Best Time to Visit Ningaloo Reef: A Season-by-Season Guide for Adventure Seekers
The best time to visit the Ningaloo Reef? April to July, when the water’s warm, the weather’s perfect, and the marine life is next-level amazing. But Ningaloo has magic all year round.
We spent three incredible weeks at Ningaloo Reef, and trust us—this place is something special! Snorkeling alongside gentle whale sharks, floating over vibrant coral gardens, and watching turtles glide through the crystal-clear water made every day an adventure.
Let’s dive into the best season for your trip!
The Best Time to Visit Ningaloo Reef
The best time to visit the Ningaloo Reef is between April and July. The weather is a beautiful 30 degrees on average and the nights are balmy. Possibly the biggest attraction to visit the Ningaloo Reef is the chance to swim with whale sharks, which occurs during this time.
Keep reading to find out what the Ningaloo has to offer over the different seasons so you can plan your perfect holiday.
When to Visit
Summer (Dec-Feb)
- Average Temperature: 27°C (81°) Source
- Rainfall: 20mm
- Marine Wildlife: last of the turtle hatchlings
During summer, you’ll find a few of the last turtle hatchlings make their way to the ocean. Temperatures will be the hottest of the year, and you can find temperatures in the high 30s. This is also the time of year when a few tourist businesses close.
Summer is also when you’ll likely find many flies. However, on the upside, it is a quieter time of year for tourism if you like quieter locations. You may even find the campsites haven’t booked out, and you can choose last minute.
Autumn (Mar-May)
- Average Temperature: 25° (79°F)
- Rainfall: 25mm
- Marine Wildlife: Whale Sharks
Expect cooler mornings and evenings, and a light offshore breeze. You may get 1 or 2 days of rain per month. By May, the temperature will drop to around 24° during the day and 20° overnight.
The Whale Shark season will start to begin towards the end of autumn. Water temperature averages 23°. The campsites will start to book out and holidaymakers will begin making their trek to Exmouth and the Ningaloo.
Winter (June-Aug)
- Average Temperature: 20°C (68°F)
- Rainfall: 20mm
- Marine Wildlife: Whale Sharks, Humpback Whales
This time of the year offers cool nights, around 17° and the days will be a balmy 20°. The rainfall drops to around 6mm during August, which equates to perhaps 1 day per month of rain!
From August onwards you may get the chance to swim with the Humpback whales. Water temperature averages 23°.
Spring (Sept-Nov)
- Average Temperature: 23° (75°F)
- Rainfall: 0mm
- Marine Wildlife: Humpback Whales
The days will start warming up to be around 24° during November. You probably won’t see any rain. The Humpback Whales will continue to be sighted at the start of Spring. Water temperature averages 24°.
Turtles will start to come ashore in November to lay their eggs as the Ningaloo is recognised to be one of the most important nesting grounds. Did you know 5 of the 7 turtle species visit the Ningaloo? (Ningaloo Turtle Program)
When is the best time to see the Whale Sharks?
If you’re planning a trip to the Ningaloo Reef, chances are you’ve heard you can swim with the most majestic marine animals on the planet! The Ningaloo is known for unique tours, where you can get up close to Whale Sharks, Humpback Whales are more.
This is what you need to know:
When to see the Whale Sharks
Whale Sharks make their way to the Ningaloo Reef around March every year. They are brought to the area after the coral spawns sometime around March/April. This is a phenomenon that occurs when the coral releases millions of eggs and sperm at once.
Then, plankton and krill feed on the nutrients released by the coral. And Whale Sharks love plankton and krill, bringing around 600 of them to the Ningaloo Reef.
March to July is the best time to dive with the Whale Sharks, although this season can continue up to September. Make sure you always book a licensed tour operator to keep yourself and the whale sharks safe.
A tour is the best way to ensure you spot Whale Sharks during your visit to the Ningaloo. This tour is our pick, they provide an exceptional service, along with food and drinks.
👉🏻If you plan on swimming with the Whale Sharks, please book well in advance as they book out early. Click here
When to see Manta Rays
The Manta Rays can be sighted all year round, but your chances are higher between May and November.
When to see Humpback Whales
In the safety of the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Marine Park, Humpback Whales migrate between August and October, offering an unforgettable experience.
From August to September, you’ll have the chance to dive with these incredible giants.
