Weather & seasons in the Northern Territory

Darwin, the tropical capital of the Northern Territory, experiences the typical Wet (November–April) and Dry (May–October) seasons of the Top End.

During the dry season, you’ll be welcomed by blue skies daily with temperatures sitting comfortably between 20°C and 33°C (68°F and 91°F). You may get the odd cooler night (by local standards) during June and July whentemperatures can drop to 16°C (60°F). Residents relish this chance to pull out their jumpers – a rare occurrence here in the Top End.

When the wet season rolls around you’ll feel it first as the humidity starts to set in, and the minimum temperature rises. During the Wet in Darwin you’ll experience a minimum of 25°C (77°F) overnight, whilst the maximum remains similar to the Dry at 33°C (91°F), but the humidity rises to 80%. Don’t worry though, afternoon rains usually come and cool things down, especially in January with the average rainfall sitting at 429mm (17″).

The desert climate of Alice Springs makes travel possible all year round, though you need to be prepared for spikes and dips in temperature.

In summer, the thermometer can push into the high thirties (86°F) and in winter it dips below freezing on cool nights.

If you’re travelling in winter or summer, keep an eye on the short-term forecast so you’re prepared for changes of temperature and conditions.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park has a desert climate, which means clear skies, low average rainfall, high temperatures in summer and cool nights in winter.

You can visit Uluru any time of the year. Plan ahead in summer, when high temperatures can mean that walks close early in the day. The average peak for January is 38°C (101°F) and the record high is 45.4°C (115.5°F). In winter, the thermometer can dip below freezing at night.

Uluru’s desert climate means clear skies for most of the year and low average rainfall. Both Uluru and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) are stunning at sunrise and sunset, and there are special viewing platforms for visitors to get photos.

Kakadu National Park, a world heritage-listed area 253km east of Darwin, experiences the same wet and dry seasons as the rest of the Top End.

May to October is cooler and drier and considered the best time to travel here. From November to April is when rains roll across the Top End, replenishing waterfalls and filling waterholes to the brim.

While many areas of Kakadu are closed in the Wet due to flooding, seeing it in all its glory is a special treat. It’s the perfect time to take a helicopter or light plane flight over Kakadu’s waterfalls, which are in full flow, and the stone country and escarpments.

Katherine is located 300km south of Darwin on the banks of the Katherine River, and experiences the high temperatures and the occasional tropical storms of the Top End during the Wet.

The humidity rises during the build-up to the Wet. The arrival of spectacular thunderstorms transforms the landscape into endless lush greenery, and fills the creeks and rivers with fish – a bounty reaped by the traditional owners.

One of the most spectacular sights outside of Katherine is Nitmiluk Gorge, which you can witness in full flow at the end of the wet season.

Arnhem Land experiences the dry and wet seasons of the rest of the Top End.

This means heavy rains during the Wet – November to April – and very little during the Dry (May to October).

Temperatures don’t change greatly between the seasons. The average ranges from the low thirties (mid-80s °F) in the day, low twenties during the night (high-60s °F). The humidity climbs as monsoonal storms roll across the Top End from December onward.

Tennant Creek is located 1,000km south of Darwin and 500km north of Alice Springs. It has a warm desert climate and shares the traditional 4 seasons of the rest of the Red Centre.

It’s dry with clear skies most of the year, temperatures are high in summer and fall in the middle of the year, with sunny days and mild nights. Expect some rainfall in the summer months between December to March.

With Darwin being the capital of the Northern Territory, you’ll always find it buzzing and full of things to see and do. 

To have the most comfortable trip, the dry season between May to October is going to be the best time for you. You’ll also find most of our famous events such as the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets and Darwin Festival happen during this time.

While most visitors come during dry season, don’t let the Wet deter you. You’ll experience Darwin at it’s most tropical with the lush greenery and amazing afternoon storms. Plus, if you do need to cool down, it’s more likely you’ll be able to nab a sun lounger at Infinity in Mindil Beach Casino Resort.

Alice Springs is prone to temperature spikes in summer and dips in winter. Prepare well and you’ll enjoy your visit to this iconic Australian outback town.

If you’re sensitive to extremes, the best times to visit are April to September. Spring and autumn provide a nice balance between the hot and the cold.

The moderate temperatures in spring and autumn mean you can stay outdoors longer. Evenings are mild and perfect for enjoying Alice’s lively dining and entertainment scene.

If it’s swimming you’re more interested in, summer is the best time for visiting the natural waterholes on the outskirts of Alice Springs.

Litchfield National Park is one of the most beautiful areas near Darwin in the Top End. The cooler weather is to be had during the dry season, which runs from May to October. Although some locals believe the shoulder month of April is the ultimate time for a camping experience without the crowds of the peak season.

Litchfield is open all year. If you visit in the Wet, you’ll enjoy the waterfalls at their most spectacular.

It’s worth remembering that during the Wet, some areas of the park may be closed due to flooding.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is part of Central Australia where the thermometer spikes in summer and dips in winter. You can visit any time of year, just wear appropriate clothing and sun protection, and always keep water on hand.

The best times to visit for comfortable weather are the autumn and spring months. Temperatures are moderate and the climate is dry.

Experts believe the best time to get a great photograph of Uluru is spring (September –November), when the light falls beautifully on this breathtaking 348m (1,142') sandstone formation.

The perfect time to visit Kakadu National Park and take in its extraordinary biodiversity, its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage is from June to August. The days are sunny (average temperature is around 30°C), there’s little chance of rain and humidity is low. Often a south-easterly breeze will freshen up the day.

If you arrive a little earlier (April to June) you’ll experience the astonishing beauty of the Wet without weather concerns. The waterfalls will still be pumping and filling up Kakadu’s stunning array of waterholes. Wildlife will be active and crowds will be smaller.

Things quieten down considerably during the wet season (October to April) but that doesn’t mean Kakadu is off-limits. Many of the rock art sites remain accessible even in the Wet.

Located in the Top End, Arnhem Land experiences the wet and dry seasons, but it is beautiful all year round. 

To ensure you experience everything Arnhem Land has to offer, we recommend visiting during the Dry (May –  October). Whilst you’ll see the land come alive during the Wet, there’s a chance that roads and tours can close due to flooding, and we wouldn't want you to miss out.

Being located in the middle of the Territory, it’s likely you’ll spend a night in Tennant Creek if you’re travelling by car or camper. The weather here follows the 4 seasons but you should still expect sunny blue skies most of the year. Perfect for your visit to the beautiful Karlu Karlu (The Devils Marbles) which are located just one hour south.

Late Autumn (May) and early Spring (September) are your best bet for a comfortable journey with daily temperatures between 18–30°C. Being a desert climate, it can get cool overnight so we recommend you pack a jumper just in case.