The Northern Territory covers two very distinct climate zones: The Red Centre and the Tropical North.
Red Centre
The Red Centre, which includes Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, the Barkly Tablelands and Uluru/Kata-Tjuta regions, has a semi-arid climate. The area experiences Australia’s four typical seasons with large variations in temperature from season to season.
In summer (December–February), average temperatures range between 20C (68F) and 35C (95F). In winter (June–August), the average temperature range is 3–20C (37–68F). Spring and autumn see warm days and cool evenings.
Note that temperatures in Central Australia can be extreme: temperatures can drop below 0C (32F) overnight in winter, and rise above 40C (104F) in summer. Be sure to check the weather before you venture outdoors and make sure you are equipped for extremes.
| Season | Months | Average Temperature (C) | Average Temperature (F) | Total Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Sept - Nov | 30.5 | 86.9 | 56.5 |
| Summer | Dec - Feb | 35.6 | 96 | 116.5 |
| Autumn | Mar - May | 28 | 82.4 | 67 |
| Winter | Jun - Aug | 20.6 | 69 | 38 |
| 28.6 | 83.4 | 278 |
Tropical North
The Top End, which includes Darwin, Katherine, Kakadu and Arnhem Land, has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons, the 'Wet' and the 'Dry'.
The Wet season spans from November until April and is characterised by increased humidity followed by monsoonal rains and storms. Temperatures typically range from a minimum of 25C (77F) to a maximum of 33C (91F), and humidity levels can reach in excess of 80%.
While weather conditions at this time of year can restrict travel to some areas, the Wet season is a stunning time to see the Top End. Waterfalls tumble, skies host incredible light shows, and the landscape turns a lush green.
The 'Dry’ season goes from May until October and is characterised by dry sunny days and cool nights. Temperatures typically range from 21C (70F) to 32C (90F) and the humidity levels are much lower: around 60–65%.
| Season | Months | Average Temperature (C) | Average Temperature (F) | Total Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wet | Nov - April | 32.2 | 89.9 | 1593.8 |
| Dry | May - Oct | 31.6 | 88.8 | 113 |
| 31.9 | 89.4 | 1706.8 |
Further information
- Visit the Bureau of Meterology website
- Visit the Weatherzone website