Weather in Alice Springs

Planning a trip to Alice Springs? Here you will find the latest weather information, including up-to-date forecasts and visual charts to help you prepare for your journey.

The climate of Alice Springs can be described as typical for desert regions: dry and sunny weather prevails here. Located in the very heart of the Australian continent, the city is known for its temperature contrasts. The air here is characterised by low humidity, which makes the heat easier to bear; however, travellers should be prepared for the scorching daytime sun to be quickly replaced by noticeable coolness at night.

Seasonality in Alice Springs is quite clearly defined. The summer months (from December to February) bring intense heat with daytime temperatures often exceeding 35°C. Winter, which lasts from June to August, is considered a comfortable period for visiting: the days are clear and pleasant with temperatures around 19-20°C, but nights can be cold as the thermometer drops to 6°C.

Precipitation in this region is an extremely rare phenomenon. Rainfall here is minimal, and the sky remains cloudless for most of the year. Such stable dryness makes Alice Springs an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts, although tourists should always remember to carry both sun protection and warm clothing for the evenings.

The climate in Alice Springs is typical of the desert regions of Central Australia and is characterised by extreme temperature fluctuations throughout the year. Summer here, lasting from December to February, can be very hot. The hottest month is January, when the average daytime temperature reaches 36.0°C, while nights remain warm at around 23–24°C. This time of year requires caution and sun protection from travellers, as the heat can be quite intense.

The winter period (June, July, and August) brings significant relief and coolness, making these months popular for tourism. During the day, the air warms up to a comfortable 19–20°C, which is ideal for exploring natural attractions. However, it is worth remembering that desert nights can be cold: in June and July, the temperature often falls to 6.2–6.5°C, so a warm jacket for evening walks will be an essential luggage item.

A distinctive feature of the temperature regime in Alice Springs is the large amplitude of fluctuations between day and night, observed all year round. The difference between the daily maximum and nightly minimum often exceeds 13–14 degrees. For example, in transitional months such as April or October, pleasant daytime warmth (28–31°C) gives way to invigorating freshness after sunset (15–17°C), creating the unique atmosphere of the Australian Outback.

The climate of Alice Springs is distinguished by exceptional dryness, so precipitation here is rare and usually short-lived. Analysing weather data, one can notice that even in the so-called "wet season," which technically falls during the Australian summer, moisture levels are minimal. The "wettest" month is considered to be January, when about 6 rainy days are recorded, yet the total rainfall volume barely reaches 2 mm. During this period (from November to January), short thunderstorms are possible, bringing only temporary freshness.

Drought prevails in the region for most of the year. The period from April to October is characterised by an almost complete absence of significant precipitation. According to statistics, in many months, such as April, May, July, and August, rainfall levels often remain at the 0 mm mark. The winter months—July and August—stand out in particular, when the number of rainy days drops to zero. This makes Australia an ideal place for active tourism under clear skies during this season.

Thus, when planning a trip to Alice Springs, you will hardly need to worry about serious protection from bad weather. Prolonged downpours are extremely unlikely here. Even in transitional months, such as March or October, the number of days with precipitation varies from 3 to 4, and the rains are episodic in nature, quickly giving way to the bright desert sun.

A trip to Alice Springs requires a careful approach to packing due to the peculiarities of the local desert climate. In the summer months (from December to February), when temperatures often exceed +35°C, you will need light clothing made from natural breathable fabrics, such as cotton and linen. The sun in Central Australia is extremely active, so be sure to pack a wide-brimmed hat or cap, quality sunglasses, and sunscreen with a maximum protection factor (SPF 50+).

If you are planning a trip during the winter period (from June to August), be prepared for sharp contrasts: days remain sunny and pleasant, but nights can be truly cold, with temperatures around +6°C. At this time of year, it is best to use the layering principle: bring t-shirts, a warm sweater or fleece jacket, as well as a light coat. This will allow you to feel comfortable in the cool morning and easily adapt to the warming at noon.

Since rain in Alice Springs is a rare occurrence, you likely won't need an umbrella, but comfortable footwear should not be neglected. For excursions and walks on rocky terrain, closed sneakers or light trekking boots with sturdy soles are ideal. Given the dry air, it is also recommended to bring moisturising skin cream and lip balm, while a reusable water bottle will become your faithful companion in any season.