Lake Argyle

Like the rest of Australia’s Top End, the Kimberley has two distinct seasons: a tropical Dry Season (April to September) and a tropical Wet Season (October to March). Each offers a very different experience, depending on what you want to see and do.

The Dry Season 

From April to September, while southern Australia experiences most of its rainfall, the Kimberley dries up, offering warm days, cool nights, and almost no rain. During this time, all attractions, national parks, tours, and roads are open and fully operational, making it the perfect season to explore the region.

With sunny days, low humidity, and pleasant evenings, the weather is ideal for outdoor adventures. In July, average daytime temperatures reach around 30.8°C, while nights drop to about 14.7°C.

This is the best time for camping, hiking, scenic drives, cruising, and discovering the Kimberley’s stunning landscapes in comfortable conditions. However, because it’s such a popular travel period, it’s important to book accommodation and activities well in advance.

The Wet Season

From January to April, storm clouds signal the arrival of the wet season, bringing dramatic changes to the Kimberley’s landscape as some attractions and tours begin to wind down. Monsoonal rains refresh the region, transforming it into a lush, vibrant paradise with flowing rivers and waterfalls at their most spectacular.

The Kimberley receives an average of around 867mm of rainfall each year, with most of it falling between January and March. During this period, many attractions become inaccessible due to flooded roads, and tours are either limited or not operating. Some businesses also close for the season as travel becomes more challenging.

However, Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle remains open year-round, making it a great base for those who want to experience the incredible beauty and raw power of the Kimberley in its wet.

The Kimberley has a tropical monsoonal climate, defined by two distinct seasons that shape the region’s unique character. From May to October, is the perfect time to visit, bringing clear blue skies, warm sunny days, cool nights, and low humidity - ideal for exploring, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors.

In Broome, the western gateway to the Kimberley, temperatures remain pleasantly consistent between 25°C and 32°C throughout the year. From May to October, conditions are beautifully dry and comfortable, while the wet season, from November to April, brings bursts of tropical rain that rejuvenate the landscape.

Further east in Kununurra, near Lake Argyle, temperatures range from 20°C to 36°C. The dry season here offers warm days and breezy, cool evenings. With a little preparation, including staying hydrated and protecting yourself from the sun, the Kimberley’s climate makes for an unforgettable travel experience.

The short answer to this is that the Kimberley is a massive and geologically diverse region. Divided into two regions (East and West) it covers 423,517 square kilometres by area, which makes it equivalent in size to European countries like Belgium and Holland!

To continue comparisons to the European continent, the population of the region is sparse at only 40,000 permanent residents – about the same as Europe’s smallest principality, Liechtenstein.

Given the sheer size of the region, as described above, you could spend weeks and months exploring the Kimberley if you so desired.

For most people this length of stay is not possible, so a good couple of weeks is highly recommended. If even this amount of time is not feasible, there’s plenty you can achieve during shorter stays.

As a minimum, allow yourself 5-6 days to explore places like Lake Argyle, where the amount of exploration you can do is only limited by your imagination. For those self-driving and not arriving via one of the local airports, one week would give you enough time to have an authentic and memorable Kimberley adventure.

Part of the Kimberley’s appeal lies in its diverse and rich history of immigration and settlement, which stretches back tens of thousands of years.

Made up of several language groups, each with unique cultures, traditions, and beliefs, the earliest Aboriginal communities include the Bardi, Wororra, Wunambal, and Gooniyandi peoples, whose deep ancestral connections remain evident across the region today.

Since the 1800s, like much of Australia, the Kimberley has also become home to people of non-Indigenous descent, including European settlers and those from various Southeast Asian backgrounds. This cultural diversity continues to be celebrated and preserved as an important part of the Kimberley’s identity.

While arriving in the Kimberley can be an adventure of its own, your reward for getting here should include a mix of relaxation, adventure, wildlife spotting and discovery. As mentioned already, you could spend weeks or even months delving into the Kimberley, so here are a few of the Kimberley’s most popular attractions:

1. Lake Argyle: We might be biased, but this man-made lake is one of the largest in the world, and offers incredible boating, fishing, and camping opportunities
2. Bungle Bungle Range: A unique and ancient bee-hive shaped sandstone formation inside Purnululu National Park is a must-visit
3. Horizontal Falls: At the Buccaneer Archipelago, this natural wonder is created by rapid tidal changes that cause water to rush through two narrow rock openings.
4. Cable Beach, Broome: With its white sand and crystal-clear waters, Cable Beach is famous for swimming, sunbathing, and camel rides!
5. Mitchell Falls: This stunning four-tiered waterfall in Mitchell River National Park can only be accessed by helicopter, making for an unforgettable holiday experience.
6. Windjana Gorge: This is an ancient gorge that is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including freshwater crocodiles, and is a popular spot for hiking and free camping.
7. El Questro Wilderness Park: Covering over one million acres, El Questro is an adventure in its own right with stunning gorges, waterfalls and hot springs.
8. The Kimberley Coast: Rugged cliffs, pristine beaches and abundant marine life, make this a popular destination for boat tours and fishing trips.
9. Tunnel Creek: This cave system inside Windjana Gorge National Park is great for guided tours and offers a unique glimpse into the region's history.
10. Gibb River Road: Travel this iconic outback road for over 600 km to arrive in the Kimberley. You won’t forget its stunning landscapes and attractions.

Major routes, including the Savannah Way between Broome and Kununurra, are fully sealed, and the road to Lake Argyle is sealed and caravan-friendly, making it easy to explore key Kimberley highlights in a standard vehicle or via guided tours.

A 4WD isn’t essential to experience the Kimberley, but it does open up access to some of the region’s more remote attractions.

A high-clearance 4WD is required for routes and destinations such as the Gibb River Road and Purnululu National Park (the Bungle Bungles). However, there’s still plenty to see and do without one.

Freshwater crocodiles are found in some waterways, including Lake Argyle, however they are generally considered not dangerous to humans. There are no saltwater crocodiles in Lake Argyle, and many locals and visitors enjoy swimming there while respecting that it is a natural environment.

Water conditions in the Kimberley can change quickly, particularly after heavy rainfall, so factors such as water levels, visibility and recent wildlife activity should always be considered.

As with all outdoor swimming, checking conditions on the day and following local guidance is the best way to stay safe.