Alice Springs Climate

Central Australia is a continental desert environment and has an arid climate with hot summers and cool winters.

During winter (May to September) the nights can quite cold (below freezing) and the days are crisp, cool and bright. Over winter clouds are a rare sight.

Warm clothing is essential at this time of the year.

Summer is wetter, but rain is still rare. Often summer rainfall is preceded by humidity and accompanied by spectacular thunderstorms.

In summer maximum daily temperatures can top over 40 degrees for a number of days.

Hats and sunscreen are essential outdoors in summer. Most locals avoid going outside when its really hot and tend to congregate at the shopping centres, the pool and the library when they aren't at work.

Visitors to the area should guard against dehydration by drinking lots of water - no matter what the season. The local tap water is safe to drink.

For further information about the climate of Alice Springs and Central Australia see the Australian Bureau of Meteorology website.