Best Time to Visit Exmouth

The remote resort town of Exmouth is best visited from April to September, which falls across the Australian autumn and winter. During this time of year days are warm and dry with very little rain. By visiting at this time of year you will also avoid the extreme heat of summer and the high winds that occur throughout the spring and the summer months. The autumn and winter is also a great time to see the local marine life with migrating humpback whales and whale shark visiting the area during this time. While a visit to Exmouth is possible year round, there’s no denying the best time to visit Exmouth is during the autumn and winter.

Where is Exmouth?

Exmouth is located near the tip of Western Australia’s North West Cape. Located on the northeastern coastline, the town is far from the closest major towns and cities. The town of Carnarvon lies 365 km to the south by road, Geraldton is 834 km away and the State Capital, Perth is 1254 km away. Locations to the east aren’t any closer, with Broome 1372 km away and Darwin a massive 3173 km away by road. 

Best Time to Visit Exmouth for Good Weather

Sizzling Exmouth is a great destination for year-round good weather. Located north of the Tropic of Capricorn, it enjoys a tropical climate. This means you can expect good weather throughout the year.  However, you’ll need to choose the best time for you to visit based on your tolerance to rainfall, the temperature, and the ever-present wind.

Rainfall

There’s no distinct wet and dry season in Exmouth, although the first half of the year tends to be wetter with the occasional monsoonal shower, while the second half of the year is drier. In reality, there’s very little difference in rainfall between the two periods. This limited rainfall compares very favorably with Broome and Darwin’s wet seasons, which result in significant rainfall.  

Temperature

Temperatures in Exmouth are considerably higher than in much of Western Australia. Daily temperatures regularly exceed 30°C from the start of the Australian spring in September to the end of autumn in May. During summer, the mercury will regularly hit 40°C or higher. While it’s cooler over the winter, the temperature is often in the mid-twenties.

Wind and Humidity

The biggest complaints about the climate in western and northern Australia are often focused on the high winds and high humidity. Humidity tends to be less of an issue for Exmouth due to the low rainfall. This means the town benefits from hot weather throughout the year, but humidity remains consistent and relatively low. The high wind, on the other hand, can be considered to be Exmouth’s Achilles heel. These blow persistently from September through January, although they tend to ease from February through until the end of August.  

Month-by-Month Weather

The table below shows the maximum and minimum temperature by month and the average number of days of rain.

Month

Maximum Temp

Minimum Temp

Days of Rain

January

38°C

23°C

8

February

38°C

24°C

6

March

36°C

23°C

5

April

33°C

20°C

4

May

29°C

16°C

3

June

25°C

13°C

6

July

24°C

11°C

3

August

26°C

12°C

1

September

29°C

14°C

1

October

33°C

16°C

1

November

35°C

18°C

1

December

37°C

21°C

3

Exmouth by Season

Situated north of the Tropic of Capricorn, Exmouth doesn’t have a four-season cycle.  However, to make it easier to break down the different times to visit, we’ve used the Australian seasons to describe the conditions at different times of the year.

Spring

The spring months are the driest and some of the hottest months in Exmouth. They are also some of the windiest, which tends to deter many visitors. The spring is generally the quietest season in Exmouth, which means you can get some good deals on flights and accommodation. You’ll also enjoy the beaches and national parks without many other visitors. 

Summer

The summer months are the hottest, wettest, windiest, and some of the busiest in Exmouth. This is especially true across December and January, when the main Australian school holidays fall. It’s best to avoid this period if possible because costs are higher, there are also bigger crowds, and the heat can be oppressive. On a more positive note, it is the best time to see Loggerhead Turtles, which tend to nest at the start of the summer, with their eggs hatching at the end of the summer. 

Aerial view of Cape Range National park and the Ningaloo Marine Park, Exmouth, Western Australia
The stunning Ningaloo Marine Park is one of the big attractions near Exmouth.

Autumn

The autumn season sees temperatures fall back from the summer highs. The winds also ease at this time of year, which makes a marked difference to your experience on the beach and in the water. The calmer seas make for better diving and snorkeling conditions. The autumn is also the best time to see other sea life, with migrating humpback whales and whale sharks best seen at this time. The better weather and wildlife attractions make this a popular time to visit, so expect to pay peak season rates. This is especially true over the Easter holiday period.

Winter

The winter period is considerably cooler than the rest of the year, but the days remain warm and the winds low. Humidity is at its highest this time of the year, but it’s welcome, given the lower temperatures. The nights can be cool, as can conditions out on the water. However, you can see whale sharks and humpback whales at this time. While the water may be cooler, it’s the best time for hiking and exploring the national parks on land. It also remains a popular time to visit, particularly for campers who flock to the area given the cooler weather elsewhere in the country. The wildflower season falls across the winter months, bringing an explosion of colour to the area.

Sunrise over the Charles Knife Canyon
The Charles Knife Canyon is another highlight of a visit to Exmouth

In Summary - Best Time to Visit Exmouth

While there are excellent conditions throughout the year, autumn and winter are the best times to visit Exmouth. Here’s why:

  • Days are generally warm and dry but cooler than during the scorching summer months
  • The winds ease, creating much better conditions for snorkeling and diving
  • You can see migrating humpback whales and whale sharks
  • The colorful wildflower season falls across the winter months 

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