The remote resort town of Exmouth is best visited during the period 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 north eastern coastline, the town is a considerable distance from the closest major towns and cities. The town of Carnarvon lies 365 km to the south by road, while it’s 834 km to Geraldton and a whopping 1254 km to the State Capital, Perth. 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 pick and choose when is 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 favourably with both Broome and Darwin’s wet seasons, which result in significant rainfall.
Temperature
Temperatures in Exmouth are considerably higher than much of Western Australia. Daily temperatures regularly exceed 30°C all the way from the start of the Australian spring in September through to the end of autumn in May. During the summer months the mercury will regularly hit 40°C or higher. While it’s cooler over the winter months, the temperature is still 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 both the maximum and minimum temperature by month, as well as 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 breakdown the different times to visit, we’ve used the Australian seasons to describes 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 that you can get some good deals on flights and accommodation. You’ll also get to enjoy the beaches and national parks without too 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 not only are costs higher, there’s also bigger crowds and the heat can be oppressive. On a more positive note, it is the best time to see Loggerhead Turtles, who tend to nest at the start of the summer with their eggs hatching at the end of the summer.
Autumn
The autumn season see 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 snorkelling 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 considerable cooler than the rest of the year but the days remain warm and the winds low. Humidity is at its highest at 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.
In Summary - Best Time to Visit Exmouth
While there’s excellent conditions throughout the year, the autumn and the winter is the best time to visit Exmouth. Here’s why:
- Day are generally warm and dry but cooler than during the scorching summer months
- The winds ease, creating much better conditions for snorkelling and diving
- You can see migrating humpback whales and whale sharks
- The colourful wildflower season falls across the winter months
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