The Best Time To Visit Darwin

Darwin is a favoured destination by many looking to explore the Australian outback and vast wildlife. Covering two climate zones, the tropical conditions of the Top End and the humidity of the Red Centre, the Northern Territory makes for a unique adventure with diverse landscapes worth traversing all year round. But, given its disorderly climate patterns, when exactly is the best time of year to visit Darwin and the surroundings? Generally speaking, the best time to visit Darwin is outside of the wet season which covers half of the calendar year. And while this time falls among the winter months, you can expect average temperatures to still sit higher than the rest of Australia.

When is Wet Season in Darwin?

What is sometimes perplexing for Australian tourists is that the rainy season in Darwin falls between the months of November and April. This means that during Australia’s scorching summer months, the Top End experiences a wave of tropical storms and high humidity levels. But don’t be fooled, this time of year isn’t reserved for days spent indoors keeping dry. In fact, the wet season in Darwin is famous for the way it fills natural waterfalls and encourages distended river streams, while the National Parks transform into scapes of vibrant greens.

Things to do during wet season in Darwin

During the wet season, Darwins waterfalls and water holes are truly at their best. Both Litchfield National Park and Kakadu boast some of the most beautiful waterfalls and swimming spots in all of Australia. So while the weather is still warm, but the rain is heavy, these natural beauties show their true potential during the wet season.

And if you’re thinking of heading out to one of the many natural swimming spots, why not embark on a trek while you’re there. Litchfield National Park has a range of walking tracks on offer to ensure you experience the NT in all its beauty.

Weather in Darwin by month:

Each month truly has something different to offer with Darwin’s cyclical weather patterns. With a diverse range of untamed natural features and native wildlife, there’s much to see all year round.

January, February,

The first two months of every year is when most of the rainfall occurs and when cyclones make a regular appearance to the Darwin area.

March, April

The first two months of every year is when most of the rainfall occurs and when cyclones make a regular appearance to the Darwin area.

May, Jun, July, August

May through to October marks the dry season for Darwin and thus the busiest time for tourists and visitors. The Australian winter holidays over June and July see the most travellers stop by, meaning the popular tourist sites become filled with onlookers.

September, October

September is when the hot weather makes its return, with an average high 33 degrees throughout the entire month. It is also the month that sees native bird species congregate in the wetlands among the Top End, making for some serious bird watching activities.

November, December

November and December is when the wet season starts to settle in, meaning there are far less visitors lining up at the national parks. While flooding often causes some attractions into temporary closure, many are well adjusted to the heavy rainfall allowing them to stay open with their illuminating landscapes on full display.

No matter what time of year you decide to come visit the beauty of the Northern Territory, there is a bank of activities and sights to keep you busy. But if you’d rather stay dry when touring around, perhaps it’s a good idea to start planning your trip around the wet season in Darwin. And if you need some ideas on which activities to embark on while you’re here, check out our list of tours that are sure to show the very best of the Northern Territory.

Matt Wright

Matt Wright's unique outback lifestyle and knowledge of helicopters, boats and airboats has led him to develop some of the most unique tourism experiences in the world, in Matt’s Wild Territory series

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