Thinking about a trip to Broome over Christmas? You’ll want to get ready for hot, tropical weather.
Daytime temps usually hover around 34°C (93°F), and the nights stay warm, close to 27°C (81°F). There’s a decent chance of rain, too.
December kicks off the wet season, so everything feels humid and sticky, but you’ll still catch plenty of sunshine between showers.
The heat, humidity, and those sudden downpours really shape how Christmas feels here.
You’ll spot lush greenery, dramatic clouds, and sometimes a tropical storm rolling in.
The coast gives you warm seas for swimming, even as the air feels thick with moisture.
If you know what kind of weather to expect, you can pack light, breathable clothes and plan your outdoor time around the rain.
With some prep, Christmas in Broome can be both adventurous and memorable, mixing tropical beauty with that unique seasonal buzz.
Overview of Broome’s December Climate
December in Broome means hot days, high humidity, and more rain.
Expect warm nights, plenty of sun, and the classic build-up of tropical weather that defines Christmas in this part of Australia.
Location and Climate Zone
Broome sits on Western Australia’s northwest coast, right along the Indian Ocean.
The town falls in the tropical savanna climate zone.
That means two main seasons: a dry stretch from May to October, and a wet season from November to April.
By December, Broome is deep into the wet season.
You’ll notice high humidity, lots of cloud cover, and the real possibility of heavy rain.
Not every day brings rain, but the air feels sticky, and it’s often heavy and still.
Sea breezes sometimes help cool things off.
But honestly, the ocean stays warm—sea temps often top 29°C—which just adds to the muggy vibe.
So, you’ll want to be ready for both heat and moisture.
Weather Patterns Leading Up to Christmas
As Christmas gets closer, Broome sees average daytime highs near 34°C (93°F) and nights around 27°C (80°F).
It’s pretty common for the temperature to stick above 30°C most of the day, with barely any cool down until late at night.
Rainfall picks up compared to earlier months.
December usually brings about 100 mm of rain over 7–9 days.
Showers hit fast and hard, and afternoon thunderstorms aren’t unusual.
Cloud cover becomes more common, with skies shifting from partly cloudy to totally overcast.
Still, you’ll get long stretches of sunshine between the rain.
The UV index stays extreme, so don’t skimp on sun protection—even when it’s cloudy.
Seasonal Weather Trends
December really kicks off Broome’s most humid stretch.
Relative humidity often sits at 60–70%, making it feel even hotter than the thermometer says.
Expect sticky conditions, especially if you’re out during the day.
December also starts the build-up to cyclone season up north.
Cyclones aren’t guaranteed, but the risk goes up this month.
Keep an eye on forecasts and alerts if you’re planning to visit.
Even with the rain and humidity, December still offers a lot of sunshine—almost 10 hours a day on average.
Bright mornings and unsettled afternoons are the norm, thanks to the mix of sun and sudden storms.
Typical Temperatures Around Christmas
December in Broome brings very hot days and warm, muggy nights.
The humidity makes the heat feel even more intense, and evenings don’t bring much relief.
Average High Temperature
Daytime highs around Christmas usually land at 33–34 °C (91–93 °F).
That’s pretty hot, and the humidity just amplifies it.
Most days in late December look pretty similar, with little variation.
Unlike cooler places, Broome doesn’t offer much of a break from the heat during the day.
If you want to get outside, try early mornings or later in the afternoon.
These hot, heavy conditions are classic for Broome’s wet season, which starts in December.
Clouds might increase as the month goes on, but the heat sticks around.
Even on gray days, the air feels thick and warm.
Average Low Temperature
At night, Broome’s temperatures rarely dip below 26–28 °C (79–82 °F).
Evenings stay warm and sticky, not exactly refreshing.
You’ll probably want air conditioning or at least a fan to sleep comfortably.
Unlike inland Australia, Broome doesn’t cool off much at night.
The warm nights mean you can hang out outside after sunset, though the air still feels heavy.
If you’re not used to the tropics, you might find the lack of cool nights a bit tough.
