Best Time to Visit Kalbarri

Spectacular Kalbarri is best visited during the autumn months when the days remain warm and dry, but the high winds of the spring and summer months have eased. At this time of year, you can make the most of this laidback town’s natural attributes, including some great beaches, a spectacular and rugged coastline, the beautiful Pink Lake, and the exceptional Kalbarri National Park. While Kalbarri is an amazing year-round destination, the autumn months are undoubtedly the best time to visit Kalbarri.

Where is Kalbarri?

Kalbarri is a popular holiday town located on the West Coast in the Mid-West region of Western Australia. It’s at the end of the coastal road, 155 km north of Geraldton and 575 km north of the State Capital of Perth. The town sits at the mouth of the Murchison River, which has carved its way through the rocky cliffs that characterize the shoreline to the north and south of town. 

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Best Time to Visit Kalbarri for Good Weather

Kalbarri enjoys one of the best year-round climates in Western Australia. Its position midway up the west coast, but still considerably below the Tropic of Capricorn means it enjoys a warm year-round climate but without the humidity or rainfall of more northern destinations. This makes it a great location to visit throughout the year.

The biggest gripe most visitors have with Kalbarri’s weather is the seemingly ever-present wind. With nothing but thousands of kilometers of open sea to its west, the wind can blow in off the sea at a rate of knots. The worst months for the sea wind are from October through until mid-March, which falls across the Australian spring and summer. The autumn and winter months, in contrast, are considerably calmer.

The other big consideration on when to visit is the likelihood of rain. Fortunately, most of the annual rainfall tends to fall over the winter months, although it’s still considerably less than other destinations along the west and northern coast.

Month

Maximum Temp

Minimum Temp

Days of Rain

January

33°C

20°C

6

February

34°C

21°C

5

March

33°C

19°C

5

April

29°C

16°C

6

May

26°C

13°C

6

June

23°C

11°C

10

July

22°C

10°C

10

August

22°C

10°C

10

September

24°C

11°C

7

October

26°C

13°C

4

November

28°C

15°C

4

December

31°C

18°C

4

Kalbarri by Season

While Kalbarri benefits from a year-round warm climate, often compared to the Mediterranean, there are variations between seasons. There’s also a considerable variation between seasons in terms of both cost and visitor numbers. Last but by no means least, Mother Nature sprinkles her magic in some seasons more than others.

Spring

The spring months are warm, bright, and largely dry. They are also some of the windiest, which might partly explain the relatively low visitor numbers at this time of year. It’s a shame because the land is alive with wildflowers, making Kalbarri National Park even more tantalizing. It’s also the prime time to see migrating humpback whales. As this period of the year is off-peak, costs are generally lower. 

Summer

The summer months in Kalbarri are hot and dry, although it can also become quite humid. While it’s the most humid time of the year, it’s incomparable with other steamy northern destinations such as Broome or Darwin. It’s also the windiest time of the year, although the wind can often provide a welcome relief from the heat of summer. At times, the heat can become overbearing, particularly in the national park away from the sea breeze.

Visitor numbers increase over the summer months, particularly across the school summer holidays, which fall across late December and most of January. The summer season is the peak season in Kalbarri, and accommodation costs tend to reflect this.

The famous Natures Window in Kalbarri National Park.
The famous Natures Window in Kalbarri National Park.

Autumn

The autumn sees a welcome drop in temperature, humidity, and wind speeds, which explains why it’s the most popular time of year to visit. At this time of year, you’re presented with optimum conditions to enjoy the beach, coast, and Kalbarri National Park. As most of the autumn falls within the peak season, costs are inevitably higher. 

Winter

The winter months are considerably cooler and wetter than other seasons, but temperatures rarely dip below 10°C. The cooler weather makes it a great time hike in the area, with most days still bright and dry. While Kalbarri remains a popular winter getaway destination, it’s still considerably quieter than during the summer or autumn months. Therefore, accommodation costs also tend to be lower at this time of year. The latter part of the winter season sees the emergence of the area’s wild flowers, which brings the surrounding countryside to life.

Island Rock Kalbarri

In Summary - Best Time to Visit Kalbarri

As long as you don’t mind the extra cost and the increased visitor numbers, the autumn is the best time to visit Kalabarri. It’s difficult to understate the difference the reduced windspeed makes to your enjoyment of the area. However, if the wind doesn’t concern you, consider visiting during the spring, the second-best season. Costs will be lower, and you’ll also see migrating humpback whales and the area’s spectacular wildflowers. 

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