Leslie Massey
Australia's seasons are the opposite of those in the Northern Hemisphere. While people in Europe and North America are experiencing winter, Australians are enjoying summer. Summer in Western Australia typically lasts from December to February, with sporadic rainfall and high temperatures. February is the hottest month, with an average high of 31.7°C (89.1°F) in Perth. However, summer-like weather can extend until April, with heatwaves and little rain. The Noongar people, native to the southwest region of Western Australia, recognize six seasons, with Birak (December to January) being the hot and dry season.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Summer in Western Australia | December, January, and February |
| First day of summer | Marked by the summer solstice |
| Weather | High temperatures, sporadic rainfall, and long daylight hours |
| End of summer | February or March |
| Seasonal variations | The Noongar people recognize six seasons, with Birak (December to January) as the hot and dry season |
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What You'll Learn
Summer in Western Australia officially ends in February
Summer in the Southern Hemisphere falls between spring and autumn, with the three hottest months being December, January, and February. In Western Australia, the seasons are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere. While winter occurs in the Northern Hemisphere, summer takes place in Western Australia, and vice versa.
In Perth, the capital city of Western Australia, the seasons are officially defined according to calendar months. Thus, summer in Perth spans from 1 December to the end of February, with February being the hottest month. During this period, Perth experiences hot and dry weather, with sporadic rainfall in the form of short-lived thunderstorms and cold fronts. The average rainfall for December to February is 43.1 mm (1.70 inches), occurring over 4.9 rain days.
However, summer-like conditions can extend beyond February and last until mid-April. Heatwaves are still common in March, with temperatures soaring above 38°C (100°F). Tropical cyclones and their remnants are more likely to impact Perth in March and April than in the preceding months.
The Noongar people, who inhabit the southwest region of Western Australia, including Perth, recognise six seasons instead of the traditional four-season model. The first season, Birak, spans December to January and is characterised by hot and dry weather. This is followed by Bunuru from February to March, which brings slightly cooler temperatures with occasional warmth.
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However, summer-like weather can occur until April
Summer in Western Australia typically lasts from December to February, with some sources citing March as the end of the season. However, summer-like weather can occur until April.
In Perth, the capital city of Western Australia, seasons are officially defined as coinciding with calendar months. So, while summer starts on 1 December, autumn begins on 1 March. However, summer-like weather can generally be experienced from November to early April. This is because Perth's summer can see extreme rainfall events, which are more common from late summer to mid-autumn than early to mid-summer.
The Noongar people, who live in the southwest corner of Western Australia, including Perth, recognise six seasons. The months of these seasons are approximate, as they are based on the weather rather than calendar dates. The third of these seasons, Djeran, lasts from April to May and marks the arrival of autumn. However, even in April, heatwaves are still common, with temperatures above 38°C (100°F).
The northern dry season in Western Australia falls between April and September, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 34°C. The wet season, from October to March, sees temperatures reach the mid to high 30s, with high humidity.
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The Noongar people recognise six seasons, with Birak being the hot and dry season
In Western Australia, the seasons are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere. While the Northern Hemisphere experiences winter, it is summer in Western Australia, and vice versa. However, the traditional four-season model does not adequately capture the diverse climate and ecological variations across the vast continent.
The Noongar people, the traditional owners of the southwest region of Western Australia, recognise six distinct seasons. Their profound understanding of the environment and cultural practices are reflected in this seasonal calendar, which is integral to their way of life.
One of these seasons is Birak, also known as 'first summer'. Falling in the months of December and January, Birak is characterised by hot, dry weather and an absence of rain. The mornings bring hot easterly winds, while the afternoons offer a welcome respite with cooling sea breezes. The colour associated with Birak is red, symbolising the heat, sun, and fire that define this season.
During Birak, the Noongar people traditionally conduct controlled burns of the land. These fires serve multiple purposes, including reducing undergrowth, increasing mobility, and aiding in plant germination. The fires also flush out animals, aiding in hunting, and make traversing the land easier. Birak is a time of abundance, with lakes and rivers providing a plentiful supply of fresh food, including mullet, beam, marron, and crabs.
By recognising six seasons, the Noongar people have developed a deep connection to their environment and a rich cultural understanding that guides their way of life. This knowledge has been passed down through tens of thousands of years, shaping the way they interact with the unique and diverse ecosystems of Western Australia.
While the exact end date of summer in Western Australia can vary, it typically concludes in February, marking the transition into the season of Bunuru, or 'second summer', which is the hottest of the six seasons.
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The Kaurna calendar says summer ends in March
In Western Australia, the seasons are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere. While Europe and North America experience winter, Australia enjoys its summer. However, the traditional four-season model used by European settlers doesn't always align with the diverse climate of Australia, especially in the tropical north where there are only wet and dry seasons.
The Kaurna calendar, a traditional seasonal calendar of the Indigenous Australian people, offers a different perspective on the seasons. According to the Kaurna calendar, summer ends in March, which is more in line with the climate of Southern Australia. This calendar is based on natural events and environmental changes, recognising six seasons rather than four.
The Noongar seasons, another Indigenous seasonal model from the southwest region of Western Australia, also acknowledge six seasons. The hot and dry season of Birak spans December to January, followed by the slightly cooler Bunuru from February to March, and then Djeran in April and May, which marks the arrival of autumn.
The end of summer in March, as indicated by the Kaurna calendar, aligns with the experiences of locals who observe that the seasons seem to lag behind the standard European model by about a month. This is because the Australian seasons are determined by the beginning of calendar months, whereas in many other parts of the world, equinox dates are used to define the seasons.
So, while the official end of summer in Australia is considered to be at the end of February, the Kaurna calendar and the experiences of locals suggest that summer lingers into March, bringing with it the promise of cooler days and the vibrant colours of autumn.
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Summer in the Southern Hemisphere is between spring and autumn
The seasons in Australia are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere. So, when it is summer in Australia, it is winter in Europe and North America. The Australian summer is known for its high temperatures and long daylight hours. The weather in coastal areas is typically warm and humid, while the inland and arid regions experience extremely hot and dry seasons. The first day of summer is marked by the summer solstice, which corresponds to the astronomical beginning of summer.
The Noongar seasons are followed by the Australian Aboriginal people, who are a group from the southwest region of Western Australia. They recognize six seasons, which is different from the traditional four-season model. The six Noongar seasons are Birak (December to January), a hot and dry season with little to no rainfall; Bunuru (February to March), a slightly cooler season; and Djeran (April to May), which marks the arrival of autumn with more moderate temperatures.
The best time to visit Australia is often considered to be during the spring and autumn seasons, as the weather is mild and dry in most of the country. However, the summer months can also be a great time to visit, especially for those who enjoy the heat and longer days. Many families take extended holidays during the summer, and it is a popular time for outdoor activities such as swimming and exploring natural landscapes.
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Frequently asked questions
Summer in Western Australia ends in late February or early March.
The four seasons in Australia are spring, summer, autumn, and winter. However, the Australian Aboriginal Noongar people recognize six seasons: Birak, Bunuru, Djeran, Makuru, Djilba, and Kambarang.
Summer in Western Australia is hot and dry, with little to no rainfall. However, sporadic rainfall can occur in the form of short-lived thunderstorms and cold fronts.
Summer in Western Australia experiences high temperatures, with the average high in February, the hottest month, reaching 31.7°C (89.1°F) in Perth.
The best time to visit Western Australia is during the dry season, from May to October, when temperatures are milder.
