Coastal Climate & Weather

Ciimate & Regional Weather: Albany, Denmark & Walpole
Winter on the South Coast

Climate of the coast

The climate of the Rainbow Coast is considered to be "the best in the world," according to those who live here. Facing due south, the we are ideally placed to create the Rainbows from which the south coast gets its name.

View photos of the seasons below, or click here for Current Weather on the South Coast.

South Coast Weather - beautiful!

Six seasons of the south coast

The Noongar, having lived in the South West for centuries, have divided the year into six distinct seasons that are more accurate than our ancestral four for determining the best times to visit the south coast. 

We have a page dedicated to the seasons which includes a breakdown of the six seasons (Birak, Bunuru, Djeran, Makuru, Djilba and Kambarang) and a Seasons Calendar.

Though it's called the Rainbow Coast, it's NOT RAINY all year, only when it is supposed to be, during Makuru and Djilba, tailing off in Kambarang. View the Seasons Calendar for more.

Seasons Calendar

The Noongar seasons calendar most accurately describes the seasons on the Rainbow Coast in Albany, Denmark and Walpole.

Seasons Calendar, Noongar Seasons, South Coast Weather

Weather along the coast

The locals know it as the best weather in WA. The frequent mix of showers and sun in wintertime create the magical Rainbows from which the coast gets its name.

Winter is not as wet as you might expect. Even during the rainiest parts of the year there are exceptional days for touring the coast. This is when the Whales, Wildflowers and Waterbirds frequent the area.

The weather in Albany, Denmark and Walpole is always slightly different. Albany being slightly rainier than Denmark, Walpole slightly more humid beneath the forest canopy. Scroll down for photos of the seasons.

Albany Region Weather

Current Weather on the Coast


Weather in Albany

Weather in Denmark

Weather in Walpole

Photographs of the Seasons of the South Coast

Here are some photographs of the Seasons of the south coast. The Rainbow Coast is only named this because of the rainbows that appear predominantly in Winter... but the rest of the time the weather is beautiful...

Summer (Birak) on the Rainbow Coast

Cable Beach in Summer, Albany, Western Australia Greens Pool in Summer, Denmark, WA Ocean Beach in Summer, Denmark, WA Princess Pool, Lights Beach, Summertime

Late Summer (Bunuru) on the Rainbow Coast

Frenchman Bay in Summer, Albany WA Elephant Rocks in Summer, Denmark, WA

Autumn (Djeran) on the Rainbow Coast

Mazzoletti Beach in Autumn, Denmark WA Wilson Inlet in Autumn, Denmark, WA

Winter (Makuru) on the Rainbow Coast: Albany, Denmark, Walpole

Winter Rainbows, South Coast of Western Australia

Early Spring (Djilba) on the Rainbow Coast: Albany, Denmark, Walpole

Spring at Ocean Beach, Denmark WA

Spring (Kambarang) on the Rainbow Coast: Albany, Denmark, Walpole

Late Spring, Albany Wind Farm

Lightening over the Wilson Inlet, Denmark Western Australia
Lightening over the Wilson Inlet, Denmark Western Australia
Lightening over the Wilson Inlet, Denmark Western Australia

Rainbows on the coast?

Being at this distance 'downunder' - the Rainbow Coast is perfectly placed to enjoy the spectacle of rainbows.

Makuru and Djilba (ie: winter) could be renamed Rainbow Season.

During the winter months, when the sun is within 42 degrees of the horizon, the rain usually comes off the ocean from the south west which means, thanks to geometry, "rainbows, rainbows everywhere!" Learn more about Rainbows!

Wilson Inlet, Rainbow

Rainbow over the Wilson Inlet reflecting off the morning mist. Denmark.

Additional resources for visiting the Rainbow Coast:

Rainbows Rainbows
The coast is perfectly placed to see Rainbows! And perfectly named. Green trees, mountains, forests beaches, and winter rainbows. Visit Rainbows
Seasons of the Coast Seasons of the Coast
You will find a Seasons Calendar with Wildflower and a Whales to help you plan your visit to the South Coast - The Rainbow Coast! Visit Seasons of the Coast
South Coast Beaches Map South Coast Beaches Map
South Coast Beaches from west of Walpole to East of Albany all on one map! Visit South Coast Beaches Map
South Coast Weather South Coast Weather
The climate of the Rainbow Coast is considered to be "the best in the world," according to those who live here. Visit South Coast Weather

Rainbow Coast Regions:

Albany Region Albany Region
The Albany Region of Western Australia is a land of mountains and waterways. An amazing region to explore. Visit Albany Region
Denmark Region Denmark Region
The Denmark Region is gorgeous. Trees, hills, beaches, rocks, wildlife around the river and the inlet. Visit Denmark Region
Walpole Region Walpole Region
Walpole is the western end of the Rainbow Coast and is surrounded by National Park and forested wilderness. Visit Walpole Region

