Margaret River boasts some of Western Australia's most stunning beaches, fresh produce and of course, wine. But when exactly is the best time to plan your trip?
When is the best time to visit Margaret River?
Truth is, Margaret River has something unique to offer all year round. The Margaret River region has a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. But of course, some activities are better suited to certain times of the year. If you want to make the most of the region's hiking trails, beaches and outdoor activities, summer is where it’s at. Average daytime temperatures hover just under 30°C, the weather is great for long days at the beach and the balmy evenings are perfect for alfresco dining. The shoulder season (late spring and early autumn) are also great times to visit as you get most of the perks of summer, but with smaller crowds. Winter averages between a mild 16-18°C with a fair bit of rain, however clear and crisp winter days are beautiful for walking, especially along the Cape to Cape Track.
Average temperatures in Margaret River
MONTH |
AVERAGE DAILY HIGH (°C) |
January |
26 |
February |
27 |
March |
26 |
April |
23 |
May | 20 |
June | 17 |
July | 16 |
August | 17 |
September | 17 |
October | 20 |
November | 23 |
December | 25 |
Spring
Best for: whale watching, wildflowers
Spring is a glorious time of year when the forests and coastal headlands come to life and native wildflowers bloom after heavy winter rain. It’s a great time to explore the Boranup Karri Forest or enjoy the slightly warmer weather along the Cape to Cape Track. It really starts to warm up by the end of spring which is a good time to enjoy the beaches before the peak season starts. Whale watching season peaks in spring and you can see pods of humpbacks just off the coast. If you're really lucky, you might even see a blue whale.
Summer
Best for: beaches, sea swimming, surfing, hiking
Margeret River sizzles in the summer, and we're not just talking about the weather. The restaurants and bars are pumping, the beaches look extra gorgeous and the grapevines are full of fruit. The daily temperature ranges between a warm 25-35°C, making it perfect for enjoying long, lazy days on the beach and swimming in the ocean. Margaret River is also one of Australia's best surfing destinations with more than 70 breaks along the coast. If you don't fancy getting in, keep a lookout for pro surfers catching a wave.
Autumn
Best for: hiking, beaches, sunsets
Autumn is a gorgeous time of year in Margs as the days are still lovely and warm and the evenings are mild enough to wine and dine outside. It can feel cool in the early morning so bring a jacket to keep warm. Autumn is also vintage season, which means you'll get to experience all of the harvest celebrations put on by the wineries. Autumn also boasts some of the most spectacular sunsets of the year with dramatic colours lighting up the sky.
Winter
Best for: bushwalking, rugging up with red wine, whale watching
Winter in Margaret River isn't gloomy and dull. Sure, it rains a lot and there are some pretty intense thunderstorms, but the Cape to Cape coast is wild and beautiful in an entirely different way. There are also plenty of crisp, sunny days to enjoy long walks along the beach and in the bush. Winter is a perfect time to rug up and enjoy the region's bold reds around a roaring log fire. Whales start to migrate from Antarctica in June and you can watch them from the clifftops on the Cape to Cape Track. For an extra special experience, jump on a whale watching tour to get a closer look of these incredible animals.
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