Spending Christmas in Perth feels completely different from the classic winter holiday. Here, you celebrate under clear skies and plenty of sunshine instead of chilly air.
Daytime temperatures usually hover around 25–31°C, and evenings cool off to 15–19°C. It’s one of the driest, sunniest times of the whole year.
Rain hardly ever interrupts plans, and those long daylight hours give you loads of time outside.
The weather really shapes the holiday vibe. Instead of bundling up, you’ll probably reach for light clothes, sunscreen, and maybe even a swimsuit.
The Indian Ocean sits at about 19°C in December. If you feel like taking a dip after a big holiday meal, it’s definitely refreshing.
Perth’s calm mornings, breezy afternoons, and festive city events combine summer weather with Christmas traditions.
You might relax by the beach, wander through parks, or join in on seasonal celebrations. The climate makes it easy to spend most of your holiday outdoors.
Typical Christmas Weather in Perth
Christmas in Perth brings warm or even hot days, barely any rain, and a ton of sunshine.
You’ll notice clear skies, dry air, and long daylight hours, so it’s no wonder outdoor gatherings and beach visits are so common during the holidays.
Average Temperatures on Christmas Day
On Christmas Day, Perth’s temperatures often sit between 17°C (63°F) at night and 30°C (86°F) during the day.
That’s pretty typical for early summer in Western Australia.
Mornings usually start off mild, so early walks or beach trips feel comfortable.
By midday, the sun kicks in and it can feel quite warm if you’re outside.
Most years, temperatures stay within that range, but sometimes a heat spike pushes the maximum above 35°C (95°F).
These really hot days show up more often later in summer, but they can pop up around Christmas, too.
If you’re planning to be outdoors, you’ll want light clothes, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
Evenings tend to feel more comfortable, since cooler breezes offer relief after a hot day.
Rainfall Patterns Around Christmas
December ranks as one of Perth’s driest months, with average rainfall around 12 mm for the whole month.
On average, only about four days bring any measurable rain.
Your odds of rain on Christmas Day are pretty low, at around 13%.
If it does rain, it’s usually just a quick, light shower—not a tropical downpour.
Most years, you’ll get dry conditions and clear skies, which explains why outdoor barbecues, picnics, and beach trips are so popular.
With the dry climate, you won’t need rain gear, but you should definitely protect yourself from the sun.
Shade, hats, and sunscreen come in handy now, much more than umbrellas.
Humidity Levels During the Holiday Season
Perth’s humidity in December averages about 41%, which is actually pretty low compared to other Australian coastal cities.
That makes the heat feel less heavy than in the humid parts of the country.
Mornings can feel a little more humid, but once the day warms up and those sea breezes start, things dry out and feel more comfortable.
Warm temperatures and low humidity mean sweat evaporates fast, but that also means you can get dehydrated quickly if you’re active outdoors.
Carrying water is important, especially if you’re spending time at the beach or out walking in the sun.
Even when it gets hotter, the dry air and evening breezes usually make things manageable.
Christmas weather in Perth feels a lot more pleasant than in many other hot regions.
December Climate Overview in Perth
Perth in December brings warm or hot days, cooler evenings, and barely any rain.
You’ll see long hours of sunshine, steady skies, and dry air that makes planning outdoor activities a breeze.
Temperature Ranges Throughout December
Daytime temperatures during December in Perth usually hit between 28°C and 30°C (82–86°F), but some days get hotter, especially later in the month.
Heatwaves can push the maximum above 35°C, though that’s not the usual.
At night, it cools off to around 16–18°C (61–64°F).
That drop gives you a break from the heat and makes evenings perfect for walking or dining outside.
Humidity stays moderate to low, often around 40–50%, so the heat rarely feels suffocating.
Rain barely makes an appearance, with just a few millimeters for the whole month.
This dry pattern fits Perth’s Mediterranean climate zone.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight Length
December is one of Perth’s brightest months.
You’ll get 10 to 11 hours of strong sunshine each day, adding up to more than 350 hours for the month.
Daylight stretches close to 14 hours—sunrise is around 5 a.m., and sunset is near 7 p.m.
That gives you plenty of time for beaches, parks, and outdoor events without feeling rushed.
The sun can get pretty intense, especially in the middle of the day.
Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses aren’t optional—they’re necessary if you plan to be outside for long.
Cloud Cover and Sky Conditions
Clear skies rule December in Perth.
Most days, you’ll spot little to no cloud cover, and if clouds do show up, they’re usually thin and disappear quickly.
Rain is rare, with only 3–4 days of measurable precipitation during the month.
Even then, showers are brief and usually don’t mess up outdoor plans.
A dry atmosphere and stable high-pressure systems over Western Australia keep storms away.
Winds usually stay moderate, and afternoon sea breezes offer a natural cool-down along the coast.
This pattern means December is one of the driest, most reliable months for outdoor fun in Perth.
UV Index and Sun Safety
Perth’s summer weather brings long, sunny days and extremely high ultraviolet radiation.
If you’re heading outside, you need to know just how strong the sun gets and how to protect yourself during the peak hours.
Average UV Index in December
December kicks off summer in Perth, and the UV Index often hits extreme levels.
On many days, the maximum UV rating climbs to 11 or higher, which is as high as the scale goes.
At these levels, unprotected skin can burn in under 15 minutes.
The sun’s strength isn’t just about heat; UV radiation stays high even if a sea breeze cools things down.
The UV Index peaks between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the sun sits highest.
Even mornings and late afternoons can reach moderate to high readings, so don’t assume lower temperatures mean less UV risk.
Perth gets stronger UV exposure in December than southern Australian cities.
Its latitude and clear skies make sun safety a daily concern during Christmas travel.
Sun Protection Tips for Visitors
Plan outdoor activities with sun protection times in mind—these are listed in local forecasts.
When the UV Index is 3 or higher (which is most of December’s daylight hours), you need to take precautions.
Follow the Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide steps:
- Slip on long-sleeved clothing
- Slop on broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Slap on a wide-brimmed hat
- Seek shade during peak hours
- Slide on UV-blocking sunglasses
Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or even more if you’re swimming or sweating.
Light, breathable fabrics keep you cool while protecting your skin in Perth’s hot weather.
If you’re visiting beaches or parks, look for shaded spots or bring your own umbrella.
Staying hydrated helps you manage the heat while you stay sun safe.
Winds and Breezes in December
December in Perth brings steady breezes that shape both the weather and your outdoor plans.
You’ll notice consistent winds that affect temperature comfort, air quality, and coastal conditions.
Typical Wind Speeds and Directions
In December, average wind speeds reach about 7 meters per second (m/s), or roughly 25 km/h.
You’ll feel these winds throughout the day, but they’re not usually strong enough to disrupt anything.
The most common wind direction comes from the southwest, especially in the afternoons.
Locals call this cooling sea breeze the Fremantle Doctor. It arrives after midday and often lasts into the evening, giving relief from the daytime heat.
Mornings are calmer, with lighter winds that can shift direction—sometimes they come from the east or northeast.
These early breezes feel warmer and drier, which can make temperatures rise before the cooler sea air arrives.
You can usually count on stronger afternoon winds followed by calmer nights, so plan your outdoor activities with that in mind.
Impact of Coastal Winds on Weather
Coastal winds in Perth play a big role in shaping the summer weather.
The afternoon sea breeze can drop high daytime temperatures by several degrees in just an hour, making outdoor conditions much more comfortable.
Humidity stays pretty low when the sea breeze kicks in.
With average December humidity around 41%, the dry air and wind work together to keep the heat from feeling stifling.
If you’re heading to the beach, the winds can create choppier surf and stronger currents.
Swimmers and surfers should pay attention to local conditions since the breeze changes wave height and direction.
Inland areas don’t get as much cooling from the sea breeze, so you might notice it feels hotter away from the coast.
That’s why coastal suburbs often feel cooler than the city center or outer neighborhoods.
Seasonal Events and Outdoor Activities
Perth’s warm, dry December weather sets the scene for festive celebrations, outdoor recreation, and cultural events.
You can join holiday events in the city, hang out at the coast, or check out art and history indoors when you need a break from the sun.
Christmas Festivities in Perth
Christmas in Perth lights up with trails, markets, and music events all over the city.
The Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail stands out, with dozens of installations across the CBD and Northbridge.
Families often walk the “Merry Mile,” which is made for kids and includes themed performances.