Temperature Records for December
Broome has hit some wild highs in December.
The record for the month reached 44.8 °C (112.6 °F) back in 1951—one of the hottest ever for Western Australia.
Extreme days like that aren’t the norm, but temps above 38 °C (100 °F) aren’t rare in late December.
Being outside for long stretches can get uncomfortable fast.
On the flip side, the coldest December nights usually stay above 24 °C (75 °F).
Truly cool nights are basically unheard of during Christmas in Broome.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
December marks the start of the wet season in Broome.
Humidity rises, showers become more frequent, and the weather feels totally different from the dry months.
Rain doesn’t fall every day, but when it does, it often pours.
Chance of Rain Near Christmas
Rain chances climb as December goes on.
Early in the month, showers are scattered, but by Christmas, wet days become more common.
You’ll probably see several rainy days around the holidays, but it’s rarely non-stop.
December averages about 8 rainy days.
Showers hit hard and fast, then the sun pops back out.
You might get both dry, sunny weather and a downpour in the same day.
Storms start building up during this time, too.
Cyclones aren’t a given, but the season starts in December, so keep an eye on the weather if you’re traveling.
Average Monthly Precipitation
December stands out as one of Broome’s wetter months, with about 162 mm of rainfall on average.
Rain falls unevenly—some days get soaked, others stay dry.
Compare that to September, which barely sees 1 mm, and you’ll get why December feels so different.
The wettest month is February at about 175 mm, so December is right up there with the peak of the wet season.
Here’s a quick look at average monthly rain:
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|
| September | ~0.4 | 0 |
| December | ~162 | 8 |
| February | ~175 | 10 |
That’s why December is solidly in the wet season, even if it’s not the absolute rainiest.
Notable Rainfall Events
Heavy rain in December often comes from tropical systems or strong bursts of monsoon weather.
These can dump 50 mm or more in a single day, which is a big chunk of the monthly average.
Short, intense thunderstorms are common and can bring localized flooding, especially in low spots or on dirt roads.
If you’re traveling, it’s smart to plan for sudden downpours.
Cyclones aren’t as common as in January or February, but they can still show up in late December.
Even if a cyclone stays offshore, rain bands can sweep through with heavy showers and gusty winds.
These events help create the lush landscapes that Broome is known for at this time of year, but they can also complicate outdoor plans.
Humidity and Comfort Levels
December in Broome means hot, humid days and warm nights.
You’ll get sticky afternoons and only slightly more comfortable evenings, which can really influence how you plan your days.
Average Humidity During December
Humidity jumps as the wet season begins.
In December, average relative humidity usually sits between 60% and 65%.
The air feels much heavier than it does during the dry season.
When you mix in daytime highs around 34°C (93°F), it feels hotter than the numbers suggest.
Nights stay humid too, with lows near 27°C (80°F).
Compare that to July, when humidity can drop to about 33%—December feels way more oppressive.
If you’re not used to tropical climates, it’s a big change.
Impact on Daily Life
Higher humidity shapes how you experience Broome.
Walking around midday can feel exhausting, so most people prefer mornings or evenings for getting out.
Air conditioning becomes a must, especially for sleeping.
Most hotels and rentals in Broome include it as a standard, thankfully.
Humidity even affects simple things.
Clothes take longer to dry, and the air feels sticky even after a shower.
Locals usually wear light, breathable fabrics and drink more water to stay comfortable.
If you’re heading to the beach, you’ll notice the ocean is warm—close to 30°C (86°F) in December.
That adds to the humidity, but at least a swim gives you some relief.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine
Around Christmas, Broome’s sky bounces between clear sunshine and heavier cloud.
You’ll get a mix of bright days and humid, overcast stretches—classic wet season style.
Typical Cloud Cover
Broome’s wet season brings more cloud cover than the dry months.
Skies can go overcast pretty quickly, especially before afternoon or evening storms.
Cloud levels vary, but December definitely brings fewer totally clear days.
You’ll see more hazy or partly cloudy skies.
