Come rain or shine, the natural landmarks of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park are stunning sights to see and are experiences that are enjoyed by tourists at all times of the year. But which time of year is best for travellers to visit Australia’s stunning Red Centre and book a tour to uncover the unique culture and heritage of this fascinating region?
As the seasons change, the weather and climate in Central Australia can vary, so we’ve narrowed down the best time to visit, whether you want to see the wildlife, flora, and fauna, enjoy the serenity of these sacred areas or even experience the magic of waterfalls cascading down the sides of Uluru. The best time to visit depends on what you want from your trip because the experience you have and the things you will see will change depending on the season.
Whether you come in the warmer or cooler months, it is important to be prepared so you can get the most from your trip. Below are our top tips and information to help you make the most of your visit to Central Australia with SEIT:
May to September
Want to be a daytime explorer? Then May through to September is the best time for you to travel to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. This is simply due to the climate. During this period the maximum temperature during the day is usually between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius, making the weather suitable for exploring.
Following the summer rain, the park’s reptiles will come out of hibernation and the flora of Central Australia begin to bloom in the winter and spring months. As you walk along the desert trail you will be greeted with a scattering of colourful wildflowers and hopefully a kangaroo or two out enjoying the weather and lush vegetation. Due to there being very little rain or cloud cover during this period, the colours of the rock formations are also stunningly vibrant at this time.
Tip: The overnight temperatures during this winter period can be quite cold, so be sure to come prepared with some warm clothing.
This period of the year is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of all of the tours we have on offer here at SEIT Tours. To browse or book your tour itinerary for your next trip to Central Australia, visit the link here.
October to November
If you are looking to avoid the crowds and enjoy a little peace and quiet, then we would recommend visiting in October or November. By this time the crowds that have been exploring during the cooler months have started to dwindle, but the vibrant desert landscape will be sticking around for a bit longer before the summer rains hit. At this time you can expect to experience temperatures shifting between 14 and 30 degrees Celsius during the day, followed by cooler evenings.
December to February
If you don’t mind an early morning or are excited about a romantic sunset tour, then visiting during the summer may be the perfect time for you. During the day, Central Australia during this time can get quite hot, with temperatures often reaching 35 degrees or higher, so early morning or dawn tours are recommended here.
But there are some benefits to the warmer weather. The summer weather brings storms and rain to the Australian desert, which fills the waterholes and sets off the waterfalls at Uluru – a stunning sight to see! With this rain, you will also have the opportunity to see the food plants in bloom and learn how they are utilised by the traditional landowners, the Anangu.
Tip: The warmer weather of summer attracts flies to the desert, so bringing along a protective head net definitely won’t be a waste of space in your suitcase.
Some of the best tours we would recommend to make the most of Central Australia at this time of year include:
- SEIT Uluru Sunset: Experience the many moods of Uluru at sunset with an uninterrupted view. Admire the immensity of Uluru as you immerse yourself in the environmental changes of this world-renowned icon. Relax with a glass of sparkling wine and light refreshments as the sun sets in the west.
- SEIT Uluru Highlights: As you travel towards Uluru, its vast shape rises from the sand dunes in the early dawn light highlighting its presence in this country. Your guide will take you to a special location to watch the sunrise over this amazing monolith and enjoy an outback picnic breakfast.
- SEIT Kata Tjuta: On arrival at the viewing area you walk to the best vantage point to see the 36 domes that comprise this spiritual place while watching the sun’s morning glow as the desert comes alive. Enjoy an outback picnic breakfast before approaching the entrance to Walpa Gorge for a stroll between the mighty conglomerate rock walls.
If you have any questions or want to learn more before planning your trip to Central Australia, please feel free to get in touch with us at bookings@seittours.com. We look forward to seeing you on your next visit.