When is the Best Time to Visit Broome?
There is a common misconception about the best time to visit Broome. The truth is, the town is ready for you all year round – both the wet and dry seasons have plenty on offer. Broome is known for its tropical climate, from the warm winters to the lightning storms. Its peak is between June to August, with many Aussies travelling north to escape winter. Off-peak season runs from January to March due to a lot of rain during the monsoon season.
Dry season
The dry season, characterised by low humidity and little rain, lasts from May to October. During this time, temperatures average between 20 degrees to low 30s. If you love to swim, this is the perfect time to go, as the colder water deters box jellyfish.
Wet season
Heading into the wet season between the months of November to April, the heat begins to pick up, with temperatures climbing into the mid-30s during the day. The rain is mostly heavy, with short downpours in the afternoon or evening, and, while the humidity may be too much for some, it’s responsible for the tropical storms that result in some spectacular flashes of lightning and breathtakingly beautiful sunsets, which locals say are not to be missed.
Summer
The perfect time to relax, surrender to the hot weather and enjoy slow-paced living. Matso’s is Australia’s most remote brewery and is open seven days a week. Sit back on the brewery's large verandah overlooking Roebuck Bay with a refreshing ginger beer in hand or match the midday heat with Matso’s chilli beer, claimed to be the hottest beer in the world. Wash the beers down with lunch and opt for the prize-winning steak sandwich.
Summer is monsoon season in Broome and the rains bring excellent opportunities to throw out a line. Join Johani, a proud Yawuru, Karrajarri, Nyul Nyul, Bardi man, on his Binba Mayi tour. With the guidance of Johani, you'll forage for mud crabs, stingrays and fish and later, have the chance to sample your fresh catch on the mudflats, next to a creek or amidst the mangroves.
Autumn
Between the months of May and June the Broome Fringe Festival takes over the town. The creative community puts on a number of events showcasing the town's homegrown talent. Be transported by artists, musicians and performers through a series of workshops, gigs and exhibitions. A highlight is the annual Art Trail, where artists open their doors to the public to sell their art.
Winter
The two-week Shinju Matsuri festival falls in the last week of August through to the first week of September and celebrates the Japanese, Malaysian, Chinese and Indigenous Australian cultures who have been brought together by the pearl industry in Broome. To celebrate the heritage and history of the town there is everything from cultural tours to art exhibitions, performances and gourmet dining. The Chinatown Feast is always a hit, with lantern-lit hawker-style markets running along Carnarvon Street.
The Staircase to the Moon is a natural phenomenon occurring between April and October when the full moon rises and reflects on the exposed mudflats during low tide, creating the illusion of a staircase. Markets are held once a month between 4-8pm in the Town Beach precinct on these evenings. Night markets are also held at the Town Beach every Thursday from June to September. Local stalls line the streets with food, live music, fashion and homewares.
Spring
The tailend of the dry season brings lovely weather, with low humidity, cool nights and temperatures hovering between 17-30C. Make the most of being outdoors with an evening showing at Sun Pictures, the world's oldest outdoor picture garden, where the openair setting is perfect for stargazing while a new release flickers in front of you.
Sunsets are worth waiting around for, too: why not enjoy it with a cruise (with swimming allowed until October, conditions permitting), one of the best ways to see the glory of the town's fire-red coastline?
