Christmas in Alice Springs doesn’t look anything like those classic snowy scenes you see elsewhere. December lands right in the middle of summer in central Australia, so you get hot days, cool nights, and loads of sunshine.
Expect daytime temperatures to hover around the mid-30s °C (mid-90s °F), with barely any rain.
The desert climate here creates a striking, one-of-a-kind holiday atmosphere. You’ll notice sharp swings between day and night temperatures, and evenings often cool off to comfortable levels.
Skies usually stay clear, and the air is dry, so outdoor fun is doable if you plan around the heat.
Hot afternoons, cooler nights, and long daylight hours really shape how you spend your Christmas. Maybe you’ll explore the nearby ranges, relax outside after sunset, or just compare December to other months—either way, knowing what to expect helps you make the most of your time in Alice Springs.
Typical Weather Conditions in Alice Springs at Christmas
If you’re in Alice Springs for Christmas, you’ll face hot days, hardly any rain, and mostly clear skies.
The desert climate causes big differences between day and night, so it’s smart to prep for both heat and cooler evenings.
Average Temperatures in Late December
Late December is peak summer in Alice Springs. Daytime highs often hit 34–36°C (93–97°F), but at night, things cool down to about 20°C (68°F).
That big swing between day and night is just part of desert life.
You’ll want to prepare for some serious sun during the day. Lightweight clothes, hats, and sunscreen are a must.
Nights still feel a bit warm, but the drop in temperature is a real relief after a blazing afternoon.
Sometimes, the mercury climbs above 40°C (104°F), though that’s not an everyday thing.
If you’re heading outdoors, try to plan activities for early morning or late evening to dodge the worst of the heat.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
December technically falls in the wetter season for Alice Springs, but don’t expect much rain compared to Australia’s coasts.
On average, the town gets about 40–50 mm (1.5–2 inches) of rain during the month.
Showers usually come and go fast—think short bursts, not long storms.
Heavy downpours can happen, but most days stay dry.
Rain usually shows up as summer thunderstorms that can build up quickly in the afternoon.
It’s rare for rain to stick around for several days, so you shouldn’t count on wet weather, but it’s still smart to pack a light rain jacket if you’ll be outside.
Humidity and Cloud Cover
Humidity in December usually sits at low to moderate levels.
Unlike the tropics, you won’t feel that sticky, heavy air.
Typical daytime humidity ranges from 25% to 40%, and it drops even more when the afternoon heat kicks in.
Clouds? Not many. Most days are clear and sunny, with about 10–11 hours of bright sunlight daily.
That means tons of daylight for outdoor plans, but also a higher risk of sunburn.
Even when clouds pop up, they tend to move along pretty quickly.
You’ll get more sunny days than cloudy ones around Christmas in Alice Springs.
Temperature Extremes and Records for December
December brings some of the hottest weather of the year to Alice Springs.
You’ll see sharp contrasts between scorching afternoons and cooler nights.
Records show both extreme heat and the occasional milder day, so if you’re here for Christmas, you could get a mix.
Hottest and Coldest Christmas Days on Record
Alice Springs has seen some blazing Christmas Days.
On December 25, 2019, the temperature hit 46°C (114°F)—one of the hottest Christmas Days ever recorded.
Other years, like 1891, saw December highs of 47°C (117°F).
Cooler Christmas Days aren’t common, but they do happen.
Some years, the high only reaches 25–28°C (77–82°F), which feels pretty mild for the desert.
On cooler years, Christmas morning can dip to 15–18°C (59–64°F), though that’s rare.
So, while you should prep for heat, you might get a pleasant surprise if the weather turns mild.
Packing for both hot afternoons and cooler nights just makes sense.
Temperature Fluctuations Throughout the Day
You’ll notice big swings between day and night in December.
Afternoons often peak at 36–38°C (96–100°F), but nights cool off to 20–22°C (68–72°F).
Clear skies let the day’s heat escape quickly after sunset.
In the hottest years, the highs have shot up over 43–46°C (109–115°F).
Early mornings can feel surprisingly mild, sometimes dipping below 18°C (64°F).
Your experience really depends on the time of day.
You’ll need shade and plenty of water in the afternoon.
Evenings are much more comfortable for being outside.
That daily rhythm—hot days, sharp cooling at night—defines December weather here.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight During the Holiday Season
December in Alice Springs means long days and loads of bright sunshine.
The desert climate keeps skies mostly clear, so you get steady daylight and strong sun for most of the holiday period.
Average Daily Sunshine
Alice Springs ranks among Australia’s sunniest spots.
In December, you’ll usually get about 10 to 11 hours of direct sunshine each day.
That’s plenty of time for outdoor activities, though the midday sun can be brutal.
Clouds don’t stick around much, so you rarely lose a whole day to overcast skies.
Rain can happen but usually doesn’t steal away much sunshine.
The sun here is intense, and UV levels stay very high.
You really need to use sun protection, especially from late morning through mid-afternoon.
Wide-brimmed hats, sunscreen, and light clothes are your friends if you’re outside for long.
Sunrise and Sunset Times
Around Christmas, Alice Springs enjoys about 13.5 to 14 hours of daylight.
The sun rises close to 5:45 a.m. and sets around 7:30 p.m.
