Broome’s dry, arid season starts in May. This is when the region becomes one of Western Australia’s most popular tourist destinations, with warm weather and plenty of outdoor activities. Here’s what you can expect on your trip to Broome in May.
Being located north of the Tropic of Capricorn, Broome experiences a tropical monsoon climate, characterised by distinct wet and dry seasons. The month of May brings delightful weather with warm days and balmy nights, perfect for spending time outdoors. Rain is very unlikely at this time of year.
If you want to know the best time for an Australia vacation in other regions, read our Guide to Seasons in Australia.
The maximum daytime temperature in Broome in May is around 32 °C (89 °F), while early morning and overnight lows tend to be near 18 °C (65 °F).
If you are visiting Broome in May, lightweight summer clothing, t-shirts, and shorts are essential. Don't forget your swimsuit and a pair of sturdy sandals for exploring local beaches and trails.
In May, the water temperature of the Indian Ocean along the Kimberley coast ranges between 26.8 °C (81.8 °F) and 30.7 °C (85.7 °F). These temperatures are ideal for long swims and practising water sports.
Swimming in Broome in May is safer compared to the wet season, as the colder water deters the Irukandji and Box jellyfish. Broome’s Cable Beach is patrolled by surf lifesavers and the beach is closed if there are any crocodile sightings in the area.
When swimming in Western Australia, it is important to check current conditions and always follow local advice.
The Kimberley coast has some of the biggest tides in the world, with around a 10-metre (32 ft) difference between low and high tides. In May, Broome experiences neap tides with a magnitude of around a metre (3.2 ft).
This is the best time to spot Gantheaume Point Dinosaur footprints and the Catalina flying boat wrecks in Roebuck Bay. They can only be seen in low tide, so make sure to check local tide charts before heading out.
There are around 9 hours of bright sunshine each day in May, which is almost 80% of daylight hours. You can expect 27 sunny days in Broome during this month. The sun rises between 5:37 am and 5:49 am and sets between 6:31 pm and 6:17 pm, providing around 11.3 hours of daylight.
The UV index in Broome in May is typically around 8, which means that there's a high risk of harm from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. To protect yourself from sunburn, make sure to minimise sun exposure between 10 am and 4 pm and wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.
There is very little rain at this time of the year, with the exception of occasional short-lived showers, and humidity levels remain below 50%. Broome experiences only 2 rainy days during May with an average of 27.3 mm (1.07 in) of precipitation.
During the dry season, tourists flock to Broome from other parts of Australia to escape the winter months and the town's population often triples during this time. After several rainy months, the Kimberley region is lush and green, making this also the perfect time for a scenic Broome road trip. Here are some of the other May highlights you shouldn’t miss.
The Cable Peach Polo, held in May every year, is part of the international beach polo circuit that attracts the best players from Australia and around the world. The event ends with Dinner Under the Stars, where 200 guests get the chance to indulge in the best of fresh regional produce and seafood.
The Broome Fringe Festival celebrates local artists and the creative community through a series of exhibitions and workshops. The highlight of the event is the Art Trail, where artists open their doors to the public to share and promote their art.
The Broome Courthouse Markets, held on each weekend in May in the historic Courthouse Gardens, are the largest markets in the Kimberley region and one of Broome’s main attractions. The markets draw numerous local producers who offer everything from fruit and vegetables to flowers, arts and crafts, homewares, second-hand books, and leather goods.
A trip to Broome wouldn’t be complete without visiting the renowned Willie Creek Pearl Farm, located just 38 km (23.6 mi) north of Broome. Join the farm’s eco-certified award-winning tour to learn more about the cultured modern farming process. During the tour, you'll have the opportunity to embark on a cruise and witness oyster farms in action, while you enjoy delicious homemade bush bread and refreshments.
May is the driest and coldest time of year and the ideal time to view 130-million-year-old dinosaur tracks along the coast of Broome, from Roebuck Bay to Gantheaume Point and Cable Beach. These footprints are recognised as some of the most significant in the world.
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