WA Breaks 120-Year Heat Record, Crowned Hottest Place on Earth Christmas Day

Western Australia has earned a scorching distinction, officially being recorded as the hottest place on the planet this Christmas Day. The remarkable heat event saw one corner of the state shatter a weather record that had stood for 120 years.

Historic Records Tumble Across the State

On Thursday, December 25, 2025, tens of thousands of West Australians sought refuge on beaches as temperatures soared. Perth itself sweltered through a blistering high of 42.1 degrees Celsius. While this didn't surpass the city's own Christmas record of 42.8C set in 2021, other locations made dramatic history.

According to Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Sarah Scully, Cape Leeuwin reached a staggering 39.6C. This extraordinary reading broke the location's 120-year record for the highest maximum temperature ever recorded in December. Windy Harbour also broke a longstanding record, hitting 38C and surpassing a benchmark that had stood for 39 years.

WA Towns Dominate Global Heat List

The intense conditions led to a stunning global statistic: the fifteen hottest towns on Earth this Christmas were all located in Western Australia. The title of the single hottest spot went to Geraldton, where the mercury climbed to a scorching 44C.

The state comprehensively dominated the planet's heat rankings. Roebourne, Bullsbrook, Lancelin, and Marble Bar filled out the top five, with temperatures ranging from 41.8C to 42.4C. Other WA locations including Telfer, Gingin, Kariini, and Cunderdin also featured on the global list, all with temperatures hovering near 41C.

National Contrast and Coming Relief

While WA baked, the weather story across the rest of Australia was one of sharp contrast. Residents of Mount Wellington near Hobart, Tasmania, enjoyed a picturesque white Christmas with snowfall. Most mainland capital cities experienced mild conditions in the mid-twenties to early thirties, with Melbourne notably cooler at a maximum of just 17C.

For sandgropers weary of the extreme heat, relief is finally in sight. From Boxing Day onwards, temperatures are forecast to drop significantly, settling into the high twenties for the remainder of the week.

Perth Forecast: