A Welcome Soak: Why the Kimberley’s Record-Breaking Rainfall is Great News for Kimberley Travellers
In a dramatic twist to the start of the dry season, the Kimberley has experienced record-breaking rainfall in May 2025. While unexpected rain may sound like a setback, for the Kimberley — one of Australia’s most remote and spectacular wilderness areas — this weather event is a blessing in disguise, especially for tourism.
From rejuvenated waterholes and thundering waterfalls to a reinvigorated coastline, this rainfall has set the stage for one of the most visually stunning and vibrant dry seasons in recent memory.
Rainfall Records Rewritten
Broome, the southern gateway to the Kimberley, recorded 100.6 mm of rain in just 24 hours — its highest May rainfall in over 20 years. That’s more than three times the monthly average, which usually sits around 29 mm. Meanwhile, locations further north and east, such as Nicholson and Parry Creek Farm, broke their all-time May records, receiving daily totals between 50 mm and 100 mm over consecutive days.
For context, many of these areas typically experience little to no rain in May, marking the start of the dry season. But in 2025, a strong northwest cloud band, drawing deep moisture from the Indian Ocean, brought a dramatic and sustained drenching — one that has left the landscape lush, flushed, and roaring with life.
Waterfalls and Waterholes in Their Prime
For land-based adventurers, this means iconic sites like Purnululu (the Bungle Bungles) will be in their best condition in years. Around the Kimberley, the late wet season rain has flushed out stagnant pools, filled gorges, and extended the life of many waterfalls, which often slow to a trickle by June. This year, thanks to the extra volume, these attractions are expected to remain full and flowing much longer into the season.
Swimming conditions in popular spots have improved, too. Clear, cool, and refreshed, the Kimberley’s waterholes are now at their most inviting.
Perfect Conditions for Kimberley Cruises
For those exploring by sea, the benefits are just as exciting. Kimberley cruises — which travel along the breathtaking, rugged coastline between Broome and Wyndham (or Darwin, for the bigger boats) — are set to offer an even more extraordinary experience this season.
Some of the region’s famed coastal waterfalls, such as King George Falls, depend on rainfall to reach their dramatic peak. With the 2025 wet season running late and delivering in force, cruise passengers will now enjoy a front-row seat to these spectacles well into the dry season — something rarely seen beyond June.
Tourism Recharged
With nature putting on such a show, the 2025 Kimberley season is shaping up to be one of the best in recent memory. Tour operators are reporting early bookings, and local businesses are preparing for a strong tourism rebound.
If you’ve been thinking about exploring the Kimberley — whether hiking through gorges or cruising through its ancient cliffs — now is the time. The rains have worked their magic, and the region is alive, lush, and more spectacular than ever.
