Best Things To Do In Esperance In Summer

When Is Summer in Esperance? 

The summer in Esperance stretches between the months of December and March. While many other parts of the world are experiencing winter, Esperance enjoys its warm and sunny summer season, making it an ideal destination for anyone seeking a sun-soaked getaway at this time of the year.

What Are the Average Summer Temperatures?

The average summer temperature in Esperance is 26 °C (78.8 °F), which is a few degrees cooler than Perth. February is typically the hottest month of the year, when you can expect average high temperatures of 27 °C (80 °F). The mercury rarely rises above 30 °C (87 °F), making this the perfect season for spending your time outdoors. 

The average low temperature during summer nights is 15 °C (59 °F), so make sure to pack a cardigan for your evenings out.

How Often Does It Rain During Summer?

Summer in Esperance coincides with the region’s dry season. During this time of year, the town experiences less than 25 mm (1 in) of monthly precipitation over 8 days.

What Are Swimming Conditions in Esperance in Summer?

Esperance’s pristine white-sand beaches offer good swimming conditions between December and March. The sea temperature peaks at 21°C (70 °F) in February. Just be sure to check the weather forecast before heading to the beach and follow local safety advice. 

Is It Easy To Get Around? 

Although most sealed roads leading to Esperance are in excellent condition, you will need a four-wheel-drive vehicle to reach more remote parts of the region’s national parks. It is also possible to drive on some of Esperance’s beaches.

Always make sure to check with local authorities for the most up-to-date information on road safety. If you're on one of First Light Travel's self-drive holidays in Western Australia, our local backup is available 24/7 to assist you with any weather-related issues.

Best Things To Do in Esperance in Summer

Summer is one of the best times of year to visit Esperance, offering endless possibilities for outdoor activities, from sunbathing and coastal walks to evenings spent under the starlit skies. Here are our top picks of things to do in Esperance in summer.

Relax at Twilight Beach

Twilight Beach, a mere 10-minute drive along the Great Ocean Drive from Esperance, is locals' favourite due to its calm waters and proximity to town. This picturesque beach is perfect for swimming, in addition to surfing, paddle boarding, and snorkelling. Its sheltered position also means that the waves are gentle, making it an ideal swimming spot for families with children.

Read our guide to the best Things to Do in Esperance for Families for more kid-friendly activities.

Enjoy water activities

The clear, pristine waters of the Southern Ocean provide excellent conditions for water activities during the summer months. Blue Haven and Eleven Mile Beach are popular spots for snorkelling, diving, and exploring the vibrant marine life around the Recherche Archipelago. Experienced surfers should head out to West Beach or Observatory Beach, famous for its sweeping cliffs and spectacular sunsets.

Explore Cape Le Grand National Park

Located just 56 km (34.7 mi) east of Esperance, Cape Le Grand National Park is a popular summer bushwalking destination. If you’re an avid hiker, don’t miss climbing the famous granite rock formations—Frenchman’s Peak and Mount Le Grand. The park is also the ideal spot for bird watching, with a wide variety of endemic species, including chestnut-breasted teal, black-eared cuckoo, and Australian crake.

Want to explore more hiking trails? Read our article on the Best Esperance Hikes which covers recommended walks for all experience levels.

Take the Esperance scenic drive

Esperance's Great Ocean Drive is a 40 km (24.8 mi) circular loop drive featuring some of Australia’s most beautiful scenery, from magnificent beaches and secluded bays to rocky headlands. Highlights include the Rotary lookout and Observatory point that offer expansive views of the surroundings, imposing Western Power wind farms, and the bubble-gum pink Hillier Lake.

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

Experience Aboriginal culture

Esperance boasts a rich Aboriginal heritage with a history dating back thousands of years. Join an Aboriginal walking tour to learn more about the culture of the Nyungar and Ngadju people, including their traditional hunting practices and rock art. The knowledgeable local guides will also take you along bush trails, where you can observe native wildlife along the coastline. 

Stroll along Esperance waterfront 

There’s no better way to spend a summer evening in Esperance than taking a leisurely stroll along the waterfront that stretches between the Tanker Jetty area and Twilight Beach Road. Taylor Street Quarters is a great place to enjoy fine dining while listening to live music and taking in the beautiful coastal view of Esperance Bay.  

Discover local produce at Esperance Growers Market

The Grower’s Market is held every second Saturday morning from 9 am to 11 am at the Esperance Scout Hall. The market offers everything from local organic produce, fresh bread, and pastries, to coffee, flowers, and preserves. Local gardeners and farmers are more than happy to share insider knowledge about growing produce in the Esperance region. Just make sure to come early—some growers sell out quickly.

The Ideal Esperance Summer Itinerary

Ready to start planning your trip to Esperance? 

You can get plenty of inspiration from our Australia blog articles and our popular itineraries and packages. Explore your options with our free planning service and get in touch with our Australia Travel Specialists if you wish to have a trip tailor-made to suit your preferences.