Perth - Hell it's hot, it's hell.

[Jacques Voogt]

It's been said a lot on this forum: "You don't move to a city for it's weather."

Well, I can say this: "You most certainly do not go to Perth for it's weather." The whole week maximum temperatures expected around 39 to 41.... in the shade. So how does one enjoy summer if you have to stay indoors?

When winter comes, you again have miserable Cape Town rainy weather. Again stuck indoors. No wonder "Perthians" drink so much wine.

[Gizmo]

Actually people don't hoard themselves inside. Take a trip to the beaches and see how packed they are - its not so hot that people don't go outdoors. Yes, Perth is hotter than some areas of SA (eg Cape Town), but the freo doctor cools things down in the arvo. Its also a dry heat, which is much more bearable than a humid heat.

I suffered my first summer in Perth, but after that I acclimatised. Now, the heat doesn't really bother me, except during periods where I was monstrously overweight (like during my post-baby bulge).

[OubaasDik]

MOSTLY it's a dry heat.

Last year there were waves of humidity coming through. You'd be sitting, feeling fine and suddenly the sweat would be pouring of you (Me, in this case, just in case anyone thinks I'm talking about them). Then an hour alter, fine again. I really wondered whether I was going through menopause or something ..... but other people confirmed the same phenomenon.

I made a trip back to Perth late November early December from Canberra, and I can attest that Perth weather is tough.

Canberra has the politicians, Perth has flies - I suppose Perth chose first.

Perth really only has 3 seasons - there's rainy, windy season (if it rains), then there's fly season, then there's burn your butt of season. Fly season has the best weather. And in case anyone thinks I speak from ignorance, I've been in Perth from 2002 - 2012 - I lived through the power shutdown of 2003 when they basically cut electricity to homes and business one day so they could examine the gas pipeline, which they'd overstrained the previous night by pumping gas for the power stations.

[mistermoose]

Jacques, could you share your thoughts on each of the cities you've visited in your LSD trip this month? A month-long LSD trip must've been awesome!

[Jordy]

It's been said a lot on this forum: "You don't move to a city for it's weather."

Well, I can say this: "You most certainly do not go to Perth for it's weather." The whole week maximum temperatures expected around 39 to 41.... in the shade. So how does one enjoy summer if you have to stay indoors?

When winter comes, you again have miserable Cape Town rainy weather. Again stuck indoors. No wonder "Perthians" drink so much wine.

I see you are staying in Perth for one week, and based on one week's weather you are going to judge an entire year's weather? If I used your criteria and I visited Joburg in July, I would say its always freezing cold and all it does in summer is rain and have lightening. No wonder Joburgers all kill each other other.

[RichtB]

All I can say is Amen Jordy.

Have been here previously for 6 weeks during winter and can't say it was cold - wet yes, cold no. Could be that I was used to Highveld winter temperatures.

[dazzmatazz]

Coming from Durban (and having spent a fair amount of time in Mozambique) I am sure I will manage Perth.

[zetman]

Jacques, I could not disagree more. Having lived here for more than 4 years now I think the climate in Perth is second to none, and certainly not what I would describe as "hell". Yes it gets hot, but it's not humid and like others have said the 1.7 million or so people that call it home seem to cope just fine judging by people on the beaches and even people out cycling in the middle of the day.

But yes, if you can't cope with it and want to make your decision based on a week long visit it's probably best to take it off your list then.

z

[Gizmo]

RE the flies - I have been here for four years now and I have yet to see this "fly problem". Granted - most of our time is spent between Perth CBC and the northern and western suburbs (so I cannot comment on the whole of WA), but from what I have seen, there are way less flies (hardly any at all in fact) than we had in Cape Town.

Yes, last summer did have a lot more humidity than usual (my born-and-bread Sandgroper Aussie friends did mention this), however, the humidity is still way, way lower than the East coast.

Re winters - honestly, I find them similar to Cape Town, but with less wind and less rain. Although the temperatures probably drop lower than Cape Town, it doesn't feel as cold, probably because it is less windy so there is less wind chill factor?

Having been to Brissie, Gold Coast, Melb and Sydney, I honestly think that the weather in Perth is the best by far. Also, the light here has this incredible quality, everything is so clear and in high-contrast - it really gives a holiday-atmosphere.

