Alice Springs Weather in February

Average Temperatures in Alice Springs in February

Temperatures across Alice Springs in February range between 35°C (95°F) during the day , never dropping below 29°C (84.2°F) during these daylight hours. Thankfully, they do drop considerably overnight where you can enjoy lows of around 22°C (72°F), however these rarely fall below 15°C (59°F). Still pack your lightweight pyjamas to get you through the night, but rest-assured knowing the stifling heat does take a welcomed break as you get some much-needed rest.

In recent years, the hottest day on record in February was 43°C (109.4°F), recorded on 24 February 2016. Going back a little further, 43°C (109.4°F) was also recorded on 17 February 2006. On 2 February 1998, temperature soared higher to 44°C (112°F).

Average Sunshine Hours Per Day in Alice Springs in February

During the month of February in Alice Springs, the sun rises at around 6.20am and sunset is around 7.15pm, offering up around 13 hours of daylight waiting to be enjoyed.

UV levels in Alice Springs in February

In February, the average daily maximum UV index across Alice Springs is 8, which indicates a high health risk from unsafe exposure to ultraviolet radiation. It’s important to plan ahead for your visit and make sure you pack plenty of light clothes that cover you up.

Average Rainfall in Alice Springs in February

In February in Alice Springs, the rain falls for about 5.2 days, with 30mm of precipitation accumulated throughout the month. While this is less than January, with 39mm, it’s still considered one of the wetter months in Alice Springs.

The rainfall tends to be extremely unpredictable, so it helps to pack a poncho in your backpack to pull out in need. Often the rain comes as a welcomed relief in this outback climate. 

Best Things to Do in Alice Springs in February

If you’re looking to get off the beaten track and truely soak up some Aboriginal culture and incredible outback landscapes, then Alice Springs offers up one of the best vantage points. While the hot, dry weather February brings with it can be stifling during the middle of the day, by simply planning your activities around these times, you have the opportunity to really explore some incredible sights. Read on for our pick of the best things to see and do in Alice Springs in February.

Check out Alice Springs Reptile Centre

While you’re visiting Alice Springs, it pays to get to know the reptiles of the outback a little better. February is a great time of year to explore Alice Springs Reptile Centre’s extensive range, including Terry the saltwater crocodile, goannas, frill-neck lizards, brown snakes, and more. Home to more than 100 reptiles, you can spend a whole day wandering. Thanks to the heat of the season, many of the reptiles tend to be nice and active all day long, so you don’t have to plan around them like you do in the cooler months. Schedule around one of their interactive talks and handling sessions, which are conducted daily.

Head to Araluen Cultural Precinct

When the heat of the day gets a little too much in the hot February sun, escape to the Araluen Cultural Precinct for a little respite. Here you will find four art galleries, three museums and a theatre just waiting to be explored. 

Note: there is a small entry charge to visit everything in the precinct, however it’s well-worth it. You can see paintings from all over Central Australia, visit two sacred sites that are part of the Two Women Dreaming Story, and soak up more Aboriginal culture and history at The Strehlow Research Centre for Aboriginal Culture, the Museum of Central Australia and the Connellan Aviation Museum.

Ride a camel at sunset

If riding a camel through the outback isn’t already on your bucket list, then it’s time to pop it there and tick it off during your trip to Alice Springs. As the weather drops considerably in the evenings, a sunset camel ride is the perfect way to end a busy day. Take in the peace of the desert with a ride through the Ilparpa Valley. Pyndan Camel Tracks offers up incredible tours led by Marcus, who has been working with camels for around 30 years. It’s an experience you won’t forget anytime soon.

Visit Simpsons Gap

It’s no secret that you should keep your hiking adventures to the cooler period of the day and set off first thing in the morning, or enjoy a sunset hike in the evening. One of the best places to venture is Simpsons Gap located in the West MacDonnell Ranges.

There’s many gaps in the range that are all worth checking out. This one in particular is situated over a streambed and is an important spiritual site for the Arrernte People. It’s also the ideal place for some wildlife spotting. The waterhole sitting in front frequently attracts black-footed rock wallabies with falcons swooping overhead.

Once you’ve soaked up the sight, you can take off on one of the many hikes around the area, making your way through gaps, gorges and mountains, taking in spectacular views and spotting plenty of nature along the way.

Stop for a coffee

When the heat of the day kicks in and you need to escape the sun, there’s nothing better than visiting one of the most popular cafes in the region: Page 27.

Enjoy delicious coffee paired with an all-day food menu, including freshly made cakes that are the perfect treat after an early morning spent exploring. Set just off Todd Mall in a laneway, it has a great atmosphere and is the ideal spot to stop and recharge.

For more inspiration on what to see and do in Alice Springs in February, have a look at our comprehensive Nine Day Alice Springs Self Drive Loop. 

Recommended Itineraries for Alice Springs in February

This 14 Day Highlights of Northern Territory offers plenty of ideas on how to best spend your holiday in Alice Springs. And if you’d like to have a personalised itinerary created just for you, our travel specialists will be happy to help you plan a memorable trip.