Australia, Oceania & Pacific
The best time to visit Uluru
Australia's red center is a winter destination: summer heat closes the walks before lunch.
- Best months
- May to Sep
- Think twice
- Dec to Feb
- Quietest
- February
- Cheapest
- January
The straight answer
The best time to visit Uluru is May through September, the cool dry winter, when days are sunny near 68F to 77F (20C to 25C) and every walk is open; avoid December through February, when highs near 100F (38C) close some trails from early morning.
Go May through September. Southern hemisphere seasons are flipped, so this is the Australian winter, and in the Red Centre that means clear blue skies, sunny days near 68F to 77F (20C to 25C), and the best conditions for the Uluru base walk, the Valley of the Winds at Kata Tjuta, and the Kings Canyon Rim Walk. The catch is the nights: desert temperatures can drop near or below freezing in June and July, so sunrise viewing calls for a warm jacket. Winter also brings the darkest, clearest skies for stargazing.
April and October are good shoulder months, warmer but usually manageable, with October bringing wildflowers after good rains. From November through March, the heat is the story: highs regularly reach 95F to 104F (35C to 40C) or more. Park authorities close the Valley of the Winds walk beyond the first lookout from 11am on days forecast to hit 97F (36C) or above, and the Kings Canyon Rim Walk closes from 9am on similar days. The flies are relentless, and midday activity is unsafe.
Summer is also storm season. A rare downpour sends waterfalls cascading off Uluru, a sight many locals consider its most spectacular, but it is unpredictable. If you visit in summer, plan everything for sunrise and sunset, carry plenty of water, and rest in the middle of the day. Note that climbing Uluru has been permanently banned since October 2019 at the request of the Anangu traditional owners.
Uluru, month by month
Every month gets a verdict. Tap one for its own page: weather, crowds, prices and what is on.
- 01JanuaryThink twiceExtremely hot, highs near 99F (37C), often over 104F (40C)The hottest month. Walks close from early morning on extreme days, flies are intense, and midday heat is dangerous.CrowdsPrice
- 02FebruaryThink twiceVery hot, highs near 97F (36C), occasional stormsStill extreme heat, with some chance of dramatic storms and waterfalls on Uluru. Only sunrise and sunset are comfortable.CrowdsPrice
- 03MarchTradeoffsHot, highs near 91F (33C)Heat easing slowly, but still hot enough to close some walks. Lower prices and fewer crowds.CrowdsPrice
- 04AprilGoodWarm, highs near 84F (29C), cooler nightsA solid shoulder month with warm, pleasant days. Easter school holidays bring a busy spell.Hotels for April →CrowdsPrice
- 05MayBestMild and sunny, highs near 75F (24C), cool nightsThe start of the best season: comfortable walking weather and fewer visitors than midwinter.Hotels for May →CrowdsPrice
- 06JuneBestCool days near 68F (20C), nights near 39F (4C) or colderPerfect for walking and stargazing. Nights can dip below freezing, so pack warm layers.Hotels for June →CrowdsPrice
- 07JulyBestCool and sunny, highs near 68F (20C), frosty dawnsPeak season with Australian school holidays. Book accommodation at Ayers Rock Resort early.Hotels for July →CrowdsPrice
- 08AugustBestMild and sunny, highs near 73F (23C)Warming days, clear skies, and excellent walking. One of the best months overall.Hotels for August →CrowdsPrice
- 09SeptemberBestWarm, highs near 82F (28C)Spring warmth and wildflowers after wet winters. Late September school holidays add crowds.Hotels for September →CrowdsPrice
- 10OctoberGoodHot, highs near 90F (32C)Warming quickly. Early walks are pleasant, but heat closures become more likely late in the month.Hotels for October →CrowdsPrice
- 11NovemberTradeoffsVery hot, highs near 95F (35C)The heat season begins. Walks close early on extreme days; flies return in force.CrowdsPrice
- 12DecemberThink twiceExtremely hot, highs near 97F (36C), storms possibleHot, fly-heavy, and trails regularly close by midmorning. Christmas brings a small spike in visitors despite the heat.CrowdsPrice
Book Uluru for May.
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- Hotels for May
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in UluruOpens a hotel search for Uluru in May, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in UluruWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in UluruTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Uluru for May. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Why go to Uluru
One of the world's great natural monuments
Uluru rises about 1,142 feet (348 m) above the surrounding plain, its color shifting from ochre to deep red at sunrise and sunset. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for both its natural and cultural values.
Living Aboriginal culture
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is jointly managed by the Anangu traditional owners and Parks Australia. Ranger-guided walks and cultural centers share Tjukurpa, the Anangu law and stories connected to the landscape.
Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon
The 36 domes of Kata Tjuta and the sandstone walls of Kings Canyon, a few hours away in Watarrka National Park, round out one of Australia's great desert road trips.
Outback night skies
With no light pollution for hundreds of miles, the Red Centre offers some of the clearest stargazing on Earth, especially in the dry winter months.
Things to do, and when to do them
Uluru base walk
About 6.5 miles (10.6 km) around the rock, taking three to four hours. Start at sunrise in any season, and bring plenty of water.
Valley of the Winds, Kata Tjuta
A 4.6-mile (7.4 km) loop between the domes. Beyond the first lookout it closes from 11am on days forecast to reach 97F (36C) or more.
Sunrise and sunset viewing areas
The designated viewing areas show the rock's color change. Arrive early for a good spot, and bring a jacket for winter dawns.
Field of Light
Bruce Munro's installation of tens of thousands of solar-powered lights near Ayers Rock Resort, best just after dusk.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre
Learn about Anangu culture, Tjukurpa, and the park's joint management before you explore.
Kings Canyon Rim Walk
A spectacular 3.7-mile (6 km) loop above sheer sandstone walls in Watarrka National Park, about a three-hour drive from Uluru. It closes from 9am on days forecast to reach 97F (36C) or more.
Events and seasons worth planning around
Winter stargazing season
Roughly May through August
Long, clear, dry nights give the best views of the Milky Way. Guided astronomy tours run from Ayers Rock Resort.
Parrtjima festival in Alice Springs
Usually April in recent years
A free festival of light showcasing Aboriginal art and culture, projected onto the MacDonnell Ranges in Alice Springs.
Finke Desert Race
The King's Birthday long weekend in June
A famous off-road motorbike and car race from Alice Springs to the remote community of Finke and back. Alice Springs accommodation fills up.
Waterfalls on Uluru
During rare summer storms, roughly November through March
Heavy rain sends waterfalls pouring down Uluru's sides, a spectacular but unpredictable event.
Desert wildflowers
Roughly August through October, after good winter rains
After a wet year, the desert blooms with wildflowers. The display varies greatly by season.
Beat the crowds
- Visit in May or August for winter weather without the July school holiday crowds.
- Head to the sunrise viewing area early or choose a quieter spot along the base walk; tour buses crowd the main areas.
- Do the Valley of the Winds walk at opening time, before the heat and the midmorning coaches.
- Stay at least two nights so you can revisit Uluru and Kata Tjuta at different times, avoiding the rushed day trip.
Open or closed
- Climbing Uluru has been permanently banned since October 26, 2019, out of respect for the Anangu traditional owners.
- On days forecast to reach 97F (36C) or more, the Valley of the Winds walk closes beyond the first lookout from 11am, and the Kings Canyon Rim Walk closes from 9am.
- A park pass is required to enter Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, available online or at the entry station.
- Some sites around Uluru are culturally sensitive, and photography is not allowed there. Follow the signs.
With kids in tow
- The flat base walk and shorter sections like the Mala walk and Kuniya walk are easy for kids; bike hire is available for the base walk.
- Cool winter mornings suit family walks, but pack warm clothes: children feel the desert cold at dawn.
- In summer, stick to early morning and evening activities, keep kids hydrated, and bring fly nets for everyone.
- For homeschool families, the Cultural Centre and ranger-guided walks bring Aboriginal history, geology, and desert ecology to life.
Getting there
- Ayers Rock Airport (AYQ) at Yulara has direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, and other Australian cities; Ayers Rock Resort is a short shuttle ride away.
- Alternatively, fly into Alice Springs (ASP) and drive about 280 miles (450 km), roughly five hours, often combined with Kings Canyon.
- From the US, fly to Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane, with nonstops from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, and Houston on various carriers, then connect domestically.
Packing? Packing cubes and the airport kit.
Uluru timing, quick answers
What is the best month to visit Uluru?
August. Clear skies, mild days, comfortable walking weather, and fewer crowds than July's school holidays. May and June are also excellent.
How hot is Uluru in summer?
Very hot. From December to February, highs often reach 97F to 104F (36C to 40C) or more. Some walks close early on extreme days.
Can you still climb Uluru?
No. Climbing has been permanently banned since October 26, 2019, in line with the wishes of the Anangu traditional owners.
What is the cheapest time to visit Uluru?
The hot season, roughly November to March, has the lowest prices, but many travelers find the heat and flies difficult. Late April and early May offer better value with good weather.
How cold does Uluru get?
In June and July, nights can drop to near or below freezing, around 39F (4C) or colder. Days are usually sunny and mild.
How many days do you need at Uluru?
At least two full days to see Uluru and Kata Tjuta at sunrise and sunset. Add a day or two if you want to include Kings Canyon.
Weighing alternatives
Similar trips, with their best months.
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