When to visit Northern Territory: The Red Centre & Top End

The Red Centre’s semi-arid climate is one of extremes. In summer (December to February), temperatures range between 20ºC and 35ºC and flies are an almost constant nuisance. Spring and autumn are pleasant, while in winter (June to August), night time temperatures can sometimes fall below freezing. Rain, when it comes, arrives in heavy bursts, but you can expect dry conditions throughout most of the year. Wildflower season reaches its peak between September and October.

The dry season, which runs from April to September is the most popular time for visiting the Top End, although you should be prepared for high daytime temperatures but far cooler nights. The wet season, which lasts from November to March but reaches its peak in January and February, can make travel tricky, especially on the mainly dirt roads that lead to the more remote regions of Kakadu, Litchfield and Arnhem land. After particularly heavy rains, some roads may be closed altogether.