Geraldton weather: When is the best time to visit the Abrolhos Islands?
The Geraldton weather is very hot in the summer months. The best time to visit the Abrolhos Islands, therefore, is the shoulder season. Aim for April, May, October or November.
The Western Australian town of Geraldton is often seen as a staging post on the drive north from Perth to Broome. But some will drive from Perth to Geraldton, or take a direct flight to Geraldton, in order to visit the Abrolhos Islands.
The best time to visit the Abrolhos Islands – more formally, the Houtman-Abrolhos Islands – is heavily dependent on the Geraldton weather.
Geraldton climate statistics
The Geraldton climate is hotter than that of Perth – unsurprising, given it’s further north. And the summer months in Geraldton can be particularly uncomfortable. February sees mean maximum temperatures of 33°C. The mean maximum temperatures in December, January and March are also above 30°C. Obviously, on some summer days, the Geraldton weather can be much hotter.
6 cool Geraldton experiences you should book in advance
- (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED) Hear astonishing shipwreck stories, spot tiny wallabies and enjoy white sand beaches – on a full day Abrolhos Islands tour including scenic flight.
- See what you can reel in on an Abrolhos Islands fishing charter.
- Try your hand at lobster farming on lobster pot-pulling tours.
- Gasp at migrating humpbacks on a whale-watching cruise.
- Marvel at Hutt Lagoon from above on a pink lake scenic flight.
- Watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean on a Geraldton harbour sunset cruise.
It’s fair to say, therefore, that the best time to visit the Abrolhos Islands is not February. Wait for it to get a little cooler. July is the coldest month in Geraldton, with a mean maximum daily temperature of 20°C and a mean minimum daily temperature of 8°C. That is perfectly pleasant, of course, but rainfall is higher in winter. There’s an average of 67.1mm of rain in July, compared to just 4.7mm in December.
Best time to visit the Abrolhos Islands
The best time to visit the Abrolhos Islands, therefore, is the shoulder season. That’s when the Geraldton weather is warm, with relatively low rainfall to ruin your Abrolhos Islands tour. April, October and November are all fabulous months to visit this part of Western Australia.
If you’re heading further north towards the Shark Bay stromatolites, Monkey Mia dolphin feeding and Exmouth, then perhaps aim for April or May. This is largely because this is the start of the Ningaloo Reef whale shark season. And, frankly, being able to swim with whale sharks on the Ningaloo Reef is more important than rainfall or temperature on the Houtman-Abrolhos Islands.
Geraldton accommodation recommendations
Booking site Wotif offers Geraldton accommodation for from $119 a night. Search for the best deals here.
However, the following places to stay in Geraldton are particularly worth considering.
- For central location: Gerald Apartment Hotel.
- For low prices, but with a pool: Ibis Styles.
- To be by the beach: Ocean Centre Hotel.
- For overall quality: Mantra Geraldton.
More Australian weather
Weather in… Airlie Beach | Albury | Hobart | Melbourne | Mildura | Parramatta | Rottnest Island | Sydney | Toowoomba | Uluru | Warrnambool.