Main Attractions on the Coast:

Ocean Beach Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach is set between the Wilson Inlet and the Great Southern Ocean, and is the closest beach to Denmark Town. A popular surfing spot and lookout.. Visit Ocean Beach
Greens Pool Greens Pool
Almost completely sheltered from the waves of the Great Southern Ocean, Greens Pool is a paradise. Visit Greens Pool
Elephant Rocks Elephant Rocks
Giant rocks shaped like elephants stand together facing into the waves of the Great Southern Ocean Visit Elephant Rocks
Mount Frankland Mount Frankland
Starting in the karri trees you wind up and through towards the summit of Mt Frankland way above the tree top canopy. Visit Mount Frankland
Two Peoples Bay NP Two Peoples Bay NP
Located approximately 25 kilometres north-east of Albany. Rediscovery of the presumed extinct noisy scrub-bird. Visit Two Peoples Bay NP
West Cape Howe National Park West Cape Howe National Park
Containing the southernmost point of Western Australia this national park is astounding. Visit West Cape Howe National Park
Shelley Beach Shelley Beach
Turquoise waters, verdant surrounds and ocean breeze make this beach a popular yet remote destination. Visit Shelley Beach
The Gap The Gap
An impressive rugged granite channel carved by the Great Southern Ocean waves crashing against the granite coastline forming a spectacular sheer drop of almost 25 metres. Visit The Gap
Natural Bridge Natural Bridge
The Natural Bridge is a granite formation caused by the gradual wearing away of the rock by the Great Southern Ocean. Visit Natural Bridge
Brig Amity Replica Brig Amity Replica
Experience the first settlers arrival in Albany, the first settlement in Western Australia, from onboard a replica of the Amity. Visit Brig Amity Replica
Middleton Beach Middleton Beach
The most popular beach in Albany. Swim or relax under the trees. Cafes and amenities. Visit Middleton Beach
Little Beach Little Beach
This gorgeous beach is approximately 25 kilometres north east of Albany in Two Peoples Bay National Park. Visit Little Beach
Albany Wind Farm Albany Wind Farm
Beautiful and productive green energy from the wind of the Torndirrup, just outside Albany City towards Frenchman Bay. Visit Albany Wind Farm
Ancient Empires Walk Ancient Empires Walk
The Ancient Empires Walk takes you through the forest at the base of the Giant Tingle Trees at the Treetop Walk. Visit Ancient Empires Walk
Bibbulmun Track Bibbulmun Track
The Bibbulmun Track stretches from Kalamunda in the Perth hills to Albany, through many locations in the heart of the Rainbow Coast. Visit Bibbulmun Track
Denmark Wineries Denmark Wineries
Denmark Wineries and Vineyards to visit while on holiday along the Rainbow Coast. Wineries with restaurants, music, cellar doors and more! Visit Denmark Wineries
Frenchman Bay Frenchman Bay
Located on the southern side of King George Sound this beautiful setting has a grassy picnic area, BBQs and boat launch. Ideal beachfront location for a great day out! Visit Frenchman Bay
Giant Tingle Tree Giant Tingle Tree
This Giant Tingle Tree is special because it the oldest living eucalypt in the world. It is an 800 metre walk from the car park to the Giant Tingle and back. Visit Giant Tingle Tree
Lights Beach Lights Beach
Inspiring lookout and beach offering spectacular views of William Bay from the east. A favourite local beach. Visit Lights Beach
Mandalay Beach Mandalay Beach
Spectacular views to Chatham Island, gorgeous white sandy beach it is a must-see... sometimes the shipwreck is visible too. Visit Mandalay Beach
Misery Beach Albany Misery Beach Albany
Misery Beach is a hidden gem on the southern coast of Western Australia known for stunning natural beauty and a tranquil atmosphere. Visit Misery Beach Albany
Monkey Rock Monkey Rock
Spectacular elevated views over William Bay Nat. Park, Ratcliffe Bay, Ocean Beach and the Nullaki Peninsula. Visit Monkey Rock
Princess Royal Fortress Princess Royal Fortress
One of the best outdoor military museums in Australia. The Fortress is within the Albany Heritage Park, atop Mount Adelaide. Visit Princess Royal Fortress
Rainbows Rainbows
The coast is perfectly placed to see Rainbows! And perfectly named. Green trees, mountains, forests beaches, and winter rainbows. Visit Rainbows
South Coast Beaches Map South Coast Beaches Map
South Coast Beaches from west of Walpole to East of Albany all on one map! Visit South Coast Beaches Map
Valley of the Giants Valley of the Giants
The Valley of the Giants Wilderness Discovery Centre at the Treetop Walk is the most visited place on the Rainbow Coast. Visit Valley of the Giants