Best Time to Visit Uluru | Intrepid Travel DE

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is awe-inspiring come rain or shine, and the best time to visit ultimately depends on what you want to experience. Generally speaking, the cooler months of May through September offer the best weather — the days are dry and warm, but not scorching. Summer trips aren’t off the cards, but you’ll need to be prepared for hot, sweaty weather.

Located in the heart of the Outback, you might assume Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is hot and dry all year round. But it’s quite the opposite! With a semi-arid desert climate, the weather can be extreme. Summer is sweltering with occasional storms, while winter is warm and dry during the day, and cold at night (with temperatures often plummeting below zero).

We’ve broken down each season to help you plan your trip.

Summer (October-March)

Best for: thinner crowds and waterfalls (if you're lucky)

It can be uncomfortably hot and muggy in the summer with average highs of 31-35°C – though it’s not uncommon for it to climb into the 40s. Though hard to predict, rainfall is most likely in the summer and the humidity can make the heat more oppressive.

Flies are ever-present in the Outback, but they’re rife in the summer so you’ll need a protective head net. If it does rain, you may be one of the lucky few to see temporary waterfalls flowing down Uluru's rock faces. Stay hydrated and set off early to beat the midday heat.

Winter (June-July)

Best for: comfortable temperatures and great walking conditions

June and July are the coolest months, with average highs of 18-23°C and plenty of sunshine. Wearing a T-shirt and shorts is fine during the day, but you’ll need a jumper and long pants handy to change into for sunset. Nights are cold, so warm outer layers are essential for sunrise tours and late-night chats around the fire if you’re camping (think beanie, gloves and a down jacket).

Although it never feels super crowded in the Outback, winter is one of the busiest seasons in the Red Centre, so bear this in mind when booking flights and accommodation.

Spring (August-September) and autumn (April-May)

Best for: thriving flora and pleasant weather

August/September and April/May are excellent months to visit Uluru as the days aren’t blisteringly hot, and nights aren’t too chilly. Spring is a particularly beautiful time of year to walk around the park as desert flowers are in bloom and reptiles emerge from hibernation.

Average temperatures in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

MONTH	AVERAGE HIGH (°C)	AVERAGE LOW (°C)
January	35	19
February	34	18
March	31	15
April	26	10
May	22	6
June	18	3
July	18	1
August	21	4
September	24	7
October	29	11
November	32	15
December	35	18