When you think of winter in Australia, maybe you imagine biting winds and heavy coats, but Perth really flips that idea on its head. Winter in Perth brings mild days, cool nights, and most of the city’s yearly rainfall, so the season feels more refreshing than harsh. You’ll spot the difference—bright, clear skies one day, steady showers the next, and all that rain keeps the place surprisingly green.
Daytime highs usually sit around the mid-teens in Celsius, and nights can dip into single digits. Rain shows up more often in these months, but the sun breaks through pretty often, so you get a real mix of wet and dry days. This back-and-forth gives the city its rhythm and opens up some unique local experiences.
If you know what to expect from Perth’s winter, you can plan your days with a lot more confidence. Whether you’re eyeing up coastal walks, craving local food and wine, or just wondering how the weather might shake up your plans, details like temperature, rainfall, humidity, and wind are going to matter.
Overview of Perth’s Winter Climate
Perth’s Mediterranean climate means winters are mild, wet, and cooler compared to its endless, hot summers. You’ll see steady rainfall, cooler nights, and shorter days, but the city still gets more sunshine than you’d expect for winter.
Location and Climate Type
Perth sits on the southwest coast of Western Australia, with the Indian Ocean to the west and the Darling Scarp hills to the east. This spot leaves the city open to both ocean breezes and inland weather.
The climate falls under Mediterranean (Csa) in the Köppen system. Basically, that means hot, dry summers and cool, wetter winters. Winter gets most of the rain, thanks to cold fronts rolling in from the Indian Ocean.
Summers can be long and bone-dry, but in winter, you’ll see most of the rain—about 70–80% of the city’s yearly total. Average winter temperatures range from 8 °C (46 °F) at night to around 18–19 °C (64–66 °F) during the day. It’s one of the wetter and cooler stretches of the year, but nothing too wild by global standards.
Winter Months and Seasonal Patterns
Winter in Perth covers June, July, and August. Cold fronts bring steady rain, sometimes heavy, and gusty winds. July usually ends up as the wettest month, with rainfall often topping 150 mm (6 in).
Daytime highs hover near 18–19 °C, while nights can drop to 7–9 °C. Frost hardly ever shows up, though you might see it in the outer suburbs. Coastal areas like Fremantle and Rottnest Island stay a little warmer at night, thanks to the ocean.
You’ll notice shorter daylight hours, too—only about 10 hours of daylight in June, compared to almost 14 in summer. Despite all the rain, Perth still outshines many European cities for winter sunshine, which helps balance out the wetter and cooler days.
Comparison With Other Seasons
Perth’s winter stands in sharp contrast to its hot, dry summer. In February, average highs hit 31–32 °C (88–90 °F), and rain is basically a no-show. In winter, highs stay below 20 °C, and rain becomes a regular guest.
Spring and autumn are more transitional. Spring warms up fast and dries out, while autumn brings cooler evenings but hangs onto dry spells before winter fronts return.
Bushfire risk spikes in summer, but winter is when reservoirs refill, gardens thrive, and cool air makes outdoor life more comfortable. The city’s Mediterranean rhythm means you get pretty predictable seasonal changes, with winter clearly the wettest and most temperate part of the year.
Average Temperatures During Winter
Winter in Perth means mild but definitely cooler conditions compared to those long, hot summers. Temperatures swing between comfortable daytime highs and chilly nights, and rain adds to the cool vibe. You’ll spot a clear pattern—July is cooler, while June and August feel a bit milder.
Daytime Highs and Nighttime Lows
Daytime highs in winter generally land between 16.5°C and 19°C (62°F–66°F). June usually kicks off with highs around 18°C, July cools down to about 17°C, and August starts to warm up again toward 19°C.
Nights get colder, with lows between 7°C to 9°C (45°F–48°F). July often brings the coldest nights, sometimes just above 5°C in inland suburbs. Coastal spots like Fremantle and Rottnest Island stay a touch milder at night, thanks to the Indian Ocean.
This range makes winter days in Perth great for outdoor activities, though you’ll want a jacket once the sun goes down. The difference between day and night is sharper inland than by the coast.
Temperature Extremes and Records
Winters are usually mild, but sometimes you’ll get a surprise. Historical records show that Perth’s coldest winter mornings can dip close to 0°C (32°F) in the outer suburbs. Frost isn’t common but can show up in valleys east of the city.
On the flip side, daytime temps can occasionally jump above 22°C (72°F), especially when dry northerly winds blow down from inland Australia. These warmer spells don’t last long, but they can make a winter day feel like spring.
Rottnest Island, being offshore, almost never sees frost and avoids the coldest nighttime lows. It also tends to miss out on the warmer inland spikes, keeping its winter temps pretty stable. So, where you are around Perth can really change your winter experience.
Recent Winter Trends
Over the last few decades, Perth’s winters have gradually warmed. Average maximums now sit just above long-term records, and July highs are often a little warmer than they used to be. Nights have also lost some of their chill, with fewer really cold mornings.