[OubaasDik]

@Gizmo

Never been in the bush then. Try going out even as far as Barbagallo raceway - the buggers carry you away. In the general area. Also a few years ago, we'd shop at Lakeside and have to slap the flies off each others backs before getting into the car. We still ended up with 20 or 30 every time we rode away - maybe we just smell like dung.

I like Canberra - we have real seasons here. Trees change colour and all. Very pretty - very cool in winter admittedly, but a small price to pay, I think.

I think if I ever move back to WA I better head to the deep south.

[Fish]

I imagine humidity and 40 would be horrible...but 40 and dry heat still seems pretty uncomfortable. You can't judge Perth summer from one week though as it can't always be that hot.

[Johnno]

I've been in WA for 10 years and spent 2 years in Brisbane. Give me Perth weather any day. I enjoyed the Brisbane winters, they're very mild but the summers are a show stopper for me. The humidity was enough to make you sit indoors under the aircon, day and night!

@Gizmo. I remember trying to wash my car one Sunday afternoon in Mullaloo and the flies were driving me mad. In fact my walk to Whitfords beach this morning had me swatting and swearing at the pesky buggers. A few years ago we went to Dunsborough and we actually had to leave the beach! People were sitting with towels over their heads. We searched every pharmacy, camping and fishing shop for those fly nets that you put over your sun hat but they were sold out. Next trip to BCF I bought half a dozen and keep them in my car! I also remember a fishing trip on the beach in Jurian Bay, jaslaaik, the flies chased us away. Friends who were camping packed up and drove back to Perth on Boxing Day! Admittedly it's only really bad for a few short weeks but even on the boat anchored at Rottenest the pesky b@stards get to you (the flies, not the rowdy bogans)

[Sunnyskies]

Well, people tend to judge Melbourne on its weather as well. Usually based off a weekend when a south wester blows through. I've spent time in Sydney, Perth and Brisbane at different times of the year. They all have their good and their bad. Melbourne can have a scorcher in the 40s or a very chilly 4 depending on whether you are here in summer or winter. We don't generally die of the heat for more than a few days at a time. I've found Perth weather to be ok provided its not in the middle of a heat wave, and can actually be quite cold in the early morning in winter. Similarly Sydney is generally ok if you don't arrive during a torrential downpour that lasts 3 weeks or a humid summer day where the temperature can also soar. Brisbane is great in winter and spring, but very sticky during summer and autumn. My friends in Canberra also mention searing heat in summer and freezing cold in winter. As the HCR says you can't beat South Africa's weather - but that wasn't enough to keep any os us there. Ultimately you will get used to the weather in whatever place you land up in and probably learn to enjoy the quirks of Aussie weather.

Ps: all said firmly tongue in cheek - so please don't get upset about my gross generalisations.

[Fish]

I've been in WA for 10 years and spent 2 years in Brisbane. Give me Perth weather any day. I enjoyed the Brisbane winters, they're very mild but the summers are a show stopper for me. The humidity was enough to make you sit indoors under the aircon, day and night!

....

Though we've had some quite mild summers the last few years I think I would have I instinctively agreed with you about the summer, if not the overall comparison. But we had a rare high 30's dry heat day recently and I found it worse than 30 with humidity so now not so sure. The air was actually hot, my throat dried right out, was like sticking your head in a fan forced oven and I really struggled on my ride home. Maybe you learn to live with it like we do the humidity. There are certainly some days when it's best to hide in aircon when the humidity is up but we don't get the high temps of Perth so when the humidity is down it is fine. The rest of the year is better than Perth imo and I enjoy my summer in Brisbane's autumn, winter and spring as the weather is dry, sunny and mild....wouldn't be keen to have a hot summer and a colder, wet winter like Perth but obviously we all find the balance that suits us. For some Melbourne is better, really depends what you like.

