Australia, Oceania & Pacific

Uluru in December

Hot, fly-heavy, and trails regularly close by midmorning. Christmas brings a small spike in visitors despite the heat.

Think twiceExtremely hot, highs near 97F (36C), storms possible

Uluru, Australia — UluruPhoto: Dietmar Rabich, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

December is a month to think twice about visiting Uluru. Hot, fly-heavy, and trails regularly close by midmorning. Christmas brings a small spike in visitors despite the heat.

Weather: Extremely hot, highs near 97F (36C), storms possible
Crowds: 2 of 5
Prices: 2 of 5

What December is like in Uluru

December is extremely hot at Uluru, with highs near 97F (36C) and storms possible. Trails regularly close by mid-morning on the hottest days, and the flies are heavy. Crowds are light, though Christmas brings a small spike despite the heat. Only sunrise and sunset are comfortable.

This month is best avoided, especially by families with young kids and anyone who wants to hike. If Christmas is your only window, keep walks short, start at dawn, and rest through the afternoon. For a better trip, choose May to September, when the days are cool and sunny.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about Uluru this month.

Storm-season drama

Summer storms can bring dramatic skies, and on rare occasions, waterfalls on the rock.

Field of Light on warm nights

The solar-powered installation near Ayers Rock Resort is best just after dusk, when the heat eases.

Short, early walks

The flat Mala and Kuniya walks at the base of Uluru are good short options for a sunrise outing.

What to pack for December

Fly nets
A wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen
A large water bottle or hydration pack
A light rain jacket for storms

Our timing tip

If you visit at Christmas, book early and plan every walk for the first hours after sunrise, since trails can close by mid-morning.

Book Uluru for December.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Uluru
Opens a hotel search for Uluru in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Uluru
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Uluru
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Uluru for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in December

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.

Things to do in Uluru

Full guide

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre

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

Tickets and tours →

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 December, quick answers

Is December a good time to visit Uluru?

December is a month to think twice about visiting Uluru. Hot, fly-heavy, and trails regularly close by midmorning. Christmas brings a small spike in visitors despite the heat.

What is the weather like in Uluru in December?

Extremely hot, highs near 97F (36C), storms possible.

Is Uluru crowded in December?

December is one of the quieter months in Uluru; most sights can be done without long waits.

What is happening in Uluru in December?

Waterfalls on Uluru (during rare summer storms, roughly november through march).