Broome is a charming coastal town located in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. One of the things that makes it special is its unique weather patterns. Because of its location north of the Tropic of Capricorn, Broome experiences a tropical monsoon climate with only two seasons. Keep reading to learn more about what kind of weather you can expect in Broome and the best times to plan your visit.
Seasons and Weather in Broome
Broome has two distinct seasons, each extending to roughly half the year:
- During the dry season that stretches from May to October, you can expect plenty of sunny, cloudless days, low levels of humidity, and very little rain.
- The wet season between November to April is marked by intense heat and humidity, heavy rain showers, and spectacular thunderstorms.
Did you know that Australia has a wide range of climates, from tropical to Mediterranean? See our comprehensive Guide to the Best Time to Visit Australia for more details on the weather in every region.
What are the temperatures like in Broome?
Broome is one of the warmest tourist destinations in Australia. It has a hot climate year round, with average temperatures around 30 °C (86 °F).
Hottest month: November 31 °C (87 °F) average high
Coldest month: July 29 °C (84 °F) average high
How often does it rain in Broome?
Broome receives most of its annual rainfall between January and March, with sudden torrential downpours typically occurring in the afternoons or late evenings. During the dry months, there are only a handful of days with rain.
Wettest month: 197 mm (7.7 in) rainfall on average
Driest month: 3 mm (0.12 in) rainfall on average
Dry Season
When: May to October
Temperature: 30.8 °C (87.4 °F) average daytime high
Rainfall: 29.1 mm (1.14 in)
Read our Broome weather articles for more details on what to expect during the dry season:
- Broome Weather in May
- Broome Weather in June
- Broome Weather in July
- Broome Weather in August
- Broome Weather in September
- Broome Weather in October
The dry season offers perfect conditions for hiking, exploring, and swimming. Whether you're looking for relaxation, adventure, or a bit of both, this is a wonderful time to experience the best of Broome. However, you should keep in mind that this is also the peak of the tourist season, when visitors flock from other parts of the country to enjoy pleasant weather. Booking accommodations and activities ahead of time is essential.
The ideal dry season itinerary
Australia specialists at First Light Travel have created several Western Australia Itineraries to help you make the most of the dry season in Broome. Our road trips include plenty of ideas on what to see and do, in addition to recommendations for unique accommodations that guarantee a comfortable and relaxed stay.
Outdoors
Get the most out of Broome’s balmy evenings and join one of the popular sunset camel tours to watch the sun set into the Indian Ocean as you ride by the water's edge. Other than sunbathing and swimming, the dry season is the ideal time for discovering the town’s rich pearling heritage. A range of pearling and sea safari tours offer a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at modern oyster farming.Wildlife
During winter months, humpback whales migrate from Antarctica to the tropical waters around Broome. You can view these magnificent creatures and discover the rich marine diversity of the Indian Ocean by joining a whale watching cruise. To see native Australian wildlife up close, head to Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park, home to kangaroos, dingoes, bilbies, and of course crocodiles, including some of the largest species in Australia.
History
The dry season is the best time to spot some of the oldest dinosaur footprints in the world, scattered along the coast of Broome. Extremely low tides during this time of the year also make it possible to see sunken World War II flying boat wrecks at Roebuck Bay.
Festivals
From the Shinju Matsuri Festival celebrating the Asian and Indigenous cultures that have contributed to the pearling industry, to the Broome Fringe Festival showcasing works of local artists, there’s no shortage of fun events to experience during this season.
Wet Season
When: November to April
Temperature: 33.6 °C (92.5 °F) average daytime high
Rainfall: 463.7 mm (18.2 in)
Read our month-by-month guides for more details on what to expect at this time of the year:
- Broome Weather in November
- Broome Weather in December
- Broome Weather in January
- Broome Weather in February
- Broome Weather in March
- Broome Weather in April
During the wet season, Kimberley landscapes come to life, with spectacular waterfalls, vibrant greenery, and blooming frangipani and poinciana trees. There’s no better time to visit Broome if you want to witness spectacular sunsets and lightning displays and observe native wildlife.
The ideal wet season itinerary
Our detailed Broome itineraries, including Australia West Coast Honeymoon Package - Perth to Broome and Perth to Broome “Coastal Bliss” offer plenty of suggestions on outdoor activities, such as visiting the region’s national parks and observing wild dolphins in their natural habitat.
Outdoors
Outback tours offer a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the region. This is also the ideal time to catch a glimpse of the Horizontal Falls—described by David Attenborough as one of the greatest natural wonders of the world—on a scenic flight from Broome or Derby.
Wildlife
Hop on a dolphin watching cruise to catch a glimpse of rare Australian snubfin dolphins. And for all bird enthusiasts out there, the Broome Bird Observatory on the shores of Roebuck Bay is an absolute must. Thousands of migratory birds from the northern hemisphere flock to this spot, making it a bird watcher's paradise.
History
To learn about Broome's fascinating pearling traditions, head to Pearl Luggers on Dampier Terrace. Here, you can see two beautifully restored original pearling luggers on display, along with a replica tidal jetty. If you want to delve deeper into the town's history, be sure to visit the Broome Historical Museum, which covers everything from the Aboriginal history of the area to the air raid attack on Broome during World War II.
Festivals
If you love the ocean, don't miss the annual Ocean Film Festival World Tour. The event features a handpicked selection of short films by independent filmmakers from Australia and around the world, all celebrating the beauty and wonder of the ocean. Summer is also the mango season, so be sure to check out Broome's Mango Festival. This is the perfect opportunity to try some fresh, locally grown fruit while enjoying a range of fun activities.
The Best Time to Visit Broome
Both dry and wet seasons in Broome offer rich experiences, but to enjoy your trip to the fullest, it’s essential to keep in mind the weather patterns in the region.
- The dry season: great for sunbathing, swimming, road trips, and festivals
- The wet season: ideal for watching spectacular sunsets and thunderstorms, observing native wildlife, and visiting local museums and markets.
We are sure that no matter when you decide to visit Broome, you will find plenty of amazing things to see and do.
Ready to Book Your Broome Getaway?
At First Light Travel, our Australia travel specialists will help you plan the perfect self-drive holiday. Start by getting inspiration from our Australia blog articles and our popular itineraries and packages. Whenever you choose to visit, know that all our itineraries are fully customisable and we can tailor your trip to your exact specifications.
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