Edited December 27, 2012 by Fish

[Enrica]

I took the rellies to New Norcia today, it was a tad on the very warm side. 51 degrees ........in the car. I tried to upload a foto .....but no luck

Edited December 27, 2012 by Enrica

[Johnno]

Though we've had some quite mild summers the last few years I think I would have I instinctively agreed with you about the summer, if not the overall comparison. But we had a rare high 30's dry heat day recently and I found it worse than 30 with humidity so now not so sure. The air was actually hot, my throat dried right out, was like sticking your head in a fan forced oven and I really struggled on my ride home. Maybe you learn to live with it like we do the humidity. There are certainly some days when it's best to hide in aircon when the humidity is up but we don't get the high temps of Perth so when the humidity is down it is fine. The rest of the year is better than Perth imo and I enjoy my summer in Brisbane's autumn, winter and spring as the weather is dry, sunny and mild....wouldn't be keen to have a hot summer and a colder, wet winter like Perth but obviously we all find the balance that suits us. For some Melbourne is better, really depends what you like.

I agree, within reason we adapt to the weather. For me personally I do not enjoy humidity but some of my Durban mates thrive in it. I remember when working in Qld I'd visit shipyards where vessels were being constructed in huge sheds. No aircon, you could drink the air! Yet teams of workers got stuck in and never complained. The hot weather we have in Perth is not really dry as in 'berg wind' hot and dry but just simply HOT! I went for a walk this morning at 9am and found myself stopping to take a breather under some trees just to get out of the direct sunlight.

I could not live in a cold climate like UK, the rain and grey clouds would get me down!

But hey, you know it's hot when your iPhone displays this message!

Edited December 27, 2012 by Johnno

[Fish]

I agree, within reason we adapt to the weather. For me personally I do not enjoy humidity but some of my Durban mates thrive in it. I remember when working in Qld I'd visit shipyards where vessels were being constructed in huge sheds. No aircon, you could drink the air! Yet teams of workers got stuck in and never complained. The hot weather we have in Perth is not really dry as in 'berg wind' hot and dry but just simply HOT! I went for a walk this morning at 9am and found myself stopping to take a breather under some trees just to get out of the direct sunlight.

I could not live in a cold climate like UK, the rain and grey clouds gets mew down!

But hey, you know it's hot when your iPhone displays this message!

lol at the iPhone...hope that wasn't on your 9am walk

Shipyards in humidity would be beyond my limit Personally both Perth and Brisbane's summer is too hot for me, even though they both have reasonable days as well. I would just be putting up with the bad days in either of them though I could see beach bunnies liking Perth's summer. I'm sure some people like 35c. It is really Brisbane's dry, low humidity, cloudless, bright and sunny low 20-25c days through autumn, winter and spring that are my summer....I love them...so many exquisite days. Again though, everyone is different and every city has good and bad.

Edited December 27, 2012 by Fish

[Jacques Voogt]

Hi All

We will definitely post detailed comment, hopefully with some pictures, of our entire LSD trip later... when emotions of hot weather has passed. :-)

For now, a snippet of my views. You may differ.

Background: We grew up in Pta-North much hotter and much more humid than Joburg with max temps occasionally going to 35 or 37 or so but mostly around 32 to 34 degrees with some humidity, but then we would expect a monstrous thunderstorm to cool us down and most homes would have a pool. We would occasionally get the amazing gift of frost but for most of the winter we would just mow the lawn less frequently. i.e. once every 2nd week.

We were in Brissie and Gold Coast for a week respectively with temperatures up to 34 and 35 degrees and never felt the need to leave the sidewalk and walk from tree to tree or select our routes based on the position of the sun and size of buildings to provide shade or take a moderate temperature shower, using the cold tap only, and whishing there was an actual cold tap somewhere. Yes I have a problem with heat. Once it goes above 37 there is no way to cool down other than submerging myself in water or staying indoors. In addition, I can smell myself involuntarily by the end of each day. And I can not go to the beach and swim the whole day, every day for the hottest month of every year.

I agree, one should not judge based on one week. And everyone has always said it's a dry heat so it is tolerable. That is why we came here in summer, to feel it instead of just looking at numbers on charts over the net and making decisions based on that. Unfortunately or shall I say fortunately our ZAR budget does not allow for us to experience a whole year of seasons. So far, it has been terrible in Perth. I will not be able to mow the lawn here or do any kind of outdoor work for quite a few months of the year.

The news reader clearly thinks it is something good the way she reports that Perth was the hottest Capital city on earth on Christmas day.

