Weather and Climatic Conditions | Temperatures, UV and Sun Exposure, Rainfall| Larapinta Trail Website

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Central Australia is a dry, barren region with a climate of extremes. While the weather is reasonably predictable, walkers must be prepared for the climatic extremes of this region. It is not uncommon for temperatures in June to drop below zero at night then reach up to 32C during the day. During November through to February temperatures average between 37-43C during the day and 23-26C at night. Rainfall is not as rare as many assume and can come down hard in short bursts

	Temperatures can rise to the high forties in summer
	Temperatures can drop below freezing in June
	Watch out for heat related illnesses such as heat exhaustion, dehydration
	Watch out for hypothermia. Temperatures drop below freezing in July
	UV exposure levels are very high. Watch out for sunburn all year round
	It does rain in Central Australia, sometimes in downpours and floods
	Always check the BOM website for weather updates and forecasts
	Check the PWCNT website for updates, closures etc.

When ( and when Not) to Walk the Trail

		Best Time of the Year
		May - August
		Worst Time of the Year
		November - March
		Hottest Time of the Year
		December - February
		Coldest Time of the Year
		June-August

Freezing at Ormiston Gorge in 2004


Backpack covered in ice and frost.	CamelBak bladder was frozen

In June 2004 (images above), the temperature dropped to -7C at Ormiston Gorge at night layering the tent, pack and any gear left outside with frost and a thin layer of ice.

Heat Exhaustion and Hypothermia in the same day. Getting caught out (due to poor preparation and planning) in extreme weather along the trail, can easily lead to heat illnesses such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke and hypothermia. Intense heat, limited shade and limited water, severe temperature drops and increases, are common considerations for any field work or activity Central Australia.

Video above shows a time in May 2010 when the weather was quite wet and drizzly. A number of walkers were caught out without wet weather gear.

Temperatures

Summer temperatures between November to March are hot and on many occasions are far too hot for any type of long distance walking. Temperatures during these periods can reach the high thirties and mid forties during the day and rarely drop below the twenties at night. Winter temperatures however rarely exceed the mid twenties (on average) during the day but can often drop below zero during the night.

Average Temperatures of Alice Springs
(°C)	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Max Temp	45.2	44.7	42.2	39.9	35.0	31.6	31.6	34.0	38.8	41.7	42.9	44.2
Min Temp	21.4	20.8	17.5	12.6	8.3	5.1	4.0	6.0	10.3	14.8	17.9	20.2

Wind and Chill Factors

There are sections along the trail which can be quite windy, particularly on high ground. Wind factors are particularly important when walking in winter as wind chill can increase the risk of hypothermia and increase the chances of catching a cold. Although this may seem slightly amusing, a small cold can lead to complications, which could result in the cancellation of your walk and possibly an expensive evacuation.

UV and Sun

The trail has very little shade available. The trail is characterized by its wide open spaces. Therefore it is essential to wear the appropriate protection against sunburn, dehydration and heat stroke and sunstroke. The Ultra Violet Index for Alice Springs is very high to extreme, therefore protection from the sun is paramount.

Rainfall

A number of Larapinta walkers have been drenched during short but intense burst of desert storms. On average up to 30mm-35mm of rain can fall in December and up to 40mm in February. However, rain is not common and predictable, particularly between May - September - so bottom line - take a lightweight, compact waterproof just in case..

	ABC Alice Springs Weather Page (External Link)
	Bureau of Meteorology (Alice Springs Link) ( External Link)