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Summer in Margaret River means long evenings, warm water (well, warm-ish), and the whole of Perth seemingly driving south at once. Christmas and the January school holidays are the busiest time of year, which makes them a brilliant time to visit if you plan ahead, and a frustrating one if you don’t.
This guide covers what to expect, where to find what’s on, and what to lock in early.
How we put this together
- No invented event dates. Events, markets and festival dates change every year. We link to official sources so you can check the current program.
- General advice, checked against official sources where it matters: fire safety, beach safety and school holidays.
- What we know about summer here, without hype.
What summer in Margaret River is like
- Warm and dry. The Bureau of Meteorology describes the South West’s summers as warm to hot and dry.
- Long evenings. A summer sunset over the Indian Ocean is a highlight. For WA’s time zone and daylight-saving details, check the official time zones page.
- Busy. Accommodation, restaurants and tours fill up over Christmas, New Year and the WA school holidays.
- Bushfire season. Summer is high fire-danger season in the South West. Total fire bans are possible, and they can affect campfires, barbecues and some activities. Check Emergency WA daily.
Where to find what’s on
We don’t list event dates, because they change. Check these official sources for the current program:
- Margaret River visitor site for events, markets, festivals and visitor centre information.
- Shire of Augusta Margaret River for community events, Christmas and New Year events, and beach information.
- Individual wineries and venues. Many run their own summer events, such as concerts, long lunches and twilight sessions. Check their websites and social pages.
- Surf competitions. The region hosts surfing events at various times of year. Check the event organiser’s site for dates.
What to book early
This is the bit that matters most. For Christmas and January, earlier is better.
1. Accommodation
This is the big one. Popular places book out well in advance for Christmas, New Year and the school holidays, and minimum stays are common in peak season. If you know your dates, book now.
WA school holiday dates: check the WA Department of Education term dates so you know when demand peaks.
2. Christmas Day and Boxing Day meals
Want someone else to cook Christmas lunch? Some winery restaurants and hotels offer Christmas Day menus, and they book out early. Many businesses close on Christmas Day, so check ahead. Self-catering? Order your seafood, ham or turkey early from local suppliers.
3. Winery lunches and tours
Weekend and holiday tables at popular winery restaurants go quickly in summer. Book your tour, or sort your designated driver, before you arrive. See Margaret River wineries worth the drive.
4. Cave tours and lighthouse tours
Summer school holidays are peak time for the caves and lighthouses. Book ahead wherever booking is offered, and check each site’s page on the official visitor site first.
5. Surf lessons
Learn-to-surf lessons are popular with families over summer. Book ahead and choose a licensed operator.
6. Campsites
National-park campgrounds are busy over the summer holidays. At Conto Campground in Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, for example, bookings are essential and made online through Explore Parks WA.
Book early for the bush
If you’d like a quiet bush base close to town for the summer break, River Reach Chalet is a two-bedroom bush chalet about two minutes’ walk to the river and a short drive from Margaret River town.
Disclosure: River Reach Chalet was previously our founder’s business, and our founder still has a financial interest in it.
It sleeps four in two queen bedrooms, with one bathroom, and it’s a no-pets, no-parties place, so it suits a calm family Christmas better than a New Year’s bash. As with everywhere in the region, summer dates go early: check availability and book direct through Margaret River Holiday Houses. For more options, see where to stay in Margaret River.
Summer safety basics
- Fire: check Emergency WA before you travel and every day you’re there. Know what to do if there’s a fire warning, and follow official advice. Some tracks and parks close on high fire-danger days.
- Beaches: many beaches in the region have strong rips and big surf. Swim at patrolled beaches between the flags where possible, and check Beachsafe.
- Sun: follow SunSmart advice. The summer UV is high.
- Heat: carry water on walks, walk early in the day, and never leave kids or pets in a parked car.
- Roads: holiday traffic is heavy and kangaroos are out at dawn and dusk. Allow extra time, and don’t drive tired.
Summer days out
- Beach mornings at calmer bay beaches such as Meelup near Dunsborough, before the heat of the day.
- Cool off in a cave. Underground, the temperature stays steady, which is a welcome break on a hot day.
- Walk early on the Cape to Cape Track, before the heat. See our nature day guide.
- Shop local for Christmas. Pick up wine, chocolate, olive oil and more from regional producers. See gifts from Margaret River.
Christmas gifts from the region
If you’re visiting before Christmas, the region’s producers are a great place to finish your shopping, and you’ll be supporting small local businesses. Missing home this Christmas, or buying for someone who is? See Christmas gifts for Aussie expats missing home.
More Margaret River guides
- A Margaret River weekend itinerary
- Margaret River with kids
- What to pack for a South West WA bush stay
Written by our editors. Event details change every year, so check official sources. Last checked: 31 October 2026.