No!!! That is NOT a good thing. It puts you on one of the extremes of nature. Checking the records online and seeing temps up to 44 I would not want to experience that. Thank you. I may even change from saying "go to hell", to "go to Perth"

As for the flies, we have been waving them since we arrived here. Perhaps it is because I'm so smelly, but it sure is irritating. Now if I want to go for a jog, I will have a hard time breathing through my teeth or I'll choke to death on a bug.

I was amazed by the large number of single speed bicycles I saw, until we went to kings park, and found out it is actually situated on top of a tiny little hill, here called a mountain. And I could not really see any other mountains in the area. So now the single speed makes sense. Now where to do some proper hill running training? I was probably also the only person that took off his shirt in the public mensroom and proseeded to wet it in the basin before putting it back on. But it did not last. It was dry, by the time we got back to the hotel in the city.

We have seen lots of street bums, cops arresting people, a cop using an official vehicle to pick up, presumably, his wife from work.

We have also seen a lot less vandalism and graffiti, while the bus drives seem to be working from a jail cell to protect themselves.

Most houses look a lot better and newer here in Perth than the average house anywhere else we have been in Oz. Brissie was not bad and not far behind. But there were more slightly older and not well maintained homes. Sydney housing... Danville looks like the upper class in comparison. Again, perhaps the areas we moved through was just crappy but most homes looks like they were built in 1905 and rarely maintained. There were the occasional home that looked good, but those were few and far between.

So back to the topic. I personally would go where I find a job but I'd finish my search for that job in Perth due to the climate extremes. It's is just not for me.

[Jordy]

Just to add one last thought to this discussion:

Dont necessarily write off the whole of WA because of Perth. The South West of Western Australia is some of the most beautiful country in the world. I am talking From Bunbury south to Albany. The difference in temp between Perth and Dunsborough is incredible. However as these towns are smaller, you would struggle to find commercial jobs for IT specialists, business analysts ect. Teachers and such jobs in trades wouldnt be a problem.

EDIT: And I hope you might find the time to hop on a train and come down to Mandurah for the day before you leave to go home. The train trip will cost $11 return and there are free buses from the train station to the Mandurah CBD

[Emille]

the 'negative' of weather in perth is the heatwaves in summer, otherwise I would actually describe it as some of the best weather of major capitals in Aus (Sydney excepted) - each city has its weather 'negatives' e.g. the weather negative in Melbourne is rain/4 seasons in one day - the weather negative in queensland is humidity etc. etc. After living in the 'aquarium' which is queensland and the wet/grayness of London, I prefer the occasional heatwave of perth

flies? i havent found a fly problem in aus. From my previous visits the 'situation' in melbourne with flies are much worse. All other insects are worse in Queensland obviously

Edited December 27, 2012 by Emille

[Sunnyskies]

Emile not sure where you hang out in Melbourne but Perth beats us hands down. Flies are generally only a problem when it gets very humid and then only for a few days. You can still go outside without feeling like fly bait.

[Johnno]

Hi All

We will definitely post detailed comment, hopefully with some pictures, of our entire LSD trip later... when emotions of hot weather has passed. :-)

For now, a snippet of my views. You may differ.

Background: We grew up in Pta-North much hotter and much more humid than Joburg with max temps occasionally going to 35 or 37 or so but mostly around 32 to 34 degrees with some humidity, but then we would expect a monstrous thunderstorm to cool us down and most homes would have a pool. We would occasionally get the amazing gift of frost but for most of the winter we would just mow the lawn less frequently. i.e. once every 2nd week.

We were in Brissie and Gold Coast for a week respectively with temperatures up to 34 and 35 degrees and never felt the need to leave the sidewalk and walk from tree to tree or select our routes based on the position of the sun and size of buildings to provide shade or take a moderate temperature shower, using the cold tap only, and whishing there was an actual cold tap somewhere. Yes I have a problem with heat. Once it goes above 37 there is no way to cool down other than submerging myself in water or staying indoors. In addition, I can smell myself involuntarily by the end of each day. And I can not go to the beach and swim the whole day, every day for the hottest month of every year.

