Summer is one of the most popular times to book a family photoshoot in Perth, and for good reason.
The beaches look stunning, the evenings are long, and the golden light in December and January is genuinely beautiful.
The families who get great summer photos aren’t the ones who somehow avoided the heat — they’re the ones who planned their session around it.
If you’re considering family photoshoot for summer, the season itself isn’t the issue: the time of day is everything. For a different perspective on Perth’s seasons, our winter guide is worth a read too.
Perth summer in plain terms
Summer here runs from December through February. Temperatures regularly reach 35 to 42 degrees Celsius, and on the hottest days the heat sets in by mid-morning and doesn’t ease until well after sunset.
Daylight hours are long. In peak summer the sun doesn’t set until around 8:00 to 8:30pm. That can sound like a challenge for families with young children, but it’s actually one of summer’s biggest practical advantages: golden hour arrives late in the evening, which means a proper sunset session is achievable even for families where parents are finishing work or kids have after-school commitments.
The other factor to know about is the Fremantle Doctor, the strong afternoon sea breeze that rolls in from the coast most summer days, typically arriving between 1:00 and 4:00pm. At beach and coastal locations, it can appear quickly and make outdoor sessions genuinely difficult: hair across faces, sand in the air, everyone squinting into the wind. Planning around that window is one of the most practical things you can do.
The two shooting windows that work
There are two windows in the day when conditions work in your favour. Outside of these, the light and the heat both become problems.
The first is early morning, from around 6:00 to 8:00am. Temperatures are still manageable, popular beaches are quiet before the holiday crowds settle in, and the light is soft and directional. Sunrise in peak summer falls around 5:15am, so by 6:30am you already have clean, low-angled light to work with. Early starts suit families with children who are up early regardless, and they finish well before the worst of the heat arrives.
The second window is evening golden hour, from around 6:30pm onwards. This is when summer in Perth really delivers. Late sunsets mean warm golden tones across beaches and parkland, long shadows, and the kind of light that makes coastal settings glow. You can comfortably run through to 7:30 or 8:00pm in December and January. For most families, the evening window is the more flexible option.
For a full breakdown of how light changes across the day and across the seasons, our guide to the best time of day for outdoor family photos in Perth covers it in detail.
Beach and coastal sessions in summer
Summer and beach sessions go together for a reason. The coastal beaches here look their best in December and January: golden sand, clear water, and warm evening light that reflects off the ocean. It’s a combination designed to capture the warmth of summer.
A few things are worth planning around. Popular ocean beaches get busy in summer, particularly through the school holiday period, and the Fremantle Doctor arrives reliably in the afternoon at exposed coastal spots. If you love the beach look but prefer something calmer, Swan River locations offer similar open skies and warm tones with significantly less wind and far fewer crowds. Your Perth family photographer can advise on the right spot — they know which locations work best for each client based on session time and what you’re after.
The light over the coast and river at 7:00pm on a summer evening is genuinely hard to beat. A December or January evening session is worth the later start time.
Keeping the family comfortable
A few practical things make a real difference to how the day goes in summer, particularly with young children.
Keep the day calm beforehand. Avoid activities that will tire children out in the heat, and if it’s an evening start, a quiet afternoon helps. If it’s an early morning, a relaxed night before is worth planning for.
Bring water for everyone, including the mum who’s been keeping the family organised all day. Summer sessions don’t typically run longer than an hour, but in that heat, hydration matters from the moment you arrive.
For clothing, loose and breathable fabrics work best. Light linen, cotton dresses, and relaxed shirts keep everyone comfortable and photograph well against summer backdrops. Neutral and earthy colour tones suit sandy and coastal settings. Avoid dark colours, which absorb heat, and anything tight or restrictive, which will make children uncomfortable quickly.
If you can, dress children on-location or just before leaving to avoid the inevitable car-seat sweat or snack spill during the drive.
A note on UV and sun safety
The UV index in summer here is among the highest in Australia. Apply sunscreen to the whole family before you head out. Sunscreen applied on-site that hasn’t fully absorbed can affect skin tone in the final image, so earlier is better.
Bring hats for the walk to the location and for any breaks between shots. They’ll come off for the photos themselves, but in the summer sun the walk to and from the car matters too.
Frequently asked questions
Is it too hot for a family photoshoot in Perth summer?
Not if the session is timed well. The heat is the main challenge, but it’s a manageable one. An early morning start before 8:00am or an evening start from 6:30pm onwards keeps everyone comfortable and produces beautiful light. Families who struggle in summer are usually those who’ve booked at the wrong time of day.
What time of day is best for summer family photos in Perth?
Early morning between 6:00 and 8:00am, or evening from around 6:30pm. Midday and early afternoon don’t work well in summer: the light is harsh, the heat is at its peak, and the Fremantle Doctor typically arrives in the afternoon at coastal locations, making beach shoots difficult.
What should we wear for summer family photos in Perth?
Light, breathable fabrics in neutral or earthy tones. Linen, cotton, and a loose casual style work best in the heat and photograph well in warm evening light. Avoid dark colours and anything tight or restrictive, particularly for children.
Where are the best summer family photoshoot locations in Perth?
Ocean beaches are the classic summer choice and they look magnificent in evening light, capturing warm golden tones as the sun drops. If wind is a concern, Swan River locations offer similar warmth and open skies with more shelter. Your photographer will be able to suggest specific spots based on your session time and the look you’re after.
Conclusion
Summer here produces some of the most beautiful family photos of any time of year. The long evenings, the coastal light, and the warm golden tones all come together when the session is timed right. Plan a morning or evening session and the heat becomes a background detail rather than something to plan around.