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When To Go · Destination Guide

Busselton Jetty and Margaret River Region

Jetty pilings, a legendary wreck, and cape-to-cape reefs with world-class wine country in between

Updated Jan 23, 2026 • 16 sources

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When to go

Best time to visit Busselton Jetty and Margaret River Region

The South West has a Mediterranean pattern: drier, warmer summers and cooler, wetter winters.

Best overall window

Mar to May and Sep to Nov

Comfortable air temperatures, fewer heat extremes, and better flexibility for both ocean and inland plans.

Outside that window

Cooler water (down to about 15°C), more rain, and larger swell. Great for whales and dramatic coastline views.

Choose your trip style

Start with the overall answer, then switch only when scuba, freedive, snorkel, or topside timing changes the trip in a meaningful way.

Month-by-month planner

The overall row stays visible so you can compare it against the currently selected scope.

BestGoodTradeoffsMore variable
ScopeJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Overall
Wildlife goals and seasonal highlights

These do not replace the overall planner. Use them only if a specific animal or event is driving your trip dates.

  • Humpback and southern right whales on the migration corridor

    Best for Topside, Snorkel, Scuba

    May to Nov

    JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

    Ngari Capes Marine Park sits on major migration paths.

  • Blue whales in Geographe Bay

    Best for Topside, Scuba, Snorkel

    Nov

    JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

    Ngari Capes guidance notes that blue whales frequent Geographe Bay, particularly during November.

  • Busselton Jetty Swim

    Best for Topside

    Feb

    JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

    An iconic openwater event with a signature 3.6 km swim around the jetty.

  • WSL Margaret River Pro

    Best for Topside

    Apr

    JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

    A major professional surfing stop at Surfers Point.

  • Spring wildflowers and shoulder-season hiking

    Best for Topside

    Sep to Nov

    JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

    Spring brings wildflowers and comfortable hiking weather for Cape to Cape Track day segments and coastal headlands.

Always true for this destination
  • If you want a trip that mixes ocean time with wineries and hiking, target autumn (Mar to May) or spring (Sep to Nov).
Seasonal cautions
  • Dec to Feb: Warmest water (up to about 23°C under the jetty) but peak holiday crowds and more afternoon sea breeze.
  • Jun to Aug: Cooler water (down to about 15°C), more rain, and larger swell. Great for whales and dramatic coastline views.

Built from climate references, access rules, and destination operators. Wildlife timing and route flexibility can shift year to year.