September: 86 places at their best

Australia, Oceania & Pacific

Uluru in September

Spring warmth and wildflowers after wet winters. Late September school holidays add crowds.

BestWarm, highs near 82F (28C)
Uluru, Australia
UluruPhoto: Dietmar Rabich, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

September is one of the best months of the year to visit Uluru. Spring warmth and wildflowers after wet winters. Late September school holidays add crowds.

Weather
Warm, highs near 82F (28C)
Crowds
4 of 5
Prices
4 of 5

What September is like in Uluru

September brings spring warmth to the Red Centre, with highs near 82F (28C). Mornings are pleasant for walking, and after a wet winter, wildflowers can carpet the desert. Nights are still cool. Crowds are fairly high, especially during the late September school holidays, and prices stay firm.

This month suits families, walkers, and photographers who want warm days before the heat arrives. If you want the coolest walking weather, choose May to August. Book early if your trip overlaps the school holidays late in the month, when the resort fills up.

Make the most of September

What is especially good about Uluru this month.

01

Desert wildflowers

After good winter rains, the desert blooms with color. The display varies greatly from year to year.

02

Warm sunset viewing

Mild evenings make sunset at the viewing areas comfortable, no heavy jacket needed.

03

Field of Light

The light installation near Ayers Rock Resort is pleasant to walk through on warmer spring evenings, just after dusk.

What to pack for September

  • A light jacket for cool mornings
  • A fly net, as flies start returning
  • Sunscreen and a hat
  • A refillable water bottle

Our timing tip

Walk early in the morning, since spring afternoons can get hot, and book ahead for the late September school holidays.

Book Uluru for September.

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What's on in September

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 September, quick answers

Is September a good time to visit Uluru?

September is one of the best months of the year to visit Uluru. Spring warmth and wildflowers after wet winters. Late September school holidays add crowds.

What is the weather like in Uluru in September?

Warm, highs near 82F (28C).

Is Uluru crowded in September?

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

What is happening in Uluru in September?

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 AugustThe month before: Mild and sunny, highs near 73F (23C)Best
  2. 02Uluru in OctoberThe month after: Hot, highs near 90F (32C)Good
  3. 03Uluru in MayThe next best month: Mild and sunny, highs near 75F (24C), cool nightsBest

Also at their best in September

Everywhere in September

Where else is good in September?

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.

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