Darwin Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best time to visit Darwin.

Climate overview of Darwin

Darwin has two distinct seasons - the Wet and the Dry. January and February is the heart of the Wet season when monsoonal weather dumps heavy afternoon and overnight rain. Average temperatures range from 25°C (76°F) minimum to 32°C (89°F) maximum. March and April see the rains begin to subside.

May to September is the long period known as the Dry season and is the most popular time of the year for visitors and locals. The humidity is at its lowest and the nights can become relatively cool. Average temperatures range from 19°C (67°F) Centigrade to 33°C (91°F) Centigrade. October to December is the pre monsoon period and it becomes increasingly humid with occasional rain.

Darwin Weather by Month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Darwin — and find the best time to visit.

Monthly Temperature in Darwin

In Darwin temperatures are generally consistent throughout the year. On average, daytime temperatures range from a very warm 35°C (95°F) in October to a very warm 32°C (90°F) in July.

Nighttime temperatures range from 26°C (79°F) in October to 20°C (68°F) in July.

Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.

Temperature ranges by month

Rainfall in Darwin

Darwin experiences significant rainfall throughout the year, averaging 1804 mm (71 in) of precipitation annually. The seasons in Darwin bring significant changes in precipitation. The wettest month, January, receives heavy rainfall, with an average of 432 mm (17 in) of precipitation. This rainfall is distributed across 13 rainy days.

In contrast, the driest month, July, experiences much less rainfall, totaling 1.7 mm (0.1 in) over 5 rainy days. These distinct seasonal differences provide diverse experiences throughout the year. For more details, please visit our Darwin Precipitation page.

The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail, and snow

Sunshine Hours in Darwin

In Darwin, summer days are longer and more sunny, with daily sunshine hours peaking at 10.5 hours in August. As the darker season arrives, the brightness of the sun becomes less. February sees a soft sun for only 5.5 hours per average day.

Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.

Monthly hours of sunshine

Daily hours of sunshine

Water Temperature in Darwin

The mean water temperature over the year ranges from 25°C (77°F) in August to 29°C (84°F) in January.

Water temperature over the year

Humidity in Darwin by Month

Wind Speed in Darwin

Best Time to Visit Darwin

The warm weather in Darwin maintains temperatures between 32°C (90°F) and 35°C (95°F) year-round. Plan your visit during May, June, July, August, September and October for drier days and the best conditions to enjoy being outside.

To make the most of your visit, consider exploring early in the morning or during the pleasant late afternoon hours when the temperature is most comfortable.

Be aware that January, February, March and December constitute the rainy season, with significant precipitation.

Looking for inspiration on where to travel this year? We have a tool that recommends destinations based on your ideal conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

Frequently asked questions about the climate in Darwin

What is the best time to visit Darwin?

June and July typically offer the most optimal weather in Darwin. In contrast, January, February, March, April, September, October, November and December tend to have less optimal conditions. Darwin has distinct dry (May to September) and wet (December to March) seasons.

What temperatures can I expect in Darwin?

Daytime highs range from 32°C (90°F) in July to 35°C (95°F) in October. Nighttime lows range from 20°C (68°F) to 26°C (79°F). Temperatures stay relatively stable year-round.

How much rain does Darwin get?

Annual rainfall is around 1804 mm (71 in). January is the wettest month with 432 mm (17 in), while July is the driest with 1.7 mm (0.1 in).

How sunny is Darwin?

Darwin receives around 3,099 hours of sunshine per year. August is the sunniest month with 316 hours, while February is the cloudiest with just 165 hours. Overall, Darwin enjoys abundant sunshine.

Darwin 3-Day Forecast

Darwin 3-Day Forecast

Darwin on the map

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Popular this month

Where to go in June — average daytime high across popular destinations.

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