When To Go · Destination Guide
Busselton Jetty And Margaret River Region Australia
Jetty pilings, a legendary wreck, and cape-to-cape reefs with world-class wine country in between
Updated Jan 23, 2026 • 16 sources
When To Go
Season planner for Busselton Jetty and Margaret River Region
The South West has a Mediterranean pattern: drier, warmer summers and cooler, wetter winters. Under Busselton Jetty, long-term logging shows a seasonal water range from about 15°C (July) to about 23°C (January and February). Use that range to pick exposure protection: many divers prefer a 3mm suit in summer and 5mm in winter, with a hood or vest for longer dives. For capes diving and snorkeling, the key variable is swell. Winter swells can be dramatic and are great for surf watching and whale season, but they reduce the number of safe shore entries. Late summer and autumn often give the best balance of water temperature, visibility, and calmer sea states.
At A Glance Heatmap
| Activity | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | ||||||||||||
| Scuba | ||||||||||||
| Freedive | ||||||||||||
| Snorkel | ||||||||||||
| Topside |
Activity Drilldowns
OverallMar to May & Sep to Nov·Crowd:Moderate·Cost:Moderate
Ideal: Comfortable air temperatures, fewer heat extremes, and better flexibility for both ocean and inland plans.
Plan Carefully: Cooler water (down to about 15°C), more rain, and larger swell. Great for whales and dramatic coastline views.
If you want a trip that mixes ocean time with wineries and hiking, target autumn (Mar to May) or spring (Sep to Nov).
ScubaMar to May·Crowd:Moderate·Cost:Moderate
Ideal: Balanced conditions for both Busselton Jetty and more exposed capes dives, with water still relatively warm.
Plan Carefully: Cooler water and more swell. Default to sheltered Geographe Bay dives and treat cape sites as opportunistic.
Wreck and jetty diving can run yearround, but cape shore dives are conditiondependent in winter.
FreediveNov to Apr·Crowd:Low·Cost:Moderate
Ideal: Warmer water and calmer sea windows make training sessions and calm-day missions more comfortable.
Plan Carefully: Cold water and frequent swell. Keep it conservative and prioritize sheltered bays and safety support.
Freediving is most consistent in sheltered bays.
SnorkelDec to Apr·Crowd:High·Cost:Moderate
Ideal: Warmest water and the most comfortable snorkel sessions, especially in Geographe Bay and protected coves.
Plan Carefully: Cold water and larger swell. Choose only sheltered beaches and consider the Underwater Observatory as a backup plan.
If you are snorkeling with kids, pick mornings and bay beaches, and avoid westfacing surf beaches unless conditions are calm and lifeguarded.
TopsideSep to Nov & Mar to May·Crowd:High·Cost:Premium
Ideal: Great hiking weather, active food scene, and seasonal events. Spring also brings wildflowers.
Plan Carefully: Busiest time of year with higher accommodation costs. Book early and plan for hot afternoons and crowded beaches.
Major dates to watch: Busselton Jetty Swim runs on the second weekend of February, and the Margaret River Pro typically runs in April.
Seasonal Callouts Timeline
Humpback and southern right whales on the migration corridor
JanJanFebFebMarMarAprAprMayMayJunJunJulJulAugAugSepSepOctOctNovNovDecDecNgari Capes Marine Park sits on major migration paths. Boat tours often run from Augusta in winter and from Dunsborough and Busselton in spring. Shore-based whale spotting is also common from headlands.
Blue whales in Geographe Bay
JanJanFebFebMarMarAprAprMayMayJunJunJulJulAugAugSepSepOctOctNovNovDecDecNgari Capes guidance notes that blue whales frequent Geographe Bay, particularly during November. Sightings are not guaranteed, but November is the best seasonal bet.
Busselton Jetty Swim
JanJanFebFebMarMarAprAprMayMayJunJunJulJulAugAugSepSepOctOctNovNovDecDecAn iconic open-water event with a signature 3.6 km swim around the jetty. Expect a busy foreshore and limited accommodation on event weekend.
WSL Margaret River Pro
JanJanFebFebMarMarAprAprMayMayJunJunJulJulAugAugSepSepOctOctNovNovDecDecA major professional surfing stop at Surfers Point. Even non-surfers can enjoy the spectacle and the coastline energy when the event is running.
Spring wildflowers and shoulder-season hiking
JanJanFebFebMarMarAprAprMayMayJunJunJulJulAugAugSepSepOctOctNovNovDecDecSpring brings wildflowers and comfortable hiking weather for Cape to Cape Track day segments and coastal headlands.