The Best Time Of The Year to Visit KUNUNURRA

Whilst Kununurra is an undeniably small and remote outback town, it sure is home to some incredibly creative people, and is nestled in the midst of some of the most breathtaking scenery that Australia has to offer. Kununurra has grown hugely over the years – not just in population, but in the services and opportunities available, and is the ideal hub for anyone visiting the Kimberley region. With a range of comfortable accommodation options, as well as locally owned eateries, and, of course, an abundance of site-seeing and adventure options, Kununurra truly is a great little town.

Due to the harsh climate of the North, things do tend to slow down over the Wet season, which spans from November through to April. Average high temperatures in the Wet season sit in the high thirties, with it not being uncommon for Kununurra to experience strings of days reaching over 40°C. Alongside the heat, there is also heavy rainfall, which largely affects the roads within and around Kununurra, and consequentially the accessibility of tourism destinations. Tourism really slows down during these six months, and so many operators will reduce the services they provide throughout the Wet season. Despite the Wet season being hot, humid and stormy, Kununurra is still incredibly beautiful year round. The Wet season brings incredible tropical storms, with deafening thunder which is often matched by a chorus of frogs. Waterfalls also flow heavily during this time, however, once again, often they are inaccessible as the roads and rivers become unsafe for travel.

On the other hand, the Dry season truly is the most comfortable and vibrant time to stop off in Kununurra. From April through to October, the weather is much more mild (you will most likely actually need a jumper on some evenings!). May, June and July are the coolest months of the year, however temperatures can still reach approximately 30°C around the middle of the day. There is very little rain during this period, meaning that roads will be accessible and safe to use. Kununurra receives most of its visitors in these three months, meaning that the town has a fantastic buzz, and all tour operators are up and running. Accommodation can fill up around this period though, so it’s wise to book well in advance to avoid missing out.

May is a busy and exciting month for Kununurra, with the Ord Valley Muster taking place annually – this is a multi-award winning ten-day festival. The Muster brings over 30 various events into Kununurra, ranging from arts to culinary to music and community events. The Muster culminates in the Aviair HeliSpirit Kimberley Moon Experience, a large scale outdoor concert, which in the past has hosted the likes of Jimmy Barnes, Kate Ceberano and Lee Kernaghan. The Ord Valley Muster truly does bring Kununurra to life, and will add even more experiences on your to-do list, so make sure you give yourself a few extra days in Kununurra if you’re choosing to visit around the time of the Muster!

Whilst Kununurra has so much to offer year-round, visiting during the Dry season will allow you to take full advantage of the opportunities the town has to offer. We can’t wait to see you!