Perth Prepares for Scorching Summer: What This Season’s Heat Predictions Mean for You

Summer in the west is set to a make a splash (or, lack thereof) this 2025-26 season. Keeping with the trend of the last few years, the Bureau of Meteorology’s (BoM) latest forecast is pointing to another warm, dry season ahead, with long sun-soaked days, balmy nights, and plenty of pesky flies that seem to love buzzing around your face.

Whether you’re planning on living at the beach, organising a rooftop happy hour, or plotting a luxurious coastal escape, the Urban List team has consulted the experts to give you the inside scoop on what to wear, where to go, and how to survive (and thrive) during Perth’s 2025-26 summer season.

Is Perth Predicting El Niño, or La Niña?

As we excitedly leave the cold behind (even though we always miss it once we’re sweating through our t-shirts), the first question on everyone’s mind is the same: will it be El Niño or La Niña visiting Perth this summer? 

First of all, what does any of this mean? According to the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), La Niña refers to the large-scale cooling of ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, paired with changes in winds, pressure and rainfall patterns. Essentially, colder days, higher rainfall, and the need to pack a poncho for your summer festivals (see-through, of course, so you can still throw a fit underneath). 

El Niño, unsurprisingly, is doing pretty much the exact opposite. Warmer sea temps mean warmer days, and reduced rainfall—which also leads to drier conditions and increased fire risk.

The Bureau’s model predicts a neutral ENSO (in layman’s terms, neither El Niño nor La Niña) until at least January, meaning we’re heading for somewhat of a middle ground as we reach the end of 2025.

What Forecast Should We Expect This Summer?

Image Credit: Beather's Beach House | Instagram

If you want the simple answer, expect less rain, warmer temps (both during the day and overnight), and a dry heat that might break some more records. We’ll likely see above-average maximum and minimum temperatures across Western Australia, alongside below-average rainfall. After Bickley and Mandurah had their warmest summer night (highest daily minimum temperature) on record on 21 January 2025, it’s no surprise that we’re looking at more of the same.

Summer 2024-25 saw above average minimum and maximum temperatures at all sites across Greater Perth. Perth Metro’s mean maximum daily temp hit 31.6 °C, which is 0.7 °C above the long-term average of 30.9 °C, and the mean minimum sunk to 18.8 °C, which is 1.1 °C above the long-term average of 17.7 °C. February was also exceptionally warm across Greater Perth, with many sites experiencing severe heatwave conditions and some of their hottest temps of the season.

As for our limited (but always appreciated) summer rain, Perth Metro was showered with a 9.2mm average rainfall, which might have been our wettest summer since 2020-21, but still only accounted for 24% of the long-term 38.9mm average.

"Because we are seeing increased chances of it being unusually warm for both overnight and daytime temperatures, there’s an increased chance of extreme heat," said BoM senior climatologist Felicity Gamble.

So, Perth is expecting another sizzling summer, but in good news, our vitamin D levels are going to be popping.  

How To Dress, Pack, and Plan Ahead

WA is known for our coastal beauty and golden sun, and with that comes hotter than average temps. Here’s how to prep for that blistering heat.

Essentials 

• Loose-fitting and light: breathable fabrics like linen and cotton for daytime, and a bonus if you get lighter colours to reflect the sun.
• Sun protection: broad-brim hat, SPF 50+ sunscreen, and sunnies (the UV index often hits very high).
• Fly head-nets: these are crucial, especially if you've booked a Rotto Trip
• Hydration: a reusable water bottle is a must, especially on heatwave days (insulated with ice is even better).
• Avoid: Synthetics, thick materials, and dark/ tight-fitting clothing.

Planning Tips 

• Morning = activity time: get in your beach swim, market stroll or brunch early to beat the heat.
• Afternoon = shade time: seek out breezy cafes or riverside bars once the UV peaks.
• Evening = magic hour: late afternoon and sunset are prime times for rooftop bars and coastal views.

Travellers wanting a classic Aussie summer should definitely hit up Perth, but prepare for a dry heat that warms you up from the inside out. From mid-November through February (and sometimes a bit of March), we’ll be dealing with 28 to 35°C days, as well as the occasional 40+°C scorcher.

Basically, us Perth folk are in for another blazing summer, but that doesn’t mean it’ll be a hot mess. The sun will be rising earlier and setting later, meaning there’s more daylight to plan after-work activities and early morning (iced) coffee runs. You just have to look on the bright side (but maybe slip your sunnies on first).

Insider Tip: Stay up-to-date on all the weather fluctuations by checking the BoM forecast.

Looking for more? Check out:

• Perth's Best Markets To Shop At This Summer
• 50 Perth Cafes To Get Around In 2025
• Perth's Best Beaches