Northern Territory Weather in May

Top End Weather in May

The Top End weather in May is agreeable, warm and, most importantly, dry. The first official month of the Dry Season sees a dramatic increase in sunny days and the humidity has improved as well. People emerge from their homes to explore the Great Outdoors of the Northern Territory. 

Average sea temperatures

The average sea temperatures in May in the Top End are still around 29°C | 84°F. Even though the weather’s now calm enough to swim, the ocean’s not always safe. Dangerous box jellyfish love the warm water and salties (saltwater crocodiles) like to hang out on the water’s edge. Be aware of these dangers before jumping in the water. If you’re keen on swimming, you might be better off hopping into one of the artificial public lagoon pools.

Red Centre Weather in May

The Red Centre Weather in May mean daytime temperatures are in the lower 20s°C | high 60s°F, Alice Springs and surrounding areas get about 8.5 hours of sunshine daily. Perfect temperatures to explore the Red Centre on foot without risk of heat stroke! Night temperatures drop just below the 10°C | 50°F mark but not low enough to get frosty just yet.

Average temperature in Northern Territory

Average sunshine hours

Thanks to its location in the desert, the Red Centre enjoys 8 - 10 sunshine hours per day nearly year-round.

In the Top End, the clouds have moved away and made way for the sun. The average daily sunshine in Darwin in May is about 9 hours.

Average rainfall 

Best things to do in Northern Territory in May

In the cooler and dryer months, the Northern Territory locals come out to play and when they do, you’re guaranteed heaps of fun. But Australia’s Northern Territory always has a lot to offer, even if you don’t visit during an event. 

Music Festivals in Darwin

May is the start of the events and festival season in the Top End. People flock outside to celebrate the dryer days. For the music and gin lovers among you, make sure to visit Darwin at the end of May for the annual BassInTheGrass festival and the Top End Gin Festival. Both events promise their visitors musical delights all day (and night) long. At the gin fest, the main acts are the national distilleries giving masterclasses in gin creation and cocktail mixing. Two Darwin events in May that can’t be missed!

Visit the Royal Flying Doctors

Darwin’s Royal Flying Doctors Tourist Facility is an award-winning interactive museum. Walk through one of their airplanes and touch the doctors’ equipment. Learn how the doctors travel around the outback, providing crucial medical support for the remote Australian stations (farms). Hear about the bombing of Darwin Harbour during WWII from veterans and step back in time to the event using a VR headset.

Marvel at the Uluru Field of Light

What was originally meant to be a temporary art installation proved so popular it’s now a permanent fixture. Walk through a sea of thousands of pulsating light spheres while the stars and milky way twinkle almost as brightly. Depending on your preference, you can book the sunrise or the sunset session. The award-winning ‘Sounds of Silence’ Dinner is an experience not to be missed. Eat canapes and listen to the sound of the didgeridoo while the sun sets and then enjoy a 3-course meal while 50 000 glass spheres gently come to life. 

Hike the Red Centre

May is a great time to strap on your hiking boots and explore the best hikes the Red Centre has to offer! Uluru Base Walk is a relatively easy 10km | 6.2mi loop walk around Uluru (Ayers Rock) where you get to see the world’s largest single rock monolith up close and learn about its significance in Aboriginal history. 

Other must-do hikes in the Red Centre include Kings Canyon and Kata Tjuta (Valley of the Winds).

Recommended Northern Territory Itinerary in May

May is one of the best months to visit the Northern Territory. Our 13-day Uluru to Darwin Road Trip takes you on a relaxing journey to the highlights of the Northern Territory. You’ll have plenty of time in the Red Centre to explore Uluru, Kings Canyon and Kata Tjuta before driving through the heart of NT through Tennant Creek towards Kakadu National Park and Darwin. 

If you have any questions or would like a bespoke itinerary, our team of specialists are happy to help you out!