What Is The Weather Like In Uluru?
Uluru is the heart of Australia, located in the centre of the country, in the Northern Territory. The Australian icon is a giant monolith made out of arkosic sandstone that was formed over 500 million years ago. As Uluru is located in the middle of the desert, it experiences extreme temperature changes, largely due to its geographical location.
The weather in Uluru ranges from one extreme to the other with lows of 4°C to highs of 45°C throughout the year. In summer, the temperatures average between 20°C at night and 35°C in the day, and winter will see highs of 20°C and lows of 4°C.
Here is your guide to the year-round weather in Uluru!
Weather in Uluru in Summer
If you’re not from Australia, you probably view the country’s weather as hot and dry, which is exactly what summer in Uluru is like. Summer temperatures from December to February can reach highs of 45°C with an average day time temperature of 35°C. The summer nighttime temperatures typically drops to 20°C.
There is a higher chance of rainfall and storms during summer in Uluru. Between November and March, heavy rainfall can occur when tropical depressions tend to move towards the middle of the country. Uluru is prone to thunder and lightning storms and they can sometimes hit without rain.
Tours to Uluru are less frequent during the summer months so you might want to keep that in mind when you're deciding what time of year you'd like to visit.
Weather in Uluru in Autumn
Autumn in Uluru spans from March through to May with daily average temperatures of 25°C. Autumn is said to be the best time of year to visit Uluru as the weather is pleasant for hiking and being outdoors. Rainfall is minimal, and the heat isn’t as dry as it is during summer. And nighttime temperatures can cool to 12°C.
Uluru in Autumn also sees clear and blue sky days, ideal for sightseeing and stargazing. Uluru looks incredible with the sun shining directly on it which during the day, you’ll notice that the colour of the rock actually changes. As the sun moves, its rays reflect onto the rock from different angles, creating the colour change illusion.
Weather in Uluru in Winter
Winter in Uluru isn’t what you’d expect. The winter months of June to August in Uluru are surprisingly cool. Day temperatures reach 20°C and nights drop to 4°C. The winter mornings see a lot of frost, something you don’t exactly expect to happen in the Australian desert. And rain is almost nonexistent during winter, and like autumn, the skies are crisp and clear.
If you’re planning to visit Uluru during winter, be sure to pack for both warm and freezing temperatures. At night you’ll need thermals and beanies but during the day you’ll likely want to be wearing shorts and t-shirts!
Weather in Uluru in Spring
Spring in Uluru runs from September to November with highs of 30°C and lows of 20°C. Spring is a beautiful time to visit Uluru as the desert flora starts to bloom and the reptiles come out of hibernation. Day temperatures are pleasant for hiking and outdoor activities while nights cool down but don’t have the chill that winter brings.
If you’re an animal enthusiast, spring might be your ideal time to visit the iconic Uluru. Native animals start to breed, kangaroos are everywhere and snakes and lizards can be spotted!
Uluru’s Traditional Seasons
Although Uluru runs through the four seasons we know, the region also has traditional seasons recognised by the Anangu people, Australia’s Traditional Owners. The Anangu people have lived in Uluru for thousands of years, making the land their home. There are five traditional seasons; piriyakutu, mai wiyaringkupai, itjanu, wanitjunkupai, and wari.
Piriyakutu or piriya piraya runs from August to September. Mai wiyaringkupai or kuli occurs around December. Itjanu or inutji spans from January to March. Wanitjunkupai runs from April to early May. And wari is from late May to July.
Rain in Uluru
The average rainfall in Uluru throughout the year sits around 300 millimetres. Rain can fall at any time of the year but it’s more common in the warmer months from November to March. The rainfall typically occurs due to the tropical depressions or cyclones that take place in the north of the country. Wet season runs from November to March in the northern, tropical locations in Australia which, in turn, can cause push rain inland towards Uluru.
However, if you’re planning a visit to Uluru, the chance of actually seeing rain is around 3%. But if you are lucky enough to catch a storm or shower, you’ll be amazed at how spectacular rain in the desert really is!
What type of heat is Uluru?
During the summer months in Uluru where the temperature is at its hottest, the type of heat you can expect is dry. Uluru is in a semi-arid desert environment which has low humidity and little vegetation growth. Semi-arid deserts are a cross between arid (dry) deserts and humid environments. This results in extreme temperature changes between day and night. During the day in Uluru, the heat you feel will be dry with low humidity. But at night, the heat drops off and will feel much colder.
Uluru itself absorbs a lot of heat from the sun which can radiate back into the air. This means that the areas surrounding the rock will feel much hotter the closer you get to it - something the weather apps won’t tell you.
What is the best season to visit Uluru?
Uluru is a fascinating place to visit year-round. But autumn and spring are ideally the best times to visit. With cooler day temperatures, mild nights, and clear sky days, you can get much more out of your visit during autumn and spring. You’ll also miss the stormy season, the icy nights and the grey skies, making for the perfect conditions to be outside exploring the region!
If you're looking to book a tour to Uluru, we have year-round tours taking you to the best places in the region. From 5 day adventure tours to camping excursions to single overnight stays, we have it all.
Just don't let the weather fool you so be sure to pack your winter woollies during the cooler months!
