September: 86 places at their best

Australia, Oceania & Pacific

Uluru in August

Warming days, clear skies, and excellent walking. One of the best months overall.

BestMild and sunny, highs near 73F (23C)
Uluru, Australia
UluruPhoto: Dietmar Rabich, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

August is one of the best months of the year to visit Uluru. Warming days, clear skies, and excellent walking. One of the best months overall.

Weather
Mild and sunny, highs near 73F (23C)
Crowds
4 of 5
Prices
4 of 5

What August is like in Uluru

August is one of the best months overall at Uluru. Days are mild and sunny, with highs near 73F (23C), skies are clear, and walking is excellent. Nights are still cool, and the stargazing season continues. After a wet winter, early wildflowers may start to appear. Crowds ease a little after July.

This month suits everyone: families, hikers, photographers, and stargazers. It is a great pick if you missed May or want to avoid the July rush. Only those who want the warmest days and the full wildflower bloom might wait for September.

Make the most of August

What is especially good about Uluru this month.

01

Early desert wildflowers

After good winter rains, the desert can start to bloom. The display varies a lot from year to year.

02

Last of stargazing season

Long, dry nights still give excellent views of the Milky Way.

03

Kings Canyon Rim Walk

Mild days are ideal for the rim walk in Watarrka National Park, about a three-hour drive away.

What to pack for August

  • A warm layer for evenings and dawns
  • Sturdy walking shoes
  • Sunscreen and a hat
  • A camera for sunrise and wildflowers

Our timing tip

Pair a night at Kings Canyon with Uluru, and start the rim walk early for the best light and fewest people.

Book Uluru for August.

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What's on in August

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.

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.

Things to do in Uluru

Full guide
01

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.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

02

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.

Tickets and tours →

03

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.

Tickets and tours →

04

Field of Light

Bruce Munro's installation of tens of thousands of solar-powered lights near Ayers Rock Resort, best just after dusk.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

05

Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre

Learn about Anangu culture, Tjukurpa, and the park's joint management before you explore.

Tickets and tours →

06

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.

Tickets and tours →

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.

Know before you go

  • 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.

Uluru in August, quick answers

Is August a good time to visit Uluru?

August is one of the best months of the year to visit Uluru. Warming days, clear skies, and excellent walking. One of the best months overall.

What is the weather like in Uluru in August?

Mild and sunny, highs near 73F (23C).

Is Uluru crowded in August?

Uluru is busy in August, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.

What is happening in Uluru in August?

Winter stargazing season (roughly may through august); Desert wildflowers (roughly august through october, after good winter rains).

Keep planning Uluru.

The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.

  1. 01Uluru in JulyThe month before: Cool and sunny, highs near 68F (20C), frosty dawnsBest
  2. 02Uluru in SeptemberThe month after: Warm, highs near 82F (28C)Best
  3. 03The full Uluru yearEvery month, graded12 months

Also at their best in August

Everywhere in August

Where else is good in August?

Tell us when you can go and what kind of trip you want. We rank every place we cover for that exact month.

What kind of trip? Pick any.

Before you book.

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Our top-rated travel gear

Whatever you decide, this is the gear we actually travel with: verified, priced, and ranked. Live price check on each.

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Luggage ScaleEtekcity Luggage Scale

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handheld hook

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