Rainfall still piles up in winter, but some years come in below average. That’s led to drier winters compared to older records, though June and July still get the most rain all year.
If you visit Rottnest Island or the coastal suburbs, you’ll probably notice milder nights compared to inland Perth. The warming trend shows up most in the city itself, where all the urban build-up keeps nighttime temps a bit higher. These changes reflect broader climate shifts across southern Australia.
Precipitation and Rainfall Patterns
Winter in Perth is the wettest season by far, with steady rainfall shaping daily life and travel plans. You’ll see higher totals, more rainy days, and some heavy downpours that really stand out compared to the rest of the year.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rainfall in Perth jumps up in May and stays high through August. July is usually the wettest month, hitting 140–150 mm (5.5–6 in). June and August aren’t far behind, both averaging around 120–130 mm (4.7–5.1 in).
By September, the rain starts to ease off, dropping to about 80 mm (3.1 in), which hints at the drier spring ahead. In summer, especially January and February, rainfall usually stays below 20 mm (0.8 in).
This seasonal pattern really shows off Perth’s Mediterranean climate—winter rain delivers most of the annual precipitation. The averages below tell the story:
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) | Avg. Rainfall (in) |
|---|---|---|
| June | ~125 | ~4.9 |
| July | ~145 | ~5.7 |
| August | ~125 | ~4.9 |
Frequency of Rainy Days
You won’t just see more rain, you’ll get more rainy days, too. In winter, Perth averages 14–17 rainy days per month, while summer usually gets just 2–4 days.
Rain mostly comes in short bursts, not endless drizzle. Many days have clear breaks between showers, so you can plan around the weather if you want to get outside.
Humidity also climbs during winter, making mornings feel damp and cool. This pattern sticks around every year, so you can count on wetter days from June through August.
Notable Rainfall Events
Some winters bring wild weather. The city has seen single-day totals above 100 mm (3.9 in), usually when strong cold fronts barrel in from the Indian Ocean.
Heavy rain can cause local flooding, especially in low-lying suburbs. Roads might get slippery, and stormwater drains sometimes overflow during the biggest downpours.
These heavy rainfall days aren’t the norm, but if you’re visiting mid-winter, it’s good to keep an eye on the forecast. Local weather reports usually give plenty of warning when a big system is coming, so you can prepare for any sudden, heavy rain.
Humidity Levels in Winter
During winter in Perth, the air feels a lot more humid than in summer. You’ll experience higher humidity along with cooler temperatures and frequent rainfall, which affects both comfort and how you spend time outdoors.
Average Humidity by Month
Winter in Perth runs from June to August, and humidity climbs during these months.
- June: About 63% average relative humidity
- July: Around 57% on average, with lots of rainy days
- August: Slightly lower, near 55%
Humidity stays pretty moderate through winter. The increase comes from cooler air and regular rainfall events.
You’ll notice mornings often feel damp, especially after overnight rain. Even if temperatures are mild, higher humidity means surfaces stay wet longer, and drying clothes or outdoor gear takes more time than in summer.
Impact on Comfort and Weather
The mix of cooler temperatures and higher humidity changes how it feels outside. The air never gets tropical, but the dampness can make mornings and evenings feel colder than the numbers say.
Humidity also impacts indoor comfort. Homes without good ventilation might feel clammy, especially after rain. You might turn on the heater not just for warmth, but to dry out the air a bit.
Rainfall and humidity go hand in hand in winter. July, the wettest month, usually brings the most rainy days. More clouds mean milder daytime temps, but less warming from the sun.
Humidity Trends Compared to Other Seasons
Winter and summer in Perth feel totally different. Summer humidity often drops below 40%, especially in February when it’s hot and dry. In winter, averages stay above 55%.
This swing fits Perth’s Mediterranean climate. More than 75% of the city’s yearly rain falls between May and September, and that drives up humidity in winter.
Spring and autumn are transition times. Humidity starts rising in late autumn, then falls again in early spring. Expect the driest air during summer afternoons and the most humid mornings right after winter rain.
Wind Conditions and Weather Influences
Winter in Perth brings stronger winds, cooler air, and quick shifts in weather. These conditions shape your outdoor plans, daily travel, and even how it feels along the coast.
Prevailing Winds and Speeds
In winter, Perth often gets winds averaging 5 m/s (about 18 km/h or 11 mph). These usually blow in from the west or southwest, carrying cool, moist air off the Indian Ocean.
You’ll see trees swaying, and if you’re cycling or jogging, you’ll notice the extra effort. The steady breeze makes the air feel colder than it actually is. This constant airflow can clear out clouds, but sometimes it jumps to strong gusts when fronts roll through.
In summer, winds can reach 7 m/s (25 km/h or 15 mph), so winter winds aren’t quite as strong, but they stick around more. That difference gives each season its own feel—Perth is breezy all year, but winter’s wind is a little more persistent.
Notable Winter Wind Events
Winter fronts crossing southwest Australia often bring quick bursts of stronger winds. These systems can send gusts well above the seasonal average, sometimes enough to mess with travel or outdoor plans.
