Australia, Oceania & Pacific

Uluru in January

The hottest month. Walks close from early morning on extreme days, flies are intense, and midday heat is dangerous.

Think twiceExtremely hot, highs near 99F (37C), often over 104F (40C)

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

The straight answer

January is a month to think twice about visiting Uluru. The hottest month. Walks close from early morning on extreme days, flies are intense, and midday heat is dangerous.

Weather: Extremely hot, highs near 99F (37C), often over 104F (40C)
Crowds: 2 of 5
Prices: 2 of 5

What January is like in Uluru

January is the hottest month at Uluru, and one to avoid. Highs sit near 99F (37C) and often pass 104F (40C). Midday heat is dangerous, the flies are intense, and on extreme days walks like the Valley of the Winds and the Kings Canyon Rim Walk close from the morning. Crowds and prices are low, which is the only upside.

Only come now if your dates are fixed, and plan everything around sunrise and sunset. Families with young kids should pick another month. May to September gives you cool, sunny days that are perfect for walking, with May and August the sweet spots.

Make the most of January

What is especially good about Uluru this month.

Waterfalls on Uluru, if you are lucky

Rare summer storms can send waterfalls pouring down the rock. It is unpredictable, but a sight few visitors ever see.

Sunrise base walk

Starting the base walk at first light is the only comfortable way to do it in summer. Carry lots of water and finish before the heat builds.

Field of Light after dark

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

What to pack for January

A fly net for your head, one for every family member
A wide-brimmed hat and high-SPF sunscreen
A large refillable water bottle or hydration pack
Light, long-sleeved clothing that covers skin

Our timing tip

Check the forecast the night before, since walks close early on days forecast to reach 97F (36C) or more, and be at the trailhead by sunrise.

Book Uluru for January.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Uluru
Opens a hotel search for Uluru in January, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for January
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 January. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in January

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 January, quick answers

Is January a good time to visit Uluru?

January is a month to think twice about visiting Uluru. The hottest month. Walks close from early morning on extreme days, flies are intense, and midday heat is dangerous.

What is the weather like in Uluru in January?

Extremely hot, highs near 99F (37C), often over 104F (40C).

Is Uluru crowded in January?

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

What is happening in Uluru in January?

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