That’s a lot of time to get out before or after the worst heat.
Morning light comes early, which is great if you want to hike or tour before it gets hot.
Evenings stay bright, so you can enjoy outdoor dinners or sightseeing without rushing.
Having so much daylight really helps with planning—there’s no need to cram everything in.
December is one of the most flexible months for full days of exploring in Alice Springs.
Wind and UV Index in December
December brings hot, dry weather to Alice Springs, with moderate breezes and some of the year’s highest UV levels.
You’ll need to prepare for both the intense sun and the desert winds if you’re spending time outside.
Typical Wind Speeds and Directions
Winds in December usually range from light to moderate, averaging about 10–20 km/h most days.
Afternoons can get gustier as the hot desert air rises.
Winds usually come from the southeast and east, but sometimes a northerly wind blows in hotter air.
Central Australia’s open landscape lets winds move pretty freely, so you’ll notice the change.
Mornings tend to be calmer, while afternoons feel breezier.
If you’re planning hikes or sightseeing, mornings are your best bet to avoid the wind and heat.
December doesn’t usually bring damaging wind, but dry spells can kick up dust.
Bringing protective eyewear is a good idea if you’ll be outside for a while.
UV Index Levels and Sun Protection
The UV index in December often hits 11 or higher—that’s extreme.
Skin can burn in less than 15 minutes during peak hours.
You really need sun protection.
Use broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+), wear a wide-brimmed hat, and cover up with light, breathable clothes.
Don’t forget sunglasses with UV protection.
Try to plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon, when UV levels drop a bit.
Between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., the sun is at its fiercest, and shade is scarce.
Even if it’s a little cloudy, UV rays stay strong, so make sun safety part of your daily routine.
How December Weather Influences Outdoor Activities
Hot days and strong sun really decide how you plan your time outside in December.
Warm evenings and cooler mornings give you nicer windows for activities, and dry weather keeps most trails open.
Best Times of Day for Exploring
Daytime highs in December usually hit 35–38°C (95–100°F).
Walking or hiking under direct sun can get uncomfortable—or honestly, unsafe—without shade.
Early mornings and late afternoons work best for exploring.
From sunrise until about 10 a.m., temps stay lower, usually in the mid-20s°C (70s°F).
That’s the sweet spot for hiking, desert walks, and wildlife spotting.
Animals are more active, and the light is perfect for photos.
Late afternoons, between 4 p.m. and sunset, also offer a more manageable climate.
The sun isn’t as harsh, so you can check out markets, walk around town, or hit scenic lookouts without roasting.
For longer adventures, split your day: get started before sunrise, hide out indoors during peak heat, and head back out later.
This rhythm matches how locals handle the climate and helps you avoid heat stress.
Weather Considerations for Sightseeing and Events
December in Alice Springs is usually dry, with only a slim chance of rain.
Most outdoor spots—like the MacDonnell Ranges or Desert Park—stay open and accessible.
The high UV index means you’ll need sunscreen, hats, and water at all times.
Events and community gatherings often happen in the evening, when it cools down.
Outdoor cinemas, Christmas markets, and cultural performances usually start later in the day to work with the climate.
Plan your sightseeing around these cooler hours.
Wear light, breathable clothes and sturdy shoes for walking on hot ground.
Carry at least 2–3 liters of water for longer trips—dehydration sneaks up fast under the December sun.
Some tours adjust their times because of the heat.
A lot of operators start early or finish before noon, so double-check your tour schedule to make sure it fits with the safer times of day.
Comparing December Weather in Alice Springs to Other Months
December brings some of the year’s hottest weather to Alice Springs, with long sunny days and not much rain.
When you compare it to nearby months, you’ll spot clear changes in temperature, rainfall, and overall comfort.
Differences From November and January
November highs usually run a bit cooler than December, averaging 33–34°C (91–93°F).
By December, the average high climbs to about 36°C (97°F), so it definitely feels hotter.
Nights also stay warmer, with lows around 20°C (68°F), compared to mid-teens in November.
Rain starts to pick up in November as the wet season approaches, but totals remain pretty low.
December brings a little more rain, but you’ll still only get a few days of measurable precipitation.
You might feel a bit more humidity in December than in November, but there are still fewer storms than in the later summer.
By January, the heat sticks around, with highs similar to December.
January usually brings more frequent showers and a touch more humidity, so December feels drier and a bit more stable, though both months share those long, hot days and warm nights.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
Alice Springs sits right in the desert, so December really cranks up the summer heat. You’ll get about 11 to 12 hours of sunshine every day, making it easily one of the brightest months around. That high sun exposure pushes the UV index way up, too.
Rainfall in December stays pretty low compared to tropical places, usually just a few millimeters. Still, it’s a bit more than the bone-dry winter months like June, July, or August, when rain barely even shows up and the skies hardly ever cloud over.
Winter in Alice Springs? Totally different vibe. In July, for example, daytime highs hover near 20°C (68°F), and nights sometimes dip close to freezing.
December’s heat and those warm nights make the place feel like a whole other world compared to winter.
A lot of visitors think December weather is pretty extreme. You’ll face high daytime temps, warm evenings, and some intense sun, but you won’t have to deal with the heavy rains that come later in summer.