Wet season in Broome

I am thinking of doing a road trip from Perth to Broome over Xmas this year. However I would like to hear first hand experience of how WET the wet season in Broome is likely to be at that time of year.

All help greatly appreciated.

Broome is in a desert ... its annual rainfall is only around 600 mm ... and most of that will be Jan-Feb. It is not the same as the tropics at all. It can be intensely humid pre-Christmas.

So don't worry about the wet in Broome ... perhaps be more mindful of the heat between Kalbarri and Port Hedland ... it can be very intense too. Beautiful stark country though.

Broome has one of the many varieties of a tropical climate.

I spent a wet season in the Kimberley, living in Derby but visiting Broome often for entertainment, as you do.

The wet season in Broome consists of heavy afternoon thunderstorms on most days, perhaps with one or more storms later in the evening. You will enjoy the relief these bring from the humidity.

You will be there during cyclone season so it is imperative that you monitor local weather, and listen to ABC Radio. It will also be stinger season -- take a bottle of vinegar with you to the beach if you decide to swim.

As noted by #1, the drive through the Pilbara can be challenging but beautiful. Get your car serviced before the journey. Plan your fuel stops, as these might be 300 km apart and your air con can hasten consumption. Carry basic spares and plenty of water.

Fuel costs increase significantly the further north you travel, as it all has to come in by road from the south. Don't expect a cheap journey.

I don't remember whether any sections of the highway south from Broome are susceptible to flash flooding, but this is unlikely to be an issue unless there is a cyclone in the region. Don't attempt any off-road adventures unless you are truly experienced and properly equipped.

I spent a wet season in the Kimberley, living in Derby but visiting Broome often for entertainment, as you do.

Gawd ... I would put Derby on my shortlist of least pleasant near-tropical towns, with a dreadful summer climate and precious little to do. I would add Kununurra, Borroloola, Katherine, Mt Isa, and Normanton to the hit-list.

There are some parts of this country that really do not warrant being lived in.

Agree with the above, that time of year its less about the 'wet' and rain, but more about the intense heat and humidity that makes being outside of air-con like a sauna, and pretty damn unpleasant to be around in. You need to consider if you are up for that and can manage it for the length of your trip. When I worked up in NT in November, it was just excruciating, 99% humidity, 38deg and not a breath of wind at 11am....you're really holding out for those showers to come in!

Its also cyclone / hurricane season, and usually once/twice a year a big storm rolls in somewhere around the region. You'd be pretty unlucky to get caught in one, but if you do you could get stranded for a while if roads flood.

On the plus side, that is low season for tourists, so prices should be slightly cheaper.

This topic has been automatically locked due to inactivity. Email community@lonelyplanet.com if you would like to add to this topic and we'll unlock it for you.