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Alice Springs has a hot desert climate (Köppen BWh) with two clear seasons: a long, scorching summer and a short, cool winter. The town sits 545 metres above sea level in the geographic centre of Australia, which is why nights cool down fast even after a 40°C day. Expect about 283 mm of rain a year, roughly 3,500 hours of annual sunshine, and relative humidity that rarely climbs above 40%. This Alice Springs weather by month guide breaks down exact temperatures, rainfall, and sunshine so you can pack correctly.
Alice Springs Weather by Month: December to February
Summer is the hottest and most unpredictable season. January averages 36.4°C (97.5°F) during the day and 21.5°C (70.7°F) at night, and it is the warmest month of the year. February is only slightly cooler at 35.1°C with a 20.6°C overnight low. Rain is erratic and comes in short, heavy bursts; February is the wettest month at around 44 mm, mostly from afternoon thunderstorms that can close unsealed roads for a few hours. Avoid walking between 11:00 and 16:00 without shade, water, and sun protection. The Alice Springs travel tips page lists what to carry in 40°C heat.
Alice Springs Weather by Month: March to May
Autumn is the transition the locals prefer. March still reaches 32.7°C but the humidity starts to drop, and by April the daytime high falls to 28.2°C with a comfortable 12.4°C minimum. May brings the first crisp nights, averaging 23.4°C by day and 8.0°C at night. Rainfall fades to about 17 mm in April and 19 mm in May. This is prime time for the Larapinta Trail and for driving the West MacDonnell Ranges covered in the things to do in Alice Springs guide, with clear skies on most days.
Alice Springs Weather by Month: June to August
Winter brings warm, sunny days and genuinely cold nights. July is the coldest month, averaging 19.7°C (67.5°F) by day but just 4.0°C (39.2°F) overnight, and frost is common from June to August. June averages 19.8°C high and 5.0°C low, while August warms to 22.4°C with a 6.1°C minimum. Rainfall is minimal: 13 mm in June, 15 mm in July, and just 9 mm in August. Pack a warm jacket for sunrise balloon flights and evening dinners, when temperatures can drop to 0°C. The July-August events in Alice Springs calendar, including the Camel Cup and Henley-on-Todd Regatta, runs in this cooler stretch.
Alice Springs Weather by Month: September to November
Spring heats up quickly. September is the driest month of the year at about 8 mm of rain, with a 27.0°C daytime high and a 10.1°C low. By October the maximum climbs to 30.9°C and November reaches 33.8°C, while overnight lows sit at 14.5°C and 17.8°C. Wildflower season in the MacDonnell Ranges peaks after good winter rain, usually from late August into September, before the true summer heat returns in December. For a longer-range plan, cross-check the best time to visit Alice Springs guide.
Alice Springs Weather by Month: Comparison Table
| Month | Avg High (°C) | Avg Low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) | Sunshine (hrs/day) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 36.4 | 21.5 | 39 | 10 |
| February | 35.1 | 20.6 | 44 | 10 |
| March | 32.7 | 17.6 | 33 | 10 |
| April | 28.2 | 12.4 | 17 | 10 |
| May | 23.4 | 8.0 | 19 | 9 |
| June | 19.8 | 5.0 | 13 | 9 |
| July | 19.7 | 4.0 | 15 | 9 |
| August | 22.4 | 6.1 | 9 | 10 |
| September | 27.0 | 10.1 | 8 | 10 |
| October | 30.9 | 14.5 | 20 | 10 |
| November | 33.8 | 17.8 | 29 | 10 |
| December | 35.8 | 20.2 | 37 | 10 |
Alice Springs Weather by Month: Records and Realities
The record high for Alice Springs is 45.2°C, set in January, and the record low is -7.5°C, set in July. Snow is extremely rare but light dustings have fallen on the MacDonnell Ranges a handful of times. The Alice Springs neighbourhoods guide shows which side of town cools fastest at night, and the where to stay in Alice Springs guide lists hotels with pools for the hot afternoons.
