When Is the Best Time to Visit Alice Springs

What Is the Weather Like in Alice Springs?

The weather in Alice Springs is classified as semi-arid, with extreme temperatures and slightly more rainfall than in a typical desert. Each of the four seasons has its unique weather patterns. Summers are extremely hot and dry, while in winter the mercury often dips below freezing. Spring and autumn are usually the most pleasant times of the year, with warm, sunny days and cool evenings. 

• Spring: September to November
• Summer: December to March
• Autumn: April to May
• Winter: June to August

For detailed information about the weather in the Northern Territory and other regions, read our Guide to the Best Time to Visit Australia.

What are the temperatures like in Alice Springs?

Tem­per­a­tures in Alice Springs vary significantly throughout the year. In summer, the averages range between 20 °C (68 °F) and 35 °C (95 °F), while during winter months, temperatures oscillate between 3 °C (37 °F) and 20 °C (68 °F). 

How often does it rain in Alice Springs?

Alice Springs experiences very little rain throughout the year, anywhere from 290 mm (11.4 in) to 800 mm (31.4 in). The mon­soon sea­son in the Northern Territory brings the first rain­fall in late summer. December and January are the wettest months, while the precipitation decreases to only 1.1 mm (0.04 in) by August. 

Spring in Alice Springs

When: September to November

Average daytime high temperature: 23 °C (73.4 °F)

Average low temperature: 13 °C (55.4 °F)

Average rainfall: 28 mm (1.1 in) over 11 days 

Temperatures in Alice Springs in spring vary from 13.8 °C (56.8 °F) to 30.6 °C (87 °F) and there is more rainfall than during previous months. You can expect occasional hail and dust storms, as well as spec­tac­u­lar thun­der­storms, can send a sud­den tor­rent along the dry Todd Riv­er bed.

Best things to do in Alice Springs in spring: see article 

• Admire wild flowers sprouting up in the area
• Enjoy the Alice Desert Festival that takes place in September
• Visit the Desert Mob Art Exhibition celebrating Indigenous art

Things to keep in mind

• Hiking trails are open and you can comfortably explore the area on foot
• If you’re visiting Uluru, make sure to go in the early morning or late afternoon as the midday temperatures are high all year round

Weather in Alice Springs in September

Weather in Alice Springs in October

Weather in Alice Springs in Novembe

Summer in Alice Springs

When: December to March

Average daytime high temperature: 26 °C (78.8 °F)

Average low temperature: 15 °C (59 °F)

Average rainfall: 25 mm (0.98 in) over 8 days

December and January are the hottest months of the year in Alice Springs, with temperatures that can soar to around 40 °C (104 °F). This period is best avoided if you’re not used to warmer climates. 

Best things to do in Alice Springs in Summer

• Observe native wildlife that is at its most active at this time of year
• Take a refreshing dip in one of many waterholes in the Red Centre
• Watch spec­tac­u­lar thun­der­storms, a fan­tas­tic oppor­tu­ni­ty for avid photographers.

Things to keep in mind

• Most walking tracks are closed in the middle of the day due to the extreme heat
• Alice locals gen­er­al­ly avoid being out­side for pro­longed peri­ods on hot summer days and you may find the town quite emp­ty at this time of the year
• Wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential. The sun’s rays can be extremely intense, with a UV index of 11 or more

Weather in Alice Springs in December

Weather in Alice Springs in January

Weather in Alice Springs in February

Weather in Alice Springs in March

Autumn in Alice Springs

When: April to May

Average daytime high temperature: 20.5 °C (68.9 °F)

Average low temperature: 14 °C (56 °F)

Average rainfall: 26.5 mm (1.04 in) over 12 days

Autumn is one of the best times to visit Alice Springs. This season is characterised by pleasant, warm days and cool nights, with minimal variation in temperatures and little rain.

Best things to do in Alice Springs in autumn

• Take the Larapinta Trail, a world-renowned long-distance walking track
• Watch sunrise and sunset—the weather is still pleasantly warm in the early mornings and late evenings 

Things to keep in mind

• Always check local advice and consider your fitness level before you do any remote hiking
• Temperatures can suddenly drop in the evening and warm cloth­ing is highly rec­om­mend­ed
• Alice Springs is a very dry place, so make sure to drink lots of water to avoid dehydration 

Weather in Alice Springs in April

Weather in Alice Springs in May

Winter in Alice Springs

When: June to August

Average daytime high temperature: 17.2 °C (63 °F)

Average low temperature: 11.6 °C (53 °F)

Average rainfall: 43 mm (1.7 in)

While much of Australia experiences winter in June and July, Alice Springs greets you with sunny skies and pleasant weather. However, temperatures can drop below freezing overnight, leaving a thick frost on the ground. This is the period with the most rain and an average humidity of around 80%. 

Best things to do in Alice Springs in winter

• Explore the Alice Springs Desert Park and get up close and personal with Australia’s unique flora and fauna
• Watch the thrilling off-road Finke Desert Race, among the most difficult ones in the world
• Take part in the vibrant Alice Springs Beanie Festival at the end of June

Things to keep in mind

• This is the peak tourist season, with more crowds and higher accommodation prices than any other time of the year
• Cool temperatures make swimming in waterholes less enjoyable than during summer
• Be sure to pack warm clothes, especially if you are planning on camping, since temperatures can drop dramatically at night

Weather in Alice Springs in June

Weather in Alice Springs in July

Weather in Alice Springs in August

What Is the Best Time to Visit Alice Springs?

The weather in Alice Springs can be extreme and unpredictable, with scorching summers and freezing winters. It’s essential to come prepared and check the short-term weather forecast before you travel.

Although each season has its advantages, the most pop­u­lar times to vis­it Alice Springs are the shoulder seasons of autumn and spring. There’s lit­tle chance of rain and you can expect many sun­ny days with few clouds and pleasant temperatures. 

Best Alice Springs Itineraries

Are you ready to start booking your getaway in the Red Centre? 

You can get some inspiration from our Australia blog articles and our popular itineraries and packages, such as Alice Springs Self Drive Loop and Alice Springs to Darwin Road Trip, to help you make the most of your holiday. Don’t forget that all our tours are fully customisable and can be tailored to your exact specifications.