Humidity makes the air feel even heavier when clouds roll in.
Even if the sun pops out, clouds often return within a few hours.
If you’re planning outdoor stuff, expect some interruptions from passing clouds and the odd rain shower.
You’ll still get sunshine, but the cloudier pattern is just part of life in Broome in December.
Sunshine Hours
Even with more clouds, Broome still gets a lot of sun in December.
On average, expect about 9–10 hours of sunshine per day—that’s more than many other coastal places this time of year.
Total sunshine for the month lands around 290–300 hours.
So, there’s plenty of bright weather between the showers.
This balance lets you enjoy outdoor activities, as long as you plan for rain.
The sun’s intensity stays strong, so definitely bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.
Even on cloudy days, UV levels are high and you can burn fast.
If you love long sunny stretches, mornings usually offer clearer skies.
Afternoons tend to see more clouds and rain.
That’s just how tropical wet-season climates like Broome work.
Wind Conditions in December
December brings humid air and frequent storms that shake up the wind in Broome.
You’ll notice shifts in wind direction and strength, especially as tropical systems start to influence the weather.
Prevailing Wind Directions
In December, Broome’s winds mostly blow from the west and northwest, especially as the monsoon trough sets up.
These winds pull in moist tropical air, which is why humidity and rain both ramp up.
Earlier in the month, you might still catch some easterly trade winds, but those fade as the wet season takes over.
By Christmas, northwest winds dominate, lining up with the bigger tropical weather patterns in northern Australia.
That shift matters if you’re into fishing, boating, or kiteboarding.
Westerly and northwesterly winds can make the sea rougher and affect coastal safety.
If you’re heading out on the water, check daily forecasts—wind direction can change quickly when storms roll through.
Average Wind Speeds
December usually brings moderate wind speeds, but they can change a lot if storms roll in. Most days, you’ll see winds around 10 to 15 knots (18–28 km/h).
Mornings often start off calm. By afternoon, sea breezes pick up and the wind gets stronger.
When thunderstorms or tropical lows pass through, wind speeds can jump fast. Storm gusts might top 25 knots (46 km/h), which makes things tricky both on land and out on the water.
You’ll probably notice the wind really picks up later in the day. If you want to avoid the stronger breezes, try to plan outdoor activities for the morning.
By late afternoon, especially near the coast, those winds can get pretty lively.
Sea Temperature and Coastal Conditions
Around Christmas, the waters off Broome feel warm and welcoming. Sea temperatures stay high enough that swimming is comfortable most days.
Coastal conditions change with the tides, humidity, and rain, but the ocean is still a big part of the holiday vibe.
Average Sea Temperature
In December, the sea near Broome sits between 28°C and 31°C (82°F to 88°F). That’s warmer than a lot of other Australian beaches this time of year.
The tropical climate and shallow waters help the ocean heat up quickly. Honestly, the water feels more like a bath than a chilly dip.
You probably won’t need a wetsuit. Even at night, the sea rarely drops below 27°C (80°F).
It’s perfect for long swims, snorkeling, or just wading along the shore.
| Measurement | Temperature |
|---|---|
| Average | 29°C (84°F) |
| Minimum | 28°C (82°F) |
| Maximum | 31°C (88°F) |
Swimming and Water Activities
The sea stays warm, so you can swim for a long time without feeling chilly. You might want to try snorkeling, paddleboarding, or just a relaxed swim—cold water isn’t really a problem here.
But, let’s be honest, coastal safety is something you shouldn’t ignore. December is part of the stinger season up north in Australia, so jellyfish like box jellyfish and Irukandji can show up. If you’re thinking about swimming offshore, grab a protective stinger suit.
Broome’s tides are pretty dramatic, sometimes going over 9 meters (30 feet). That means strong currents pop up in certain spots. Stick to patrolled beaches or areas marked as safe for swimming.
Honestly, the sea temperature feels great. If you get ready and listen to local advice, you’ll probably find the coastal waters are one of the best things about a Christmas in Broome.