Best time to visit Kings Canyon & Watarrka National Park

Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon) is a must-visit place on any Red Centre adventure. But when exactly is the best time to visit?

When's the best time to visit Kings Canyon?

Similar to Uluru, Kings Canyon is located in a semi-arid desert climate zone. Although it's a year-round destination, the best time to visit is generally during the cooler months between late spring and early fall (May–September). The days are warm and sunny, but not hot enough that you’ll melt in the sun.

Summer in the Northern Territory can be stiflingly hot, but it’s doable if you're prepared with suitable clothing and set off early in the morning.

Winter (June-August)

Winter sees more temperature fluctuation with averages of 44°F to 71°F. However, the temperature can drop to below-freezing at night, so you’ll need warm layers for the evenings and early mornings.

Winter is a fantastic time to explore and tackle the iconic Kings Canyon Rim Walk without sweating buckets. The trail takes you up a steep ridge onto a rocky plateau where you'll be treated to sweeping views across the desert.

While it never feels crowded in the Red Centre, winter is the busiest time of year so bear in mind that flight and accommodation prices to Alice Springs or Yulara may be higher.

What to pack for Uluru and the Red Centre Find out what to pack for Uluru and the Red Centre

Summer (December-February)

If you’re not a fan of the heat, you might want to avoid planning a trip from December to February. Average summertime temps range from 71°F to 97°F, but it’s not uncommon for highs to soar above 110°F. Rain is low throughout the year, but summer sees the most precipitation – mostly in January.

Aim to set off early to beat the midday sun. When the temperature is forecast to be 97°F+, you must start the Kings Canyon Rim Walk before 9am and the South Wall Return Walk before 11am (heatstroke is a very real threat in the desert).

Another thing to note is the flies. Flies are ever-present in the Outback, but they’re particularly annoying in the summer. You’ll need to wear a head net to keep the flies out of your eyes, mouth and nose.

Fall (March-May) and spring (September-November)

Spring and autumn are considered some of the best times to visit the Red Centre. The days are warm days and nights are cool, with average temps of 60°F to 88°F. Ensure you have suitable clothing and enough water to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Autumn is an extra scenic time to hit the trails, with daisies and native fuschia blooming after the summer rains. Spring brings a splash of pink to the rusty-orange landscape with the flowering of wattles, grevilleas and hakeas (corkwood trees).

Average temperatures in Watarrka National Park

Month

Average high (°F)  

Average low (°F)  

January

100

73

February

98

73

March

93

70

April

86

62

May

77

52

June

70

44

July

71

43

August

75

46

September

84

55

October

91

62

November

95

68

December

97

71

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