Markets take center stage, too. The Perth Makers Market – Christmas Twilight and Markets at the Quay offer handmade gifts, food stalls, and live entertainment.
These events make shopping for presents feel festive and fun.
Carols and concerts bring people together in outdoor spots like Supreme Court Gardens and Victoria Gardens.
Free events such as Carols in the City or Brass on the Grass let you enjoy traditional music in a relaxed setting.
Popular Outdoor Attractions
With December temperatures between 17°C and 30°C, you can comfortably spend a lot of time outside.
Beaches like Cottesloe and Scarborough draw crowds for swimming, picnics, and evening walks.
The warm evenings are perfect for checking out Christmas light displays in local neighborhoods.
If you’re after something quieter, the Swan River has kayaking, cycling along the riverside, or dinner cruises.
In Mandurah, canal cruises show off homes decorated with Christmas lights, adding a festive twist to a scenic boat ride.
Parks and gardens provide shaded areas for family gatherings.
Kings Park and Botanic Garden is a favorite, with city views, walking trails, and picnic spots.
Outdoor activities in December blend the holiday spirit with Perth’s natural scenery.
Visiting the Art Gallery of WA
The Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA) is a smart pick when you want to escape the midday heat.
It sits in the Perth Cultural Centre and features Indigenous, Australian, and international art.
Exhibits change regularly, so you’ll find both permanent works and visiting displays.
During the holidays, the gallery often links up with nearby cultural events.
The Perth Cultural Centre hosts family activities, live performances, and interactive art installations, so it’s easy to combine a gallery visit with other attractions.
Admission to AGWA is free, though some special exhibitions may charge a fee.
The gallery’s air-conditioned space gives you a comfortable break from the heat, while still letting you enjoy a bit of culture.
Travel Tips for Christmas in Perth
Christmas in Perth means hot, dry days, endless sunshine, and a calendar packed with outdoor events. You’ll want to watch out for the intense UV, plan your outings around the heat, and figure out how to stay comfy as you move between the coast, city, and suburbs.
What to Pack for the Weather
December gets pretty warm in Perth. Most days hit highs between 25–31°C (77–88°F), while evenings cool off to around 15–19°C (59–66°F). The sun feels fierce, so make sure you toss in sunscreen (SPF 30+ or higher), a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-protective sunglasses.
Light, breathable clothes are your best bet. Cotton and linen help you stay cool. I’d bring a couple of long-sleeve shirts—not for warmth, but for sun protection. Evenings stay mild, though if you’re out late, a light jacket or cardigan might come in handy.
Pick practical shoes. Sandals or light sneakers work well for exploring the city. Flip-flops are perfect for the beach. If you’re thinking about day trips to places like the Pinnacles or Perth Hills, grab some sturdy walking shoes.
Staying hydrated makes a big difference. Carry a reusable water bottle since you’ll find plenty of refill stations in public spots around Perth.
Best Times of Day for Activities
The sun pops up early, around 5:00 am, and doesn’t set until after 7:00 pm, so you get loads of daylight. The middle of the day gets seriously hot, so try to fit outdoor stuff in the morning (before 11 am) or late afternoon (after 4 pm).
Hitting the beach feels best in the morning. The water’s calmer, and you’ll beat the crowds. By afternoon, those sea breezes can really pick up along the coast.
If you’re keen to check out the city’s parks or markets, go early. For evening things—like Christmas lights or outdoor dining—wait until after sunset for cooler air.
UV levels stay high, even if it looks a bit cloudy, so keep that sunscreen handy if you’re outside.
Local Insights for a Comfortable Visit
Public transport usually runs on a reduced schedule during the Christmas holidays, so double-check those timetables before you head out. Planning a trip to Rottnest Island or Margaret River? Go ahead and book your ferries, tours, and accommodation early, since Christmas is a busy time.
Shops and restaurants often close on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Still, you’ll find that many attractions—like beaches and parks—stay open. If you’re spending the day outside, pack some snacks and water just in case.
Locals love gathering at Cottesloe or Scarborough Beach for Christmas picnics and a swim. Looking for something quieter? Trigg Beach or City Beach usually have more space to spread out.
Humidity sits low, hovering around 50–60%, so the heat feels dry instead of sticky. Honestly, it’s easier to stay active outdoors here than in more humid places, but don’t forget about shade and staying hydrated.