Perth, the capital city of Western Australia, is renowned for its sun-lit skies and arid climate. Located along the picturesque coastline of the Indian Ocean, this astounding metropolis has clear weather almost all year round.

But why is that the case? We’ll discuss in detail why Perth is dry on most days of the year and what you can do to ensure you remain healthy and happy during the city’s driest and hottest months.

Why is Perth dry?

The biggest reason why Perth is dry on most days of the year is its Mediterranean climate. This climate type is typically described as having hot, dry summers and relatively mild winters.

As its name suggests, the Mediterranean climate is quite similar to the conditions experienced by coastal regions surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. It’s prevalent in areas that are located at 30° and 45° latitudes north and south of the Equator.

When it comes to Perth specifically, the city has a Mediterranean climate that is classified as Csa under the Köppen climate classification, which means Perth has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate.

This climate ensures the city will have an average maximum temperature of 31.6°C (88.9°F) and an average low of 7.9°C (46.2°F). The hottest month is February, while the coldest is July.

Rainfall in Perth

As for rainfall, Perth experiences an average rainfall of 730.9 mm every year (9News). That makes the city drier than cities like Darwin and Sydney but wetter when compared to cities like Adelaide and Canberra.

While you might think at first that Perth’s rainfall is pretty average, we must remember that the city’s rainy days only really take place during the winter season. 

In fact, Perth boasts clear blue skies approximately 70% of the year (Australian Tertiary Institute).

That’s why the city is known as the sunniest city in Australia, making Perth an excellent place to enjoy a lot of outdoor activities! Furthermore, you don’t need to wear thick clothing or bring bulky umbrellas while exploring the city.

At first glance, many would think that Perth is quite lucky to enjoy having the most sunny days out of all of Australia’s major cities. However, there are also some downsides we must consider when it comes to Perth’s dryness.

Disadvantages of Perth’s Dry Climate

The lack of rainfall, except during the winter season, means that most days in Perth tend to be hotter than one might expect. According to historical data, Perth’s hottest temperature ever recorded was 46.2°C (115.16°F) on February 23, 1991 (WAtoday)!

While dry heat isn’t as bad as humid heat, it can still lead you to experience dehydration and excessive sweating if you’re not careful. 

A nasty effect extreme heat may cause is the rise of heat stroke cases in Perth. In the first half of January 2024, more than 20 people were treated for symptoms of heat exposure (The West Australian). 

Sadly, the heat may worsen in the coming years as Perth begins to feel the effects of climate change.

Furthermore, the city’s average annual rainfall has reduced by around 20% since the 1970s. Not only does this lead to hotter days every year, but Perth’s water supply is also at risk of failing to meet the city’s water needs (Water Corporation).

Another worrying issue that arises due to Perth’s dry heat is the city’s infamous bushfires that occur every year. The lack of moisture means most organic matter, like leaf litter, bark, and small branches, can ignite quickly during an extremely hot day.

Tips on How to Deal with Perth’s Dry Climate

Now that you’re aware of the pros and cons of Perth’s dry climate, here are some useful tips you must always remember to ensure living in Perth will be a pleasant and enjoyable experience!

• Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated is one of the best things you can do to keep your body temperature in check during a hot day. While there’s no specific amount of water you must drink every day, HealthDirect Australia recommends you drink at least 8–10 cups.

If you’re planning on staying outdoors during a hot day, it’s a great idea to bring a vacuum-sealed water bottle so you’ll have easy access to cool water anytime.

• Keep updated on the current status of Perth’s weather

While it’s expected that most days in Perth will be sunny, it’s still important for us to know how intense the sun will be for the day. To help you with that, you can use the SunSmart Global UV app to see the UV levels in your area and more.

You can get the app on both the App Store and the Play Store.

• Apply sunscreen when heading out at noon

Another important thing you should do before leaving the house at noon is applying sunscreen to any part of your body that’ll be directly exposed to sunlight. This is to ensure your skin remains protected from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Also, sunscreen can keep your skin moisturised and healthy in Perth’s dry climate.

• Spend your free time visiting the city’s famous beaches

As the sunniest city in Australia, Perth offers you plenty of chances to enjoy the great outdoors. In fact, it’s filled with amazing beaches where you can keep your body cool and have fun with friends and family. 

Some noteworthy beaches you don’t want to miss out on are Scarborough Beach, City Beach, and Cottesloe Beach.

• Dress lightly

Part of keeping your body cool during a hot day is to only wear simple clothing. On most days, you’ll find Perthites wearing only t-shirts, shorts, dresses, sandals, and sneakers when walking outdoors.

It’s also better if you stick to clothes with light colours, as they reflect sunlight rather than absorb it.

• Close curtains and blinds during the hottest part of the day

Keeping your curtains and blinds closed during the hottest part of the day is necessary to keep hot air out of your home. Furthermore, you’ll also prevent sunlight from entering and warming up the floors and furniture in the house.

However, make sure to open your curtains once the night arrives so the cool air can circulate in your home and cool it down.

• Keep your backyard and roof clear of any dry leaves

As mentioned earlier, one of the worst things that can happen due to Perth’s dry climate is its bushfires. That’s why it’s important to regularly dispose of any dry leaves or twigs you find around your property.

If you’re living near a forest or bushland, it might also be a good idea to build your home using materials that have a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating of 12.5 or higher.

• Switch to using energy-efficient appliances

You can also help keep your home’s internal temperature low by switching to energy-efficient appliances. According to the Department of Energy, older incandescent light bulbs release 90% of their energy as heat.

Meanwhile, newer ones, like LED lighting, release significantly less heat and use less electricity.