Image from Visit Broome
Broome is a well-known tourist destination and pearling centre. It’s also a favourite holiday spot due to its beautiful beaches, rich history, stunning natural phenomena, and stunning coastline. Although international travel is still a distant dream for many Australians, they are exploring their country and Broome should be on their top list.
Planning your Broome trip requires you to think about many things, including the wet season vs the dry season, whale watching and time-specific attractions like Staircase to Moon, as well as affordability. So that you can choose the best time to visit Broome, we have compiled a list of things to consider before you book.
Why Broome?
This popular Kimberley town has many great reasons to be there. Broome’s tropical climate makes it a popular destination for tourists. While most of Australia is experiencing winter cold, Broome enjoys warm sunny days and magical evenings.
The Yawuru people were the original inhabitants of Broome. They occupied the Kimberley for forty thousand years before European settlement. Six seasons are still celebrated by them. To share their vibrant culture, they offer cultural programs.
Broome is a pearling community with a rich past. It also has significant historical significance due to visible wrecks of planes that were shot down during WWII. You will find fossilised dinosaur footprints and a 20th century movie theatre. There is also a crocodile farm, as well as many other interesting attractions that will delight all ages. Cable Beach is known for its spectacular sunsets and camel rides. Holidayers love to get out on the water for fishing or diving, as well as whale and dolphin watching cruises.
When is the best time to visit?
Most likely, you have heard of the Broome’s two main seasons – the dry and wet. Which one is better for tourists? It all depends on your needs.
Dry Season
Broome’s dry season is usually the ‘on” season. This is when Broome’s population triples as tourists travel to Broome to escape the colder weather and see the beautiful Kimberley. These are the most popular months for tourism, running from May through October. The daytime temperature ranges from 20 to 30 degrees with very little rainfall and high humidity. There is usually clear skies. This is the best season for holiday weather. You can experience the Shinju Matsuri Festival if you plan your visit well. While you’re in Perth, make sure to visit Perth IS OK! for more local events!
Wet Season
The wet season (November through April) is characterized by rain, heat, humidity, and possible flooding. However, monsoonal weather, including cyclones and severe downpours, occurs later in the season (January through March). During the wet season, daytime temperatures average in the 30s.
The sunsets at this time of the year are spectacular, as are the lightning displays. You will find a more relaxed, laid-back Broome if you choose to visit during the quieter season. It is also a great place to meet locals who are more active in the ‘quiet” season. Broome is one of the best-kept secrets in the region. Broome is an amazing holiday spot that offers so much no matter what season.
The best time to visit for affordability
The wet season, or green season as it is now called, is usually quieter and has fewer people. This makes it more affordable. Because there is less demand in the wet season, prices are usually lower and you can get the best deals.
It’s important that you know that not all tourist attractions and operators will be open during the wet season. After the chaos and mayhem of the tourist season, it’s a time of maintenance and downtime for some (but not all).
Attractions and Tours
The majority of tours are available all year, but you should check before you book your trip to make sure there are any tours that you’re interested in.
Whale-watching in Broome, a tourist favourite, is a must-do. The whale season runs from July through September, though the timing of the arrival and departure of the whales can affect the schedule. Absolute Ocean Charters offers whale-watching tours every day during these months. You’ll be able to see whales and get out on the water in the wonderful, warm, clear weather Broome has at this time of the year.
Before booking, make sure to check the dates to ensure you can see the amazing natural phenomenon of Staircase To the Moon. This amazing event can be seen on certain dates between May and Nov, as well as the night Moon markets, which usually take place for three days each month.
Broome has many other markets year-round that feature local art, crafts and food. They are open on weekends.
Broome’s wildlife is at its best during different seasons. You might be surprised at Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park if you visit in the wet season. The big saltwater Crocs are usually more active during this time of the year. Cable Beach offers camel rides all year. However, if you go out in the evening, you might see sea turtles hatching. Although it is unlikely that you will see turtles, it is possible to give them space while you observe them from afar.
Broome is not the most popular time to visit. We are sure that you will be amazed at the variety of culture, natural attractions and photo opportunities Broome offers, no matter when you visit. Consider all the things you would like to do and see when you go, and then choose the best time of year for you and your budget. We are certain you will have a great time!