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Weather in Ningaloo Reef
Swim with whale sharks on Australia's west coast reef
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About Ningaloo Reef
Ningaloo Reef curves along Western Australia's arid coast, a coral wonderland where whale sharks glide through waters so clear you can see 40 metres down. The largest fish on Earth congregates here each March-May in one of nature's greatest shows.
Best months to visit
January, May, September, October, November, December
Things to do in Ningaloo Reef
Swim with whale sharks
Snorkel pristine coral gardens
Dive with manta rays
Fish for Spanish mackerel
Camp on white-sand beaches
Kayak the lagoon
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
Recommended
January
27C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
February
28C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
March
29C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
April
28C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
May
26C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
June
24C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
July
23C
Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.
August
23C
Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
September
24C
Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
October
24C
Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
November
25C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
December
26C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
Ningaloo Reef fringes a remote stretch of Western Australia's coast so close to shore that snorkellers can swim out from the beach directly onto living coral. Between March and July it's one of the most reliable places on earth to swim alongside whale sharks, while humpback whales, manta rays and reef sharks pass through across the rest of the year.
Best areas to stay in Ningaloo Reef
Exmouth
The main town and base for tours, accommodation and supplies, on the peninsula's eastern side.
Turquoise Bay
A famous drift-snorkel site where a current carries swimmers gently over coral gardens.
Cape Range National Park
Rugged gorge country bordering the reef, with walking trails and beachside camping.
Coral Bay
A smaller, laid-back settlement with some of the easiest beach access to the reef.
Getting to Ningaloo Reef
✈
Flights
Fly into Exmouth (Learmonth) Airport via Perth.
⏱
From London
~28-30 hours from London including connections.
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Getting around
A hire car is recommended for reaching Cape Range National Park and Coral Bay; tour operators provide transfers for boat trips.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Ningaloo?
March to July is whale shark season, while humpback whales pass through July to October; the reef itself is good for snorkelling year-round.
How do I get to Ningaloo?
Most visitors fly into Exmouth or Learmonth Airport, with the reef accessible by a short drive or boat trip from town.
Do I need a tour to swim with whale sharks?
Yes — licensed tour operators run guided snorkel trips with strict interaction guidelines to protect the animals.
Is Ningaloo good for non-divers?
Yes — much of the reef is shallow enough to explore with just snorkel gear directly from the beach, particularly at Turquoise Bay.
What is Cape Range National Park?
A rugged park bordering the reef with gorges, walking trails and beach camping, adjoining Ningaloo's best snorkel spots.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
Swimming alongside a whale shark at Ningaloo was genuinely one of the most incredible wildlife experiences of my life. Operators were professional and respectful of the animals.
Beth A. · May 2024
★★★★★
Turquoise Bay's drift snorkel was so easy — just float and let the current take you over the reef. Saw turtles and reef sharks without even trying.
Connor M. · August 2023
★★★★☆
Exmouth itself is tiny, but that's part of the charm. Cape Range gorges were a great contrast to the reef days — red rock against turquoise water.
Ana P. · June 2024
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