Best Time for Surf & Whales
The coast has two great seasonal shows — the roll of Southern Ocean swell and the annual whale migration — and with a little planning you can time your visit for both.
Best Time for Surf & Whales
Margaret River’s coast has two great seasonal shows — the roll of Southern Ocean swell and the annual whale migration — and with a little planning you can time your visit for one or both. Throw in wildflowers and cosy winter cellar doors, and the “off-season” here can be the best time of all. Here’s when the surf and the whales arrive, month by month.
Winter brings the biggest surf and the early whales — the “off-season” can be the best time of all.
Surf, Whales & More
Big Surf
Autumn and winter bring the most consistent, powerful swells.
Whale Season
Southern rights and humpbacks off the capes — early at Augusta.
Wildflowers
Spring blooms along the coast and the Cape to Cape Track.
Cosy Cellar Doors
Green forests, fireside tastings and fewer crowds.
Timing Tips
- Big surf: come in autumn or winter and check daily reports
- Whales: June–August at Augusta, September–December at Geographe Bay
- Winter delivers both surf and early whales — plus cosy cellar doors
- Spring adds wildflowers along the coast walk
- Sightings and swell are never guaranteed — but the seasons are reliable
Surf & Whale Seasons — FAQ
When is the best time to surf in Margaret River?
Autumn and winter (roughly March to August) bring the biggest, most consistent swells for experienced surfers, while summer is generally smaller and friendlier for beginners. Conditions change fast — always check reports. See surfing.
When can you see whales?
Roughly June to December — southern right and humpback whales pass the capes, with Augusta’s Flinders Bay best early (around June to August) and Geographe Bay near Dunsborough later (September to December). See whale watching.
Can you catch both surf and whales?
Yes — winter is prime for big surf and also overlaps with the early whale season, so a winter visit can deliver both, along with cosy cellar doors and green forests.
What about wildflowers?
Spring (roughly September to November) brings wildflowers along the coast and the Cape to Cape Track, overlapping with the later whale season — a lovely time to visit.
Margaret River, Planned Around You
World-class cellar doors and surf, ancient caves, karri forests and the wild Cape-to-Cape coast — with the driving and bookings handled by the family that’s toured Australia since 1974.
Call 0409 661 342 Plan My Trip — Free Enquiry