Between December and March, Broome experiences the wet season, when it receives most of its annual rainfall. Despite sweltering heat and humidity, there’s no better time to witness spectacular sunsets and lightning displays and observe native wildlife at its best. Here’s everything you need to know to start planning a trip to Broome in December.
The wet season in Broome is an extremely hot and humid period, with temperatures typically soaring above 35 °C (95 °F). December is also the windiest month of the year, with an average hourly wind speed of over 15 km/h (9.3 mph).
For more details about the weather in Western Australia and other regions, read our month-to-month guide The Best Time to Visit Australia.
When preparing for a trip to Broome in December, be sure to pack lightweight, breathable clothing, along with a hat and sunglasses to protect you against the sun, and mosquito repellent to help you keep insects at bay. And don’t forget a camera to capture the stunning scenery and wildlife of the region.
The average daytime temperature in December in Broome is 34 °C (93 °F), while the mercury hovers around 27 °C (80 °F) at night.
In December 1951, Broome experienced the highest temperature in Western Australia’s history, when the daytime temperatures reached 44.8 °C (112.6 °F).
The sea temperature on the Broome coast in December ranges between 28.1 °C (83.5 °F) and 30.5 °C (85.9 °F).
Warm sea temperatures, windy conditions, and high tides attract potentially dangerous Irukandji and box jellyfish during the wet season. Although swimming is not recommended at Cable Beach, several beaches north of Broome, such as Middle Lagoon and Cape Leveque, have no stingers and swimming is safe all year round.
During the wet season, Broome experiences some of the largest tidal variations in the world. The landscape of the town's coastline dramatically changes with tides that can reach up to 10 m (33 ft) in height, revealing vast expanses of sand flats, hidden reefs, and rich marine life.
It is essential to check tide times before heading to the beach. The quickly rising waters can be dangerous if you’re caught off guard.
December is a very sunny month, during which Broome sees an average of 9.4 hours of sunshine per day. It also has the longest hours of daylight—around 13.2 hours per day—with sunrise between 5:49 am and 5:57 am and sunset between 6:16 pm and 5:53 pm.
The average daily maximum UV index in December in Broome is 12, which signifies that there is an extremely high risk of harm from unprotected exposure to the sun. To avoid skin damage, you should wear protective clothing, sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen with a high SPF.
Sudden torrential downpours are common in Broome throughout December. You can expect around 55 mm (2 in) of precipitation over 7 days and an average of 70% of relative humidity.
Note that most national parks are closed during the wet season due to heavy rains and swelling rivers, although some may remain open depending on the amount of rainfall. Be sure to check opening times and consult Western Australia's Main Roads Travel Map before making any plans.
During the rainy season, Broome is prone to tropical cyclones and summer thunderstorms, which are among the most spectacular natural light shows in Australia. The best places to watch storms roll in are Gantheaume Beach, Town Beach, and the beach at Entrance Point.
Visit the Western Australia DFES website for storm forecasts and alerts.
With the spectacular white sands of Cable Beach, the turquoise Indian Ocean, its rich pearling history, and indigenous heritage, Broome is among the most unique places to visit in Australia. Below, we list some of the must-do activities on your holiday in Broome in December.
The Broome Bird Observatory, tucked away on the shores of Roebuck Bay, is the perfect place to watch hundreds of bird species that make their home in the area, such as vibrantly coloured yellow chat and common redshank.
Indulging in Broome’s fresh local produce is a must-try experience for any food lover. In December, local markets are bustling with a colourful array of fresh produce, from juicy mangoes and bush tomatoes to Kakadu plums and native herbs like lemon myrtle and wattleseed.
December is the perfect time to explore Broome's vibrant cafe culture. Start your day at the popular Cable Beach Cafe which serves delicious coffee and breakfast with stunning views or the charming Red Dirt Coffee House known for its organic coffee and homemade pastries. The Zookeepers Store offers great brews along with a selection of homewares, gifts, and plants and is another must-visit coffee shop in Broome.
Broome’s art galleries, including Short St. Gallery, the Kimberley Aboriginal Artists Gallery, and the Desert Feet Touring Gallery, showcase the best contemporary and Indigenous art from the region, while Broome Courthouse Markets offer a range of locally produced handmade crafts and jewellery.
Broome has no shortage of Christmas events and activities, from Chinatown Christmas Trails and Christmas Carols at Town Beach to the Broome Courthouse Christmas market packed with unique gifts from local producers.
Looking for more inspiration? Our Self-Drive Tour Itineraries are packed with things to see and do in and around Broome. For detailed information on all aspects of Australia travel, check out First Light Travel’s Blog.
RELATED
TOURS
The price is based on current exchange rates but is only an approximation. Please contact us for a final price