You’ll probably notice these events when cold fronts sweep inland, kicking up sudden squalls and heavy showers. Winds during these times can bend small trees, scatter loose things, and make walking against the gusts a real workout.
These windy blasts don’t happen every day, but you’ll get several each season. Usually, they move through within a few hours, and then things settle down—though it can feel colder after.
If you’re living here or just visiting, it pays to keep an eye on forecasts, especially if you’re boating or planning anything on the coast.
Influence of Sea Breezes
In summer, the “Fremantle Doctor” sea breeze really takes over the afternoons, but winter’s a different story. Cooler land and sea temperatures weaken this daily wind pattern, so it’s just not as dependable.
You might still feel some onshore breezes along the coast, but bigger weather systems usually take over. Instead of that steady, refreshing breeze, winter winds jump around more and usually follow rainbands.
So, you can’t count on those reliable cooling winds when you’re planning to be outside. Breezes change direction a lot, and passing fronts control things more than the sharp temperature differences you get in summer.
Regional Winter Weather Variations
Winter conditions really depend on where you are around Perth. Coastal spots, inland valleys, and offshore islands all get their own mix of temperatures, rain, and wind—sometimes it feels like each area has its own mini climate.
Greater Perth Area Differences
Across the Greater Perth area, winter days usually sit between 15–20 °C, and nights drop to 5–10 °C. Coastal suburbs stay a bit milder, while inland places cool down quickly once the sun’s gone.
Rainfall changes a lot depending on where you are. The hills and foothills, like Bickley, get 20–30% more rain than the flat coastal suburbs. In a wet winter, these spots can see over 700 mm, while central Perth averages closer to 400–500 mm.
Wind exposure isn’t the same everywhere. Open coastal suburbs like Swanbourne get stronger gusts, while inland areas that are sheltered stay calmer. That really changes how cold it feels, especially after dark.
Weather on Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island, just offshore, has a noticeably different winter vibe. The Indian Ocean keeps the island milder at night, with average minimums around 12–13 °C—warmer than Perth’s inland suburbs.
Daytime highs usually reach about 18 °C, a little cooler than the city. Rainfall is higher than Perth’s long-term average, often hitting 450–500 mm for the season. The ocean means it’s also a bit more humid than the mainland.
Winds really stand out here. Strong westerlies sweep over the island, and storms can push gusts past 100 km/h. If you visit in winter, expect brisk conditions, especially on those open coastal paths.
Swan Valley Winter Climate
The Swan Valley sits northeast of Perth and feels more inland in winter. Nights here get colder, often dropping to 2–5 °C, so frost can show up in open spots. Daytime highs average 17–19 °C, about the same as central Perth.
Rainfall is moderate, usually around 500 mm each winter. The valley doesn’t get as much rain as the hills, but it sees more than the coastal areas. That balance helps the vineyards and orchards, which like the cooler nights and steady moisture.
Winds stay lighter here than on the coast, so the valley feels calmer. That makes things like wine tours or cycling pretty comfortable, even if it’s a bit wet.
Winter Activities and Recommendations
Mild temperatures and scattered rain showers shape how you get outside and what you should bring. You can still enjoy nature, food, and culture, just be ready for cooler mornings and the occasional drizzly day.
Best Outdoor Experiences
Winter in Perth lets you explore without the punishing summer heat. Beaches like Scarborough and City Beach get quieter, so they’re perfect for walks, photography, or just watching the waves roll in.
Waterfalls near the city, including Lesmurdie Falls, really come alive after rain and look their best in winter. Trails in John Forrest National Park offer good hikes, though you’ll want to expect some mud after wet weather.
Rottnest Island is a highlight too. Fewer crowds in winter, and the water stays mild enough for snorkeling. You can cycle the island or hop on a bus tour if rain shows up.
For food and wine, Swan Valley feels especially cozy when it’s cool. Wineries and breweries often have indoor spaces with fireplaces, so you can enjoy tastings even when it’s pouring outside.
Packing Tips for Winter Visitors
Perth’s winter mornings usually start around 8°C, and by afternoon, you’ll see it climb up to 19°C. I’d suggest packing clothing you can layer, so you can just add or remove pieces as you need.
A light jacket, a comfy sweater, and long pants will cover most daytime plans. That’s usually enough unless you’re someone who gets cold easily.
Rain shows up pretty often in winter. Toss in a waterproof jacket or an umbrella, just in case.
If you’re thinking about hiking near waterfalls or wandering national parks, you’ll want shoes with good grip. Trails get slippery after rain, and nobody wants a muddy slip.
Even though it’s winter, the sun here doesn’t really take a break. I always bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat when I’m outside for a while.
Heading to Rottnest Island or hanging out by the coast? A windbreaker helps, since that sea breeze can actually feel colder than you’d expect.
A small daypack makes life easier when you’re exploring Swan Valley, city parks, or those coastal trails. You can stash layers, snacks, and water in there without any fuss.