When Is The Best Time To Visit Uluru & Alice Springs?
Notorious for intense heat and extreme changes, Australia’s outback has unique weather that often surprises visitors. Depending on when you go to Central Australia, you may be greeted by scorching dry heat, dusty lightning storms, freezing nighttime temps or heavy rains. However, with the extreme ups and downs comes the arid, earthly beauty of the Red Centre. So, when is the best time to visit Uluru, and what weather should you be prepared for?
The best month to visit Uluru
The best time to visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is August, at the tail-end of winter (maximums of 23 C, lows of 6 C). With cooler temperatures, less rainfall and the beginnings of spring’s wildflowers abloom, it’s the best time to embark on hikes and day trips without the severe heat. Just bring warm gear for the evenings.
Summer in Uluru
December, January and February are the hottest months in Uluru, usually sitting between 20 - 35 C, with occasional temperatures of about 40 C. Summer also receives the most rain, despite the usually dry climate.
Hiking the Red Centre in Summer
Hiking can only safely be done before 11 a.m. during the summer months in Alice Springs and Uluru area, and walkers are urged to bring at least 1 litre of water per hour of walking. Overall, if you’re planning to do a lot of walking, it’s better to visit in the spring, winter and autumn. Summer in Central Australia also means more flies, so packing a head net is advised.
Autumn in Uluru
March, April and May is a milder, beautiful time to visit the red plains of Uluru. Autumn brings temps between 6 C and 30 C, making it a lot better for walkers and those avoiding the peak of the heat. Autumn in Uluru holds more rainfall than spring, particularly in March, however, it’s a relatively dry area.
Winter in Uluru
During June, July and August, Central Australia is faced with surprisingly cold weather, however, is still a great time to visit. With temperatures dropping below 0 C at night, you will often wake up to a thick frost carpeting the ground. However, daytime temperatures are pleasant (15 - 20 C) and there is little rainfall, making it a popular time for hikers.
Spring in Uluru
Get ready for wildflowers abloom, warm days and cool nights in September, October and November in outback Australia. With temperatures dropping to 10 C at night and around 30 C during the day, Spring is our favourite time to travel. It also rains the least, and while you won’t see the waterfalls flowing and pools full, it means you won’t get rained out. You can catch evening thunderstorms for a pretty impressive landscape. While you’re exploring the area, you’ll be sure to spot the native wildlife coming out of winter slums and enjoy the colours of fresh spring blooms in the National Parks.
Best time to visit Uluru
Overall, each season in Uluru and Alice Springs brings different kinds of both magic and hurdles, whether that’s summer heat, winter frost, springtime storms or autumn rain. Nevertheless, it’s a privilege to experience the wonder of this unique country at any time of the year, and the elements are all a part of that experience!
