The sheer size of Australia means there are many different climates that converge at different times of the year. In the Top End, which refers to the area including Darwin, Katherine, Kakadu, and Arnhem Land, there is a topical climate that promises two distinct seasons every year: the wet season and the dry season. The dry season runs for around six months between April and October and boasts warm sunny days and cooler nights – the ideal temperatures for exploring this spectacular part of the country. Temperatures at this time of year hover between 21 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius, whilst the humidity levels remain much lower than in the wet season.
Visiting the Top End in Dry Season
Though the dry season is technically winter in Australia, it is also the best time to visit many of the places in the Top End. In fact, it is the most popular time to visit Kakadu National park, where the majority of visitor sites are open in the cooler temperatures, and Darwin. During this time, the skies are clear blue, while the nights are balmy.
If you’re planning on taking any Kakadu Tours at this time, be sure to book in advance, as the popularity of this time of year means many places get booked up quickly.
Which is the Best Month in the Dry Season?
The dry season spans half the year, which means it’s difficult to pinpoint when exactly during those six months is the best time to go.
If you’re planning on seeing lots of wildlife, your best bet is going towards the end of the dry season in September or October. The sprawling floodplains that are prominent in the wet season have dried up into smaller billabongs by this point, which means that incredible amounts of birdlife and animal species congregate in a smaller space.
The shoulder seasons (early and late dry season) are less busy than the central months in the dry season. There are less tourists around and the region feels a little more peaceful. Towards the end of the dry season (in October and pushing into November), the temperatures begin to rise. If you’re used to hot weather, this is great, but for those used to cooler climes, the heat can feel a little oppressive at times.
Regardless of your plans, the dry season is a great time to visit the Top End of Australia. There is plenty to see and do, and the weather is incredible.
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