Alice Springs Weather in January

Average Temperatures in Alice Springs in January

Temperatures across Alice Springs in January range between 35°C (95°F) during the day, sometimes exceeding 40°C (104°F). They then drop considerably overnight where you can expect to experience lows of around 22°C (72°F), dropping to as low as 17°C (62°F). This provides some much-welcomed relief from the soaring temperatures during the day, making it easy to plan your walking and outdoors activities around these highs and lows.

In the past two decades, the hottest day on record in January was 45°C (113°F), recorded on 6 January 2004. On 18 January 2001 a close second was recorded at 44°C (112°F). 18 January 1999 and 19 January 2000 both recorded a temperature of 43°C (110°F). 11 January 2008 and 29 January 2003 saw a temperature of 42°C (108°F). 

Average Sunshine Hours per Day in Alice Springs in January

January is a nice and sunny month offering up around 310 hours of sunshine. The sun rises at around 6am and sunset is around 7.25pm, guaranteeing around 10 hours of daylight.

UV levels in Alice Springs in January

In January, the average daily maximum UV index across Alice Springs is 8, which indicates a high health risk from unsafe exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Be sure to pack a hat and slip, slop, slap during the day to stay safe.

Average Rainfall in Alice Springs in January

January is the wettest month in Alice Springs, however it is generally a dry and hot climate, with an average of nine days of rainfall scattered throughout. The average rainfall throughout the month is 39mm, which is the highest for the year. This means despite the heat, January is also the wettest month to visit.

As you might expect in the outback, the expected rainfall is extremely unpredictable, and tends to be more evenly spread across the year. Summer months, including January, do carry more rainfall with them.

Best Things to Do in Alice Springs in January

Nestled between the East and West MacDonnell Ranges, Alice Springs is the ideal destination for soaking up some incredible desert landscapes and outback views that stretch on for days. There’s a strong Aboriginal culture and history that allows you to connect with the personality, spirit and people of the area, immersing yourself in the arts and natural wonders. Read on for our pick of the best things to see and do in Alice Springs in January.

Hot air balloon over Alice Springs

January is the perfect time to rise early and make the most of your day before the hot weather settles in. One of the best things you can experience is a spectacular view of the Red Centre from up high in a hot air balloon. One of the biggest draw cards of the region is the incredible landscape surrounding it. A hot air balloon offers up an unbeatable vantage point, combined with an unmissable experience that you won’t forget anytime soon.

Art Gallery Exploring

The Alice Springs Region is well known for its incredible art culture. When the weather warms up during the day in January, you can beat the heat inside one of the amazing local art galleries that showcase some of Australia’s best Indigenous art pieces. There are literally dozens to choose from, including Ntjarra Art Centre, Araluen Cultural Precinct, Mbantua Art Gallery and more.

The best way to explore is with a car, so you can remain in the comfort of air conditioning between galleries. However, if you’re willing to brave the weather, you can also rent a bike and get around on wheels.

Head up ANZAC Hill for sunset

As the sun sets in January, you will each enjoy much more mild weather that lends itself to a quick hike up to the top of Anzac Hill. From here, you can settle in with a cozy picnic as you enjoy sweeping views of the city stretching far beyond to the breathtaking West Macdonnell Ranges in the distance. 

Want to avoid the crowds? Instead of making it all the way to the top, you can stop halfway and still enjoy some amazing views, without being surrounded by other tourists.

Uluru

Alice Springs is the perfect vantage point to explore Uluru and the drive between the two is an absolute must. It takes you through the heart of the country and presents an opportunity to explore some incredible sights while making your way along the sealed roads.

You can simply enjoy a day trip to Uluru in January, heading off around lunchtime and arriving in the early evening when the mild weather has set in allowing you to enjoy one of the many famous walks around the base of this sacred space.

You can even enjoy dinner under the stars with the Sounds of Silence experience across four incredible hours. As the sun sets, you can listen to the sound of the didgeridoo and enjoy a guided tour of the night sky. 

Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Centre

Another great way to keep yourself out of the heat of the day in January is to pay a visit to the Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Centre where you can learn all about the history and services that have been provided by the flying doctors since 1920.

It’s open Monday to Saturday and offers tours every half an hour, with the money going back into the organisation to help it maintain its services to the outback communities.

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

Recommended Itineraries for Alice Springs in January

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.