What is the wet season like in Darwin?

If high levels of humidity mixed with toasty warm temperatures, a chance of sporadic monsoonal storms and some heavy rain are your ideal weather conditions, then you’ll love Darwin in the wet season.

Darwin – located at the top end of Australia in the Northern Territory, has a warm climate year-round, so rather than referring to traditional seasons like Spring and Summer, the year is broken up into wet and dry season.

Dry season is from May to October, and while this time of the year can be very chilly in other capital cities around the country, things stay relatively warm during the day up in Darwin. The nights really cool off though, giving a contrast from the heat of the day. Humidity sits pretty low at around 60%, so it generally is a lovely time to visit. It’s a popular time in Darwin, as people across the country come her to attempt to escape the winter chill!

There is much to love about the wet season that you won’t get in the dry season, and it’s one of the reasons some travellers will opt to visit Darwin during this time of year instead. There are actually a bunch of activities available that will only operate during the wet season, such as boat cruises through Kakadu that need the river levels to be at a certain level for boats to access, and scenic flights.

The flip side to this is that some areas of the National Park are closed during the wet season, and some Darwin tours don’t run as frequently, or not at all. The popular Mindil Beach Markets also only operate in the dry season.

Be sure to check availabilities of the tours and activities you’re interested in before booking your flights!

When exactly is the wet season in Darwin?

Wet season is November to April, (so the summertime) and during these months the humidity can hit upwards of 80% – which is basically that time when you can feel moisture in the air and on your skin and your hair may take on a form of its own. It can get a little uncomfortable, but you do get used to it.

The rain that falls in the wet season leads to beautiful changes in the landscape. Waterways fill back up, waterfalls begin to fall faster and stronger and plains and bush become much more lush and green. You will also likely experience some epic electrical storms and see lightening light up the night sky.

It’s the wet season, but that doesn’t mean constant rainfall.

Though there can be a LOT of rainfall – January gets the most, with on average 430m of rain for the month – it doesn’t tend to rain all day every day. It usually its more likely at night or later in the afternoon, so it’s still a fantastic time to visit and spend your days out and about. There are also wet weather activities to keep you busy like the Aviation Museum and the Museum and Art Gallery of the NT (MAGNT).

Whatever time of year you decide to visit Darwin, rest assured you will not be short of things to do. Growing in popularity, Darwin’s warm weather and laidback and easy-going locals, plus the incredible landscapes and wildlife are drawing in travellers from all over the world.

Spend time walking through and enjoying nature, stopping in for a dip at crystal clear water holes and impressive waterfalls (don’t swim where it isn’t safe), or join a croc tour where you can see the cold-blooded predators leaping from the water or resting on riverbanks, or take off on a guided tour to explore parts of Kakadu. Darwin is also a fantastic place to delve into and learn about the rich Aboriginal culture and history, with elders and guides sharing stories and traditions.

When your days of adventure wraps up, you can enjoy a beer and a meal at a pub or beachside restaurant, and if you’re there during October to December, it’s not a bad spot to watch one of the seasonal storms roll in.

Cameron Ward

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.