Seasonal

Best time of year to climb in Perth (and how we beat the summer heat)

2 min read

By EvanACIA qualified climbing guide and registered mental health nurse

A tall orange and grey quarry wall in late afternoon light, framed by gum trees.

One of the best things about climbing around Perth is that the season is long. With a bit of planning you can get out on the rock for most of the year. Each season has its own feel, though, so here's a quick guide to what climbing in the Perth Hills is like through the year.

Autumn: settled and comfortable

Once the heat of summer eases, autumn brings plenty of mild, settled days. The rock is comfortable to touch, the walks in are pleasant, and you can climb at any time of day. If you're flexible about when you come out, autumn is hard to beat.

Winter: crisp days between the fronts

Winter in Perth means cold fronts and rain, but there are plenty of clear, crisp days in between. Climbing in the sun on a cool winter morning is a real joy. Rock needs time to dry after rain, and wet rock isn't safe to climb, so winter is when the weather call matters most. We make it by 6pm the day before. If we cancel, we'll find you a new date that suits, and if none do, you'll get a full refund.

Bring warm layers you can add and remove. You'll warm up on the walk in and while climbing, then cool down quickly while you're belaying or having a break.

Spring: green hills and wildflowers

Spring is a lovely time to be in the hills. The bush is green, wildflowers are out along the tracks, and the days are warming up without being hot. It's a popular time of year, so it's worth booking ahead, especially if you have a particular weekend in mind.

A climber and Evan near the top of a sunny rock face under a clear blue sky, a rope running between them.
A sunny day at the crag. Rock and sunshine go well together, as long as it isn't too hot.

Summer: early starts and late finishes

Perth summers are hot, and climbing in the middle of a 38 degree day isn't fun or sensible. So from December to February we don't run midday starts. Sessions start early in the morning or later in the afternoon, when it's cooler, and we choose walls and timing to make the most of any shade.

In summer, the best climbing happens while most of Perth is still having breakfast.

If the forecast makes it unsafe to climb, whether that's storms, heavy rain or extreme heat, we'll let you know by 6pm the day before and move your session to another day that suits you.

When to book

  • Sessions run Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
  • There are morning, midday and afternoon starts, except from December to February, when we start early or late.
  • Autumn and spring weekends are popular, so book ahead if you have a date in mind.

Whatever the season, there's a good day for climbing in the Perth Hills. Pick the time of year that suits you, and we'll handle the rest.