Plan your trip
The best time to visit Darwin
Darwin averages daytime highs of 31°C and overnight lows around 25°C across the year. Here's when to go — season by season and month by month — based on a decade of climate data.
In short
- 🌤️ Best overall: August, July, June — the most comfortable, driest stretch.
- 🔥 Hottest: October (~32°C) · Coolest: January (~30°C)
- 🌧️ Wettest: January · Driest: August
- 💸 Quietest / best value: the autumn and spring shoulder seasons (outside the Dec–Jan holidays).
24°C Clear in Darwin
Winter · H 31° / L 22° · Cosy season — warm up indoors.
Hottest month
October
avg high 32°C
Coolest month
January
avg high 30°C
Wettest month
January
~484mm
Driest month
August
~3mm
Our pick
For the best balance of comfortable weather and fewer wet days, aim for August, July, June. If you don't mind the heat, October is peak summer; for cooler, quieter exploring, January is the mildest stretch. Whatever month you choose, check what's on and our 48-hour itinerary.
Darwin season by season
What each season is actually like — and what it's best for.
Summer in Darwin
December – February
Summer is hot in Darwin — average highs around 30°C, overnight lows near 26°C, and about 1209mm of rain across the season (very wet). Beach days, early starts and long evenings out — pack sun protection, a hat and water.
Autumn in Darwin
March – May
Autumn is hot in Darwin — average highs around 31°C, overnight lows near 25°C, and about 320mm of rain across the season (wet). Mild, settled days make this prime time for walks, wine country, markets and leisurely lunches.
Winter in Darwin
June – August
Winter is hot in Darwin — average highs around 30°C, overnight lows near 22°C, and about 16mm of rain across the season (dry). Cosy season — lean into cafes, museums, galleries and snug pubs; bring a few layers.
Peak season & crowds
Darwin is busiest — and accommodation priciest — over the December–January summer school holidays around Christmas and New Year, plus long weekends and major events. For thinner crowds and better value, the autumn (March – May) and spring (September – November) shoulder seasons are the sweet spot — mild weather without the peak-season squeeze. Book ahead if you're visiting around a festival; see what's on to plan around it.
Darwin weather month by month
Average daily high & low temperature and total monthly rainfall.
| Month | Season | High | Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Summer | 30°C | 26°C | 484mm |
| February | Summer | 30°C | 26°C | 373mm |
| March | Autumn | 31°C | 26°C | 202mm |
| April | Autumn | 31°C | 25°C | 101mm |
| May | Autumn | 31°C | 24°C | 17mm |
| June | Winter | 30°C | 22°C | 7mm |
| July | Winter | 30°C | 21°C | 6mm |
| August | Winter | 30°C | 22°C | 3mm |
| September | Spring | 31°C | 24°C | 26mm |
| October | Spring | 32°C | 26°C | 59mm |
| November | Spring | 32°C | 26°C | 136mm |
| December | Summer | 31°C | 27°C | 352mm |
Source: Open-Meteo historical climate data, 10-year averages (2014–2023). Day-to-day weather varies — check the current forecast before you travel.
Best time to visit Darwin — FAQs
When is the best time to visit Darwin?+
August, July, June generally offer Darwin's most comfortable mix of pleasant temperatures and fewer wet days. The warmest month is October (average high 32°C) and the coolest is January (average high 30°C).
What is the hottest month in Darwin?+
October is the hottest month in Darwin, with average daytime highs around 32°C.
What is the coldest month in Darwin?+
January is the coolest month, with average highs near 30°C and overnight lows around 26°C.
What is the wettest month in Darwin?+
January is typically the wettest month (about 484mm of rain on average), while August is the driest at around 3mm.
When is the cheapest, quietest time to visit Darwin?+
The shoulder seasons — autumn (March – May) and spring (September – November) — are usually quieter and better value than the summer peak. The busiest, priciest stretch is the December–January school-holiday period around Christmas and New Year.
What is summer like in Darwin?+
Summer (December – February) is hot in Darwin, averaging highs near 30°C and lows around 26°C, with roughly 1209mm of rain across the season.
What is winter like in Darwin?+
Winter (June – August) is hot in Darwin, with average highs around 30°C and overnight lows near 22°C.
How many days do you need in Darwin?+
Two to three days covers the highlights — see our 48-hour itinerary for a ready-made plan — while four or more lets you explore the suburbs and day trips at a relaxed pace.