Humpback Whale swims are one of the most awesome experiences in Exmouth! These tours are incredibly popular, so if you’re thinking about booking, don’t wait too long.
This tour goes the extra mile to ensure an amazing experience, even using a dedicated spotter plane to locate the whales ahead of your boat. All gear is provided, along with expert guidance from the crew—plus delicious food and drinks!
Children under 12 can’t swim with the Humpbacks but can watch from the boat and join in other snorkel activities before the whales are spotted. A moderate level of fitness is recommended.
👉🏻Book your Humpback Whale tour now – limited season and extremely popular, so book ASAP Click here
When to see Turtles
From November to March, the turtles will nest on the beaches and the hatchlings start to appear from January to March. However, you’ll be able to spot turtles swimming in the Ningaloo Reef year-round.
To really get amongst the action, book a Turtle Watching and Stargazing Tour. Watch as turtles make their way to shore under a stunning night sky, then gaze up at the Milky Way in one of the best stargazing spots in Australia.
With expert guides, fascinating insights, and a breathtaking setting, this tour is an unforgettable adventure.
👉🏻Spots fill fast—don’t miss out on this unique experience! Book Here
What is the worst time to visit Ningaloo Reef?
There isn’t truly a ‘worst’ time to visit Ningaloo Reef, however, you will encounter different temperatures, different activities being available, and some places close over the quieter months.
If you’re planning on visiting the Ningaloo Reef in particular to do an activity like swimming with the whale sharks, make sure you know when they’re most likely to be around. And, book well in advance. It is a relatively short season, so you need to make sure you don’t miss out.
Where to Stay in Exmouth
Exmouth has plenty of accommodation options for every type of adventurer. From budget-friendly caravan parks to luxurious beachfront resorts, you’ll find the perfect spot. Book early—accommodation fills up fast, especially in peak seasons!
📍Best Budget Spot: Ningaloo Caravan & Holiday Resort
For an affordable stay, Ningaloo Caravan & Holiday Resort ticks all the boxes. Choose from self-contained cabins, caravan sites, or tent spaces. Lounge by the pool, unwind at the bar, and enjoy its convenient location near town and Ningaloo Reef.
👉🏻 Secure your spot early at this budget-friendly gem!
📍Best Mid-Range Spot: Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort
For a blend of comfort and style, Mantarays offers spacious rooms with private balconies and stunning beachfront views. Take a dip in the lagoon pool, savor fresh seafood at the on-site restaurant, or step straight into Ningaloo Reef adventures.
👉🏻 Book your stay and enjoy Exmouth’s best mid-range retreat!
📍Best Luxury Spot: Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef
Looking for a unique luxury escape? Sal Salis combines eco-living with breathtaking views. This exclusive beachside safari camp offers oceanfront luxury tents, gourmet dining, and guided snorkelling.
Perfect for a serene, off-grid experience. This exclusive unique resort is your ideal holiday, bookings are only possible between mid March to mid November.
👉🏻 Don’t miss out—reserve your stay in paradise today!
FAQs
What is the best time to visit Exmouth for the Whale Sharks?
The best time to visit Exmouth to swim with the Whale Sharks is between March and July, however, the season sometimes extends up to September. Remember to book early as there are limited spots.
How do you get to the Ningaloo Reef?
The Ningaloo Reef is a fringing reef, meaning you can snorkel directly from the shore. If you plan on swimming with the whale sharks or humpback whales, you will need to book a tour.
To reach the Ningaloo Reef, you’ll drive past Exmouth. Exmouth is located about 1250 kilometres north of Perth, or just under two hours’ flight time from Perth.
If you’re thinking of camping in one of the many beautiful bush campsites, book your motorhome here to truly explore Cape Range.
How many days should you stay near the Ningaloo Reef?
We stayed for three weeks and still didn’t see everything. I would recommend at least one week to see some of the sights of Exmouth, and a few days on the Reef.
You’ll need to put aside at least one full day for a tour to swim with the whale sharks or humpback whales.
What we think
Ningaloo Reef is a destination that truly delivers year-round magic!
Dive with gentle whale sharks, spot majestic humpback whales, or watch turtles nest under a starry sky. Every season offers something incredible. With warm waters, vibrant coral, and unforgettable wildlife encounters, it’s no wonder Ningaloo is one of Australia’s top marine destinations.
And it quickly became one of our favorite places in Australia!
Don’t wait—start planning your adventure today!
