Darwin and Tiwi Islands, Northern Territory © Tourism NT

Weather in Darwin

Find information on temperature, rainfall and seasonal activities to help plan your holiday in Darwin.

What is the weather like in Darwin?

Darwin in the Top End of the Northern Territory has two distinct seasons, the 'wet' and the 'dry'. Plan ahead with this information on temperature and rainfall.

The wet season (November – April)
The wet season in Darwin is characterised by high humidity, monsoonal rains and storms. Average temperatures range from 24.7 - 32 °C (76.5 - 89.6°F), and humidity can push past 80 per cent. The average annual rainfall is 1727.3 mm (68 inches) and January is the wettest month. Despite this, January and February is considered by many as the most beautiful time of year in the Top End. Sunny days and afternoon storms refresh the landscape, and animals and plants flourish.

October to December is the season of spectacular lightning storms, an event eagerly awaited by locals who watch the show from beachside restaurants and bars.

The dry season (May – October)
The dry season, from May until October, is characterised by warm, dry sunny days and cool nights. Temperatures typically range from 21.6– 31.8°C (70.9 - 89.2°F), and humidity levels are much lower: around 60 – 65 per cent.

Relatively cool weather arrives in May, and until July, nights are crisp with temperatures ranging from 17 - 23 °C (62.6 - 73.4°F). It is also the perfect time to explore the more remote areas of the region that can be off-limits during the wet season.

Frequently asked questions about the weather in Darwin

Daylight saving is not observed in the Northern Territory. The time zone in the Northern Territory is Australian Central Standard Time (ACST), UTC + 9.5.

December experiences the longest hours of daylight with sunrise at approximately 6:15am and sunset at 7pm. June has the least hours of daylight with sunrise at approximately 7am and sunset at 6:30pm.

Visitors to Darwin should look out for the UV index in local weather reports, which describes the daily solar UV radiation intensity. Protect yourself from sunburn by using SPF30+ sunscreen, which is readily available throughout Australia at supermarkets, convenience stores and pharmacies, and wearing sun-smart clothing, including a hat and sunglasses.

Seasonal weather in Darwin & the Top End

SUMMER

Weather Categories	Dec	Jan	Feb
Maximum temp ºC \| ºF	32.6 91	31.8 89	31.4 89
Minimum temp ºC \| ºF	25.3 78	24.8 77	24.7 76
Average hours of sunshine daily
Avg rainfall mm	252	426	376
Avg rainy days	17	21	20

AUTUMN

Weather Categories	Mar	Apr	May
Maximum temp ºC \| ºF	31.9 89	32.7 91	32 90
Minimum temp ºC \| ºF	24.5 76	24 75	22.1 72
Average hours of sunshine daily
Avg rainfall mm	318	102	21
Avg rainy days	20	9	2

WINTER

Weather Categories	Jun	Jul	Aug
Maximum temp ºC \| ºF	30.6 87	30.5 87	31.3 88
Minimum temp ºC \| ºF	20 68	19.3 67	20.4 69
Average hours of sunshine daily
Avg rainfall mm	2	1	5
Avg rainy days	1	1	1

SPRING

Weather Categories	Sep	Oct	Nov
Maximum temp ºC \| ºF	32.6 91	33.2 92	33.3 92
Minimum temp ºC \| ºF	23.1 74	24.9 77	25.3 78
Average hours of sunshine daily
Avg rainfall mm	16	70	140
Avg rainy days	2	7	12