I agree, one should not judge based on one week. And everyone has always said it's a dry heat so it is tolerable. That is why we came here in summer, to feel it instead of just looking at numbers on charts over the net and making decisions based on that. Unfortunately or shall I say fortunately our ZAR budget does not allow for us to experience a whole year of seasons. So far, it has been terrible in Perth. I will not be able to mow the lawn here or do any kind of outdoor work for quite a few months of the year.

The news reader clearly thinks it is something good the way she reports that Perth was the hottest Capital city on earth on Christmas day.

No!!! That is NOT a good thing. It puts you on one of the extremes of nature. Checking the records online and seeing temps up to 44 I would not want to experience that. Thank you. I may even change from saying "go to hell", to "go to Perth"

As for the flies, we have been waving them since we arrived here. Perhaps it is because I'm so smelly, but it sure is irritating. Now if I want to go for a jog, I will have a hard time breathing through my teeth or I'll choke to death on a bug.

I was amazed by the large number of single speed bicycles I saw, until we went to kings park, and found out it is actually situated on top of a tiny little hill, here called a mountain. And I could not really see any other mountains in the area. So now the single speed makes sense. Now where to do some proper hill running training? I was probably also the only person that took off his shirt in the public mensroom and proseeded to wet it in the basin before putting it back on. But it did not last. It was dry, by the time we got back to the hotel in the city.

We have seen lots of street bums, cops arresting people, a cop using an official vehicle to pick up, presumably, his wife from work.

We have also seen a lot less vandalism and graffiti, while the bus drives seem to be working from a jail cell to protect themselves.

Most houses look a lot better and newer here in Perth than the average house anywhere else we have been in Oz. Brissie was not bad and not far behind. But there were more slightly older and not well maintained homes. Sydney housing... Danville looks like the upper class in comparison. Again, perhaps the areas we moved through was just crappy but most homes looks like they were built in 1905 and rarely maintained. There were the occasional home that looked good, but those were few and far between.

So back to the topic. I personally would go where I find a job but I'd finish my search for that job in Perth due to the climate extremes. It's is just not for me.

If you grew up in Pta North then you will feel very much at home in Perth's North.......it's like just Pta, only by the sea, Perfontein

The bikes that you mention are called "fixies" and they are all the rage at the moment. They're racing bike design but with a fixed cog set up similar to what they use on the Olympic cycling tracks. If you're hardcore then you remove front and back brakes. My son rides one and I'm waiting for the day I need to test out our private health insurance!

In summary, the timing of your visit to Perth has not been great. You've walked into a heat wave and the hottest Xmas day in 20 years. Sure, Perth does not have the mountains but it does have some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, lots and lots of them! Perth is not a massive city either yet it's an economic hub where you can earn very good money, live close to the city and beaches and not spend 2hrs on your daily commute. On the weekends you can hop in your car (4x4 ) and within a very short time be on some secluded beach. Heading 'down south' is a major attraction for city dwellers and as already pointed out plenty beautiful wine farms, forests, offroad tracks and farm stays.

Height of summer tip! Most Perth locals are up early and enjoying the beaches. By mid day they're home relaxing and out of the midday heat, typically lying in front of the TV watching cricket in an air-conditioned lounge room whilst the kids run amuck in the backyard pool! Come late afternoon when the heat has subsided you hear the lawn mowers kick into action and just before dark the sizzle of BBQ's and a few cold beers. It's not hard, it's very similar to how we used to live in SA. Okay there we used to watch the lawn being mowed in the mid day heat, if you know what I mean

[Springjock]

Perf are not for sissies hey....

[Jen_PFR]

I was amazed by the large number of single speed bicycles I saw, until we went to kings park, and found out it is actually situated on top of a tiny little hill, here called a mountain. And I could not really see any other mountains in the area. So now the single speed makes sense. Now where to do some proper hill running training?

What you tend to find is that Australia generally is very flat! For incline training in Perth, people tend to run (or walk!) up and down flights of stairs. There is also Jacob's Ladder, an outdoor flight of stairs in King's Park which a lot of people use in their lunch breaks to do that kind of training.

[Johnno]

Perf are not for sissies hey....

Ja, but I cannot wear my jean pant in dis hot wever!

Humidity today......SUX!!!!