When is the best time to visit the Northern Territory?

Find the desert and tropics all in one territory

The best time to visit the Northern Territory is generally the winter/dry season when temperatures are still warm (but not oppressively hot), humidity levels are low and storm activity and rainfall is infrequent.

The Northern Territory is split into two distinct climates that align with its regions. The Red Centre has four seasons and the Top End has two seasons: a tropical wet season and a dry season.

Summer is extremely hot and humid all over the Northern Territory, with temperatures reaching over 40°C and the tropical Top End experiencing a large amount of rainfall.

Top End wet season	Top End dry season
November to April	May to October

Summer	Autumn	Winter	Spring
December to February	March to May	May to July	August to October

When to visit

Two swimmers in natural pool by Florence Falls in Litchfield National Park

When to visit for the best weather

During winter, daytime temperatures in the Red Centre average between 20 and 30°C. While still warm, this is the coolest time of the year, making it suitable to explore the territory without too much heat.

Similarly, the weather in the Top End becomes more predictable during the time of the year, from May to October, known as the dry season, with little to no tropical storms, less humidity and little rain.

An Intrepid leader explains the Ubirr boulder in Kakadu National Park to hikers

When to visit to avoid crowds

The high temperatures and humidity of summer and the later part of spring mean fewer visitors to the NT. The Top End is extremely humid throughout the months of December, January and February.

Although there are fewer travellers, this is the time to see the national parks when they’re full of lush, green foliage and overflowing waterfalls. Sometimes, even Uluru sees a temporary waterfall during the wet season.

A group of birds in the Mamukala Wetlands in Kakadu National Park

When to visit to avoid Top End monsoons

Severe weather is generally expected between October and April in the Top End. This time of year, known as the wet season, is when cyclones, floods and severe storms affect this region of Australia.

Being a tropical region, the humidity at this time can reach over 80 per cent. While some attractions will close and roads can flood, this season is known for its incredible sunsets and lightning storms.