Weather patterns and climate can vary considerably within the Kimberley region.

High rainfall areas with annual precipitation in the order of 1400 mm are found in the north west Kimberley. This rainfall diminishes in a southerly and inland direction, with some areas receiving less than 400 mm.

Rainfall is highly variable from year to year. In some southern parts desert conditions can prevail for much of the year.

Tropical cyclones and other intense low pressure systems can bring heavy and sustained rainfall. It is common for a significant amount of an area's annual rainfall to be recorded in one single event.