’s beauty in a different light.

What Are the Average Winter Temperatures?

Winter temperatures in Esperance range between nighttime lows of 11.6 °C (53 °F) and daytime highs averaging 17.2 °C (63 °F). 

July is the coldest winter month, when you can expect temperatures of around 16 °C (61 °F). The mercury can occasionally drop to 8 °C (46.4 °F), but temperatures below 4 °C (39.2 °F) are uncommon. 

How Often Does It Rain During Winter?

Winter in Esperance coincides with the region’s wet season. There is around a 20 % chance of rain on any given day. The average rainfall during the winter months is constant, remaining about 43.2 mm (1.7 in) throughout the winter, and rarely exceeding 78.7 mm (3.1 in). 

July is the wettest month of the year, with an average of 9 rainy days and 45.7 mm (1.8 in) of precipitation. 

Can I Swim in Esperance in Winter?

The sea water in Esperance is at its coolest in winter, the temperature averaging around 16 °C (60.8 °F). Although it is possible to swim for a short time, you are likely to experience rough waves from the winter cold front. It is essential to check the weather forecast and Esperance Coastal Safety Advice before heading to the beach. 

Is It Easy To Get Around? 

Most roads around Esperance are paved and in excellent condition, but if you wish to explore the region’s national parks and more remote areas at this time of the year, you will need a four-wheel-drive vehicle. 

Be sure to check road conditions and local safety advice ahead of time. If you're on one of First Light Travel's self-drive holidays in Western Australia, you can also contact us 24/7 for assistance with any weather-related issues.

Best Things To Do in Esperance in Winter

Winter is a great time to visit Esperance, with plenty of indoor and outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. This is also the cheapest time to travel, when flights and accommodation are more affordable than during the rest of the year. Here are a few suggestions that will make your winter trip to Esperance memorable.

Whale Watching

Migrating whales—including humpbacks, southern right whales, orcas, and even the rare blue whale—are regular visitors to the Esperance coast in the winter months. Between June to October, you can spot mother whales with young calves swimming near secluded beaches and bays between Twilight Beach and Ten Mile Beach. For an even more immersive experience, get out on the water to watch whales with one of the local tour operators.

Read our guide to the best Things to Do in Esperance for Families for other family-friendly activities in and around Esperance.

Esperance Stonehenge

A full-size replica of the English Stonehenge is located just a stone's throw away from the town centre. Crafted from Esperance Pink Granite, but otherwise identical to its original, it creates a unique spectacle during the annual winter solstice on 21st June. At sunrise and sunset, the sun's rays align with the Heel Stones and shine through to the altar stone. The Stonehenge replica is visible from the road, but it’s worth getting close to take some impressive photos. 

Great Ocean Drive

Esperance's Great Ocean Drive is a 40 km (24.8 mi) circular loop drive featuring some of Australia’s most beautiful scenery, including magnificent white-sand beaches, secluded bays, and rocky headlands. The drive only takes about an hour and offers the perfect opportunity to explore the coastline during winter months. Don’t miss the Rotary Lookout which offers panoramic views of Australia’s southwestern coastline. 

For more ideas on what to see and do in the Esperance region, see our Perth to Esperance Self-Drive Tour. 

Cape Arid National Park

Cape Arid National Park, a little over an hour’s scenic drive east of town, is among the top destinations to visit during your winter trip to Esperance. Much of the park is accessible only by a four-wheel-drive vehicle, but the unspoiled scenery is well worth the effort. Spend the day observing native wildlife, including kangaroos, emus, and migratory birds, and explore endemic wildflowers and the diverse landscapes along coastal walk trails.

Read our article on the Best Esperance Hikes to discover the most popular walking trails in the region.

Local Arts Scene

Esperance may be famous for its pristine beaches, but this quaint town also boasts a thriving art scene. The Cannery Arts Centre on the Esplanade is the region’s leading establishment that offers everything from contemporary art exhibitions to creative workshops and community events. At the opposite end of the town, the acclaimed Cindy Poole Glass Gallery showcases stunning jewellery pieces, home decor, and sculptures made of glass. Poole is also one of the artists behind the iconic Whale Tail Sculpture that adorns the Esperance Esplanade.

Lucky Bay Brewing

Spend a rainy winter afternoon at Lucky Bay Brewing, while you enjoy locally brewed beer, a slice of pizza by the fireplace, and live music on the weekends. Lucky Bay is known as the best brewing company in town—they are the only ones to source raw barley exclusively from regional producers. Expect an ever-rotating selection, including award-winning pale ales like Beaches to Boab and Sandy Hook and German-style Little Wharton white ale.

The Ideal Esperance Winter Itinerary

Are you ready to begin planning your winter trip to Esperance? Start by getting some inspiration from our comprehensive list of Australia blog articles and FLT’s Western Australia self-drive itineraries. You can explore your options with our free planning service and then get in touch with one of our travel specialists who will tailor-made your trip to suit your preferences.