There are 6 different seasons in the Northern Territory!
The calendar of nature…
The Northern Territory is home to an array of different seasonal changes. Unlike the four different seasons you’d normally see in the Southern Hemisphere, the Top End has six different Aboriginal seasons that are its natural rhythms.
There are 6 seasons in the Northern Territory
The best time to go to the Red Centre is normally May to October. This is when it’s the top end, and you’ll be able to experience pleasant weather, with sunny days and cooler nights.
This is perfect for exploring the national parks and the sunset markets while it’s not too hot!
The Dry Season: Blue skies, cooler nights and milder days. It’s the best time for exploring the outdoors and to check out Kakadu National Park.
Build-up season: This is where you’ll see a transition. The humidity gets more intense, thunder looms on the horizon, and the wildlife becomes more active at dawn and dusk.
Wet season: This is when the monsoons hit! The rains flood the land, and the land becomes a kind of bowl which catches the water. The waterfalls come to life here, cascading down heavier than they do the rest of the year.
When it rains, it pours…
So while you can expect the rain to pour. Traditionally, the shifts in these seasons were an influence on the indigenous lifestyle. It would have affected the bush tucker, ceremonies, and hunting patterns, which would align with this cycle.
Dragonflies at the beginning of the Dry Season, for example, would signify that waterhole swimming was safe to do. Or perhaps you’re looking for magpie geese to return to the floodplains.
Travelling with this seasonal understanding enriches your experience. Whether you’re watching magpie geese return to floodplains or seeing the Outback bloom with desert wildflowers after rain, every time of year offers something special.
Stay hydrated…
Of course, no matter what time of year you go and visit the Northern Territory, it’s important to stay hydrated! That means getting plenty of water and making sure you stay in the shade as much as possible. If you got in the hotter months, this is even more important – but the sun is still strong all year round.
Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia
Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.