Home › Destinations › Alice Springs
Weather in Alice Springs
Desert town where Aboriginal culture runs deep red
—
Loading live weather...
About Alice Springs
Alice Springs throbs in the dust-red heart of Australia where Aboriginal culture runs deep as the ancient MacDonnell Ranges. Ghost gums line the river gaps while desert art galleries pulse with contemporary Indigenous creativity.
Best months to visit
April, May, June, July, August, September, October
Things to do in Alice Springs
Visit Aboriginal art galleries and markets
Trek the MacDonnell Ranges
Camel ride in the outback
Learn at the Aboriginal Cultural Centre
Hike into Palm Valley waterholes
Experience the Henley-on-Todd Regatta
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
January
35C
Very hot, with occasional showers.
February
35C
Very hot, and mostly sunny skies.
March
34C
Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
April
29C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
May
23C
Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
June
20C
Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
July
21C
Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
August
23C
Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
September
28C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
October
32C
Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.
November
34C
Hot and humid, with occasional showers.
December
36C
Very hot, with occasional showers.
Alice Springs sits at the geographic heart of Australia, a desert town surrounded by the rugged ridges of the MacDonnell Ranges and serving as the practical base for exploring the Red Centre, including Uluru (a 4.5-hour drive away). Its strong Aboriginal art scene, desert wildlife park, and gorges within the ranges give it plenty of reasons to linger before or after Uluru.
Best areas to stay in Alice Springs
Alice Springs town centre
The compact centre with galleries, the Todd Mall, and access to Anzac Hill lookout.
West MacDonnell Ranges
A string of gorges and waterholes west of town, including Simpsons Gap and Ormiston Gorge, popular for day trips.
East MacDonnell Ranges
A quieter series of gorges east of town, including Trephina Gorge, with fewer crowds.
Desert Park area
Home to the Alice Springs Desert Park, showcasing the region's wildlife and habitats.
Getting to Alice Springs
✈
Flights
Alice Springs Airport has direct flights from major Australian cities including Sydney, Melbourne and Darwin.
⏱
From London
~24-26 hours from London via a major Australian hub, plus the connecting domestic flight.
🚕
Getting around
A hire car is the best way to explore the MacDonnell Ranges; the town centre itself is walkable.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Alice Springs?
April to September (autumn/winter) offers mild days and cold nights; summer temperatures regularly exceed 35°C.
How far is Alice Springs from Uluru?
About 450km / a 4.5-5 hour drive, or a short domestic flight; many visitors combine both in one Red Centre trip.
What is there to do in Alice Springs itself?
The Alice Springs Desert Park showcases Central Australian wildlife and ecosystems, the Royal Flying Doctor Service museum, and Anzac Hill for views over the town.
What are the MacDonnell Ranges known for?
A series of dramatic gorges and waterholes (Standley Chasm, Simpsons Gap, Ormiston Gorge) extending east and west of Alice Springs, popular for hiking and swimming.
Is Alice Springs good for Aboriginal art?
Yes — it has a concentration of galleries representing Central Desert Aboriginal art communities, offering insight into one of the world's oldest continuous art traditions.
Traveler reviews
★★★★☆
Used Alice as a stopover before driving to Uluru — the West MacDonnell gorges were a highlight in their own right, especially swimming at Ormiston Gorge.
Callum B. · July 2024
★★★★☆
The Desert Park was a brilliant introduction to Central Australian ecology before heading further into the Red Centre. The Aboriginal art galleries in town were excellent too.
Renata S. · May 2024
★★★★☆
A practical base more than a destination in itself, but the surrounding ranges have some genuinely beautiful, uncrowded spots if you have a car.
Owen K. · August 2023
Ready to visit Alice Springs?
Find the best hotels and experiences for your trip.
More dream destinations
