Uluru Climate

Overview

Uluru is situated near the centre of a semi-arid desert, Temperatures can range from 3.5° C in July to 37.5° C in January. On average Uluru-Kata Tjuta receives approximately 308mm (12 inches) per year, so not much at all.

Temperature

The climate in this region is extreme. In winter, daytime temperatures can be pleasant but clear nights can see the temperature drop below 0. In summer on the other hand, the temperature can get very hot peaking as high as 45C. Normally its around 30 -35C.

The highest temperature recorded at Uluru was 45.5°C (114°F) on 17 February 1992 and that was in the shade! Lowest temperature recorded was minus 4°C (25°F) in July 2001 (on a winter's night) and in 1997 it actually snowed on Uluru.

Rainfall

Uluru-Kata Tjuta averages 308mm (about 12 inches) rain each year. It typically has 5 days a month all year round when it is cloudy (not necessarily raining) so you would have to be lucky to actually be there when it rains.

Other

If you are travelling between May and October make sure you pack the appropriate clothes. Nights and mornings can get quite cold, so it is important that you have warm clothes packed especially if you are planning any sunset or sunrise activities. Unlike Darwin and the Northern part of Australia which has a wet and dry season. Uluru is accessible and a great place to visit year round.

 

Traditional Seasons

Anangu (Local Aboriginal) don't go by Piranpa (non-Aboriginal) dates - "We only go by our own seasons....We know which fruits and foods we get during our seasons - that's what is important to us".
© Barbara Tjikatu

Piriyakutu/piriya piriya

(usually August/September)
This is when the piriya comes - a warm steady wind from the north and west. Animals breed, food plants flower, fruit and seed. Hibernating reptiles come out and the honey grevillea is in bloom. This is a good time for hunting kangaroo.

Mai wiyaringkupai/kuli

(around December)
There is not much food around at this time. This is the hottest season. There is Marutjara (storm clouds) and lightening, but little rain. Lightning strikes can start fires.

Itjanu/inuntji

(usually January-March)
This is when utawari (overcast clouds) usually bring rain. During this season the food plants flower. If the rains are good there is plenty of fruit and seed.

Wanitjunkupai

(usually April, May)
The beginning of the cold weather and this is when the Park's reptiles hibernate. Tjuntalpa clouds start around April but usually don't bring rain. They come from the south, mainly by westerly winds. Tjuntalpa sit low over the hills until late in the day.

Wari
(late May, June, July)
The cold time, when there is nyinnga (frost) and kulyar-kulyarpa (mist or dew) every morning but little rain.