Heat Risk in Perth CBD, WA: 2026 Assessment

Perth CBD, Western Australia· UNKNOWN
Perth CBD experiences a high risk of heatwaves, particularly during the summer months, exacerbated by the urban heat island effect.Updated 7 Apr 2026

Heat Risk Score

7.0/10

Perth CBD experiences a high risk of heatwaves, particularly during the summer months, exacerbated by the urban heat island effect.

Key Facts

Heat Risk
Perth CBD experiences a high risk of heatwaves, particularly during the summer months, exacerbated by the urban heat island effect.
Trend
increasing
Suburb
Perth CBD, WA
Overall Risk
Medium

Heat Risk Analysis

Perth CBD in Western Australia faces elevated extreme heat risk. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) reports that Australia's average temperature has increased by approximately 1.5 °C since 1910, with the frequency of extreme heat days rising across most regions.

The urban heat island (UHI) effect can make built-up areas of Perth CBD warmer than surrounding rural areas, particularly on summer nights. Dark roof materials, limited tree canopy cover, and heat-absorbing surfaces contribute to localised heat stress that varies by property.

The urban heat island effect exacerbates heat stress in the CBD.

Get an address-level heat risk assessment from ClimateNest for Perth CBD including cooling cost estimates, heatwave vulnerability scoring, and adaptation recommendations tailored to your property.

Local Hazard Evidence

Avg January Max Temp31.5 °C
Heat Stress Events/Year5
Urban Heat ContextThe urban heat island effect exacerbates heat stress in the CBD.

Historical Events

2019
Major

Perth experienced a prolonged heatwave with record-breaking temperatures, leading to heat stress and health concerns.

Adaptation & Mitigation Actions

Improve Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

Upgrade drainage systems to handle increased rainfall and reduce flood risk.

Est. cost: High

Implement Heat Mitigation Strategies

Immediate

Increase green spaces, use cool pavements, and promote energy-efficient buildings to reduce the urban heat island effect.

Est. cost: Medium

Protect Coastal Areas

Long-term

Implement coastal protection measures, such as seawalls and beach nourishment, to mitigate erosion and sea level rise.

Est. cost: Very High

Develop Emergency Response Plans

Immediate

Create comprehensive emergency response plans for heatwaves, floods, and other climate-related events.

Est. cost: Low

Promote Community Awareness

Near-term

Educate residents and businesses about climate risks and adaptation measures.

Est. cost: Low

Council & Emergency Services

City of Perth
Emergency Services

Data last updated: 7 April 2026

Explore Perth CBD Risk Reports

Frequently Asked Questions

How hot does Perth CBD get in summer?

Perth CBD in Western Australia experiences summer temperatures consistent with the regional climate. BOM publishes historical temperature data for weather stations near Perth CBD. Get a property-specific heat exposure assessment with projected cooling costs from ClimateNest.

Is extreme heat increasing in Perth CBD?

Australia-wide, extreme heat events have become more frequent since the mid-20th century, and this trend is consistent with CSIRO climate projections for Western Australia. Continued warming is likely through 2050 under all emissions scenarios.

How does heat affect energy costs for Perth CBD properties?

Higher temperatures increase cooling demand, which raises electricity costs. ClimateNest provides energy cost projections based on your property's specific exposure to extreme heat days in Perth CBD and the performance of your building envelope.

What heat mitigation measures work best in Perth CBD?

Effective heat mitigation includes light-coloured roofing (cool roofs), ceiling and wall insulation, double-glazed windows, external shading, cross-ventilation design, and increasing tree canopy around the property. These measures reduce indoor temperatures and cooling costs.

Is Perth CBD Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Perth CBD, Western Australia, covering flood, bushfire, sea level rise and more.

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What A$69 could save you from

$7.2B
2022 insured disaster losses*
$300B+
climate risk to property by 2050*
30-120%
insurance premium increases in high-risk areas*

*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA

Full report from A$69 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections