Season guide
- Summer (Dec–Feb): small swell, early glassy mornings, strong sea breeze by midday; water about 21–23°C.
- Autumn (Mar–May): calmer winds, more swell, often the best season.
- Winter (Jun–Aug): biggest, most consistent swells and offshore mornings, but storms; water about 18–19°C.
- Spring (Sep–Nov): mixed conditions, returning sea breezes.
Check before you go
Use the Scarborough surf cam to see the waves right now, and check a surf forecast and Bureau of Meteorology coastal forecast for wind and swell.
Surf by season
Summer
Swells are usually small. Mornings can be glassy, but the south-westerly sea breeze typically arrives by midday and blows out the surf — great for kitesurfers, not surfers. Water around 21–23°C.
Autumn
Many locals' favourite season: lighter winds, warmer water and the first of the winter groundswells.
Winter
The most consistent and biggest swells, with frequent easterly (offshore) mornings between fronts. Storms can make it messy and sandbanks shift. Water around 18–19°C — a 3/2 mm wetsuit is ideal.
Spring
Mixed conditions with returning sea breezes; mornings are still worth checking.
Tides and sandbanks
Perth's tidal range is small (generally under 1 m), so sandbanks and swell direction matter more than tide. After big storms the banks can improve or wash away — watch the cam to see where peaks are breaking.
Safety
Surf outside the red-and-yellow swimming flags, watch for rips, and respect lifesavers. See the full Scarborough surf guide.
Images
Surf links
- http://www.accommodationperth.info/
- Scarborough Beach Surf
- Perth Map
- Public Holiday Dates
- Surfing Photos
- www.surfingperth.com
Last updated 2 November 2026 · Scarboro.info, an independent guide to Scarborough Beach, Perth.