Best time to visit Margaret River

Margaret River has a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Although it’s a year-round destination, the best time to plan your trip depends on what you want to see and do.

If you want to hike the Cape to Cape Track, spring and autumn are best as temperatures are comfortable and you’ll avoid bushfire season. Spring is particularly beautiful as it’s wildflower season and summer is ideal for enjoying beach swims and alfresco dining at the wineries. Winter calls for rugging up with a glass of Shiraz by the fire.

Seasons in Margaret River

Spring (September-November)

Best for: wildflowers, hiking the Cape to Cape track, and whale watching

Mother Nature puts on a stunning display of wildflowers and rare native orchids between August and November (peaking in early October). Pleasant temperatures of 17-22°C are also ideal for walking — there’s little to no shade on the trail so summer can be too dangerous.

It’s quite warm by late November, so it’s a good time to enjoy the beaches before peak season crowds arrive. September through November is also the peak season for spotting humpbacks along the coast during their southward migration.

Summer (December-February)

Best for: beaches, sea swimming, and balmy summer evenings

Margeret River literally and metaphorically sizzles in the summer. Daily highs average 25-35°C and the town’s restaurants, bars and wineries bustle with people. The heat also makes the beaches extra inviting. Take advantage of the warm nights by enjoying long dinners (and a glass of wine or two) with friends.

Autumn (March-May)

Best for: hiking, beaches, and sunsets

Autumn is a gorgeous time of year. The days are still warm in March and April, and the evenings are mild enough to wine and dine outside. Daytime temps drop to the low 20s which is great for hiking the Cape to Cape. Autumn also boasts some of the most spectacular sunsets of the year. By May it can feel a little chilly at night and in the morning, but all the more reason to rug up by a fire pit with a glass of red.

Winter (June-August)

Best for: bushwalking, cosy cellar doors, and whale watching

Winter can be wet and occasionally stormy, but there are plenty of crisp, sunny days to enjoy long walks on the beach and in Boranup Forest. There’s still plenty to do when the weather is bad, from wine tasting to enjoying a platter of local cheese. (The region’s bold reds taste better in winter, anyway.) Whales can be spotted off the coast from June.

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