Alice Springs Weather in March

Average Temperatures in Alice Springs in March

Temperatures across Alice Springs in March range between 33°C (91.4°F) during the day, before dropping to a cool 18°C (64.4°F) at night time that makes for a pleasant change. The daytime temperatures usually only vary by about 3°C either side, never dropping below 25°C (77°F). It’s the time of year where it helps to check the weather forecast for the next day and to plan your adventures around this. 

Overnight the temperatures can be as chilly as 11°C (51.8°F), so plan ahead with a lightweight long-sleeve top to keep you comfortable if the cooler climate does set in. These milder night temperatures make a pleasant change from the daytime heat and offer a chance to recover from the day’s adventures and prepare for more sightseeing fun.

In the past two decades, the hottest day on record was in 2017, where temperatures soared to 37°C (99°F). In 2019 it hit a close second at 36°C (97°F), followed by 35°C (96°F) in 2022, 2016, 2014 and 2013. It shows tht the heat can still hit hard, even at the beginning of autumn, so plan ahead.

Average Sunshine Hours Per Day in Alice Springs in March

The average day in Alice Springs during March has 12.3 hours of daylight, with the sun rising at around 6:35 in the morning and setting at about 6:50 in the evening.  

UV levels in Alice Springs in March

In March, the average daily maximum UV index across Alice Springs is 7, which indicates a high health risk from unsafe exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Thankfully, this UV level is slightly lower than the summer months, however it’s still important to slip, slop, slap and cover up to protect your skin during your travels.

Average Rainfall in Alice Springs in March

In March in Alice Springs, the amount of rainfall gradually decreases throughout the month on a sliding scale. At the beginning, you can expect 1.3 inches, rarely exceeding 5.3 inches of rainfall. By the end of the month, this had dropped to 0.9 inches, rarely exceeding 2.8 inches.

January is known as the wettest month in Alice Springs. By the time you hit autumn in March, the rainfall is a little less frequent and a little more predictable. However, it doesn’t hurt to pack that poncho on your day trips to make sure you’re prepared no matter what.

Best Things to Do in Alice Springs in March

As the weather starts to drop a little with the heat of the day becoming a lot less intense, you have more options when it comes to getting out and about in Alice Springs and exploring the great outdoors. With so many incredible desert landscapes showcasing Aboriginal culture and heritage, you can spend hours hiking, wandering and soaking up this fascinating place. 

While the weather is milder in March, it can still bring hot days and rain, so it helps to plan ahead and check the weather forecast before planning activities. If the hot days do hit during your travels, plan your walks and outdoor activities first thing in the morning or after the sun falls in the evening, when the cooler air sets in. Read on for our pick of the best things to see and do in Alice Springs in March.

Alice Springs Telegraph Station

As the harsh summer sun settles into March, it’s the ideal opportunity to check out this incredible historical reserve, which is the original birthplace of the town. You’ll find it just 5 minutes out of town, offering a true glimpse into what life used to look like back in the day.

It was built in 1872 as a remote telegraph station before expanding into a small town over the years with a police station, blacksmith's workshop and more, before turning into an Aboriginal reserve about 60 years later.

During your visit, you can take advantage of the cooler temperatures to hike or mountain bike your way around the grounds, settle down to enjoy a picnic, or simply meander through the buildings and exhibits to learn more.

Todd Mall Market

If your trip happens to tee up with a market weekend, then you’re in for a real treat. The Todd Mall Market actually starts in March and runs right through to December each year, running every second Sunday from 9am to 1pm.

You’ll find a little bit of everything from arts and crafts, featuring many Indigenous works, to homewares, jewellery and, of course, plenty of delicious food to sample along the way. There’s also live music that adds to the overall ambience, which makes it a huge drawcard for locals and tourists alike, especially during the autumn months.

Larapinta Trail

March is a great time to test out one of the many hikes around Alice Springs. As the weather starts to drop, you can enjoy milder days that are great for getting out and about. The Larapinta Trail is a must-visit, stretching an incredible 223 kilometres and taking you past some unbeatable scenery in the process.

Pop on those hiking shoes and choose your challenge. You can disappear for a day trip, or even spend a few nights at the campsites along the way. The hike is split into twelve sections and takes you past a number of important sacred sites of the Arrernte People. It’s about choosing the best path and checking out some of the highlights, such as Simpsons Gap and Standley Chasm, and Glen Helen and Redbank gorges.

Make a stop at Red Kangaroo Books

If you’re hoping for a little break from all the sightseeing, or simply want to brush up on some more culture and history, then stop in a Red Kangaroo Books for an unforgettable experience. Just be warned, this could turn into a very expensive stop!

Around 75% of the books stocked in this amazing shop are dedicated to Australian stories. You can gain so much insight into Aboriginal culture, language, history, wildlife and plenty more, helping you connect to the land and people even more during your visit. There’s even a small section dedicated to kids full of DVDs and kids’ books. They make the best gifts to take back home with you to remember your trip for years to come.

Pat the snakes at the Reptile Centre

Do you love all things scaly? Then don’t miss a trip to the Alice Springs Reptile Centre. If you’re brave enough, you can cuddle a snake, get cozy with a lizard and up close with their huge saltwater crocodile!

Time your visit around one of the three informative talks each day to get the most out of your trip. You then have the opportunity to wander the centre at your own pace and discover all the amazing creatures on offer. The centre is home to 100 reptiles, with the Gecko Cave you can enter into to check out their shy lizard, or visit the huge goannas, and show-off frill-neck lizards.

You can enjoy some incredible photo opportunities and even see the snakes being fed. It’s quite an experience!

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 March

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.