Australia, Oceania & Pacific
Uluru in May
The start of the best season: comfortable walking weather and fewer visitors than midwinter.
The straight answer
May is one of the best months of the year to visit Uluru. The start of the best season: comfortable walking weather and fewer visitors than midwinter.
- Weather
- Mild and sunny, highs near 75F (24C), cool nights
- Crowds
- 3 of 5
- Prices
- 3 of 5
What May is like in Uluru
May is the start of Uluru's best season. Days are mild and sunny, with highs near 75F (24C), and nights are cool and crisp. Walking weather is ideal, the flies are mostly gone, and visitor numbers are lower than in midwinter. Clear, dry nights also open the winter stargazing season.
This month suits nearly everyone: families, hikers, photographers, and first-time visitors. It is one of the best-value months in the good season. The only thing to prepare for is the cold at dawn, so bring warm layers for sunrise viewing and night tours.
Make the most of May
What is especially good about Uluru this month.
Stargazing season begins
Long, clear, dry nights give some of the best views of the Milky Way anywhere. Guided astronomy tours run from Ayers Rock Resort.
Kings Canyon Rim Walk
Cool days make the rim walk above the sandstone walls in Watarrka National Park, about three hours' drive from Uluru, a real pleasure.
Fewer crowds than winter
You get peak-season weather before the July school holiday rush.
What to pack for May
- A warm jacket for sunrise and night tours
- Sturdy walking shoes
- Sunscreen and a hat for bright days
- A headlamp for early starts
Our timing tip
Book a stargazing tour for a night near the new moon, when the sky is darkest.
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.
What's on in May
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.
Things to do in Uluru
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.
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 May, quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Uluru?
May is one of the best months of the year to visit Uluru. The start of the best season: comfortable walking weather and fewer visitors than midwinter.
What is the weather like in Uluru in May?
Mild and sunny, highs near 75F (24C), cool nights.
Is Uluru crowded in May?
Crowds in Uluru are moderate in May; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.
What is happening in Uluru in May?
Winter stargazing season (roughly may through august).
Keep planning Uluru.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in May
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