Fall in Darwin really marks a shift away from the heavy rains of summer. You’ll get warm days, usually close to 89°F (32°C), and nights that slowly cool from the upper 70s°F (mid-20s°C) into the low 70s°F (around 22°C).
This season feels way more comfortable for being outside, with less humidity and not nearly as many storms as earlier in the year.
As the weeks go by, you’ll see more sunshine and way less rain. The chance of a wet day drops from high in March to almost nothing by late May, so planning outdoor stuff gets a lot easier.
The air feels lighter, and evenings are just nicer without that sticky wet season feeling hanging around.
Darwin’s coastal setting really shapes how fall feels. Sea temperatures stay warm, usually in the low-to-mid 80s°F (around 28°C), so it’s still great for the beach or a boat trip.
With more stretches of clear skies and steady daylight, you can really soak up Darwin’s outdoor lifestyle during this time.
Overview of Darwin’s Fall Climate
During fall, Darwin gets noticeable changes in temperature, rainfall, and humidity. The region moves from the wet season toward the dry, and that brings warmer days, cooler nights, fewer storms, and clearer skies.
This period stands out in the Northern Territory’s tropical climate cycle.
Location and Geography
Darwin sits up on the northern coast of Australia’s Northern Territory, pretty close to the equator at about 12° south latitude. Its spot on the Timor Sea really shapes the weather, with warm sea temperatures affecting humidity and rainfall.
The city’s low elevation and flat terrain mean winds and moisture can change quickly. You’re never far from the water, which helps keep daytime highs in check but also means high humidity is common.
Since Darwin is so far north, you don’t get big swings in temperature like in southern Australia. Instead, the main differences come from rainfall and cloud cover, both tied to the movement of tropical air masses.
That’s why fall here is less about cooler temperatures and more about changing sky conditions and moisture.
Tropical Climate Characteristics
Darwin has a tropical savanna climate, labeled Aw in the Köppen system. Basically, there’s a wet, humid summer and a dry, cooler winter. Fall sits in the middle, mixing a bit of both.
Daily highs in fall average around 89°F (32°C). Lows drop from about 78°F (25°C) in early March to 71°F (22°C) by late May.
These shifts aren’t huge, but they make evenings much nicer than during the peak wet months.
Rainfall drops off fast. At the start of fall, you might get over 13 inches (345 mm) in a month, but by the end, it’s often less than 1 inch (25 mm).
Cloud cover and humidity also drop, going from almost 100% muggy in March to about 50% by May.
Seasonal Patterns
Weather in fall really changes as the months go by. March still brings heavy showers and storms, but April sees fewer downpours. By May, things are mostly dry.
The chance of a wet day falls from nearly 3 in 4 at the start of March to almost none by late May.
Cloud cover shifts quickly too. Early in the season, skies are often gray, but by late May, you’ll see mostly clear or partly cloudy days. That makes fall one of the best times for outdoor adventures.
Winds change direction as well. In early March, breezes usually come from the west, but by late May, they turn more easterly. Wind speeds go up a bit, from about 9 mph to 10 mph, which helps the air feel less heavy as humidity drops.
Daylight hours shrink slowly, with sunset coming about 40 minutes earlier between March and May. With cooler nights and lower humidity, it feels a lot more comfortable than the wet season’s heat and storms.
Average Fall Temperatures in Darwin
During the fall months, Darwin gives you warm days and slightly cooler nights. Temperatures shift gradually as the wet season wraps up, bringing less humidity and rain but keeping things tropical.
Daily Temperature Ranges
In fall, daytime highs usually stick around 89°F (32°C). They rarely dip below 84°F (29°C) or climb above 94°F (34°C).
Late April tends to be the warmest, with highs near 90°F (32°C).
Nights cool off a bit more, dropping from about 78°F (26°C) at the start to 71°F (22°C) by the end. Sometimes, it even dips to 65°F (18°C), but that’s pretty rare.
The small gap between day and night temps makes the climate feel steady. You won’t get wild swings, but the slow cooling at night is a relief after hot afternoons.
Monthly Temperature Trends
March starts off humid and warm, with highs near 89°F (32°C) and lows around 77°F (25°C). By April, the air dries out, and nights cool slowly to about 74°F (23°C).
May brings the biggest change. Highs stay close to 88°F (31°C), but lows can fall to 71°F (22°C). That’s when evenings start to feel much better outside.
You’ll see about a 7°F (4°C) drop in average nighttime temps from early March to late May. Daytime highs barely budge, changing by just a degree or two.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Compared to summer, fall in Darwin feels less humid and a bit cooler at night. Summer highs hit 91°F (33°C) with sticky air, while fall highs hover near 89°F (32°C) and get drier by May.
Winter is cooler overall, with highs around 86°F (30°C) and lows near 68°F (20°C). Humidity is almost gone in winter, and evenings are super comfortable.
Spring heats up again, with highs back toward 91°F (33°C) and humidity building before the wet season returns. Fall sits right in the middle, giving you steady warmth without summer’s heavy rain or winter’s cool nights.
Rainfall and Precipitation During Fall
During fall, rainfall in Darwin drops off fast compared to the wet season’s downpours. You’ll see big changes in both how much rain falls and how often as the region heads toward the dry season.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rainfall in Darwin decreases steadily from March to May. March can still be pretty wet, averaging over 300 mm.
By April, it usually drops to around 100–120 mm. May is much drier, with only 20–30 mm.
March still brings heavy showers and quick storms. By May, rain is rare and usually just a brief shower.
To keep it simple:
- March: Lots of heavy rain.
- April: Some rain, fewer storms.
- May: Barely any rain, mostly dry.
Rainy Days and Dry Spells
The number of rainy days falls as fall goes on. In March, you might see 15–20 days with rain, but by May, it’s down to just 1–3 days.
April is in the middle, with about 6–8 rainy days.
Rain in March often comes in quick bursts, with heavy downpours and then clear skies. By April, showers are shorter and less predictable. May is mostly dry, and you can go weeks without any measurable rain.
If you’re planning to be outside, this matters. Early fall means you still need rain gear, but late fall is usually dry enough for long trips without worrying about the weather.
Transition From Wet to Dry Season
Fall is when Darwin switches from the tropical wet season to the long dry season. March still brings high humidity and storms.
By April, things settle down—fewer storms, less rain. May is when the dry season almost takes over, with rare rain, clearer skies, and lower humidity.
You’ll notice not just less rain, but also changes in cloud cover and storm frequency. Fall really marks the turning point in Darwin’s weather cycle.
Humidity and Comfort Levels
Darwin’s fall season brings a big change in humidity as the wet season ends. You’ll notice a steady shift from super humid conditions to more comfortable levels, which makes daily life a lot nicer.
Typical Humidity in Fall
During fall, Darwin’s climate moves from wet to dry. In early March, humidity is still very high, and it feels muggy almost every day.
By late May, muggy days drop to about half the month.
Average relative humidity shows this shift. Early in the season, it’s often above 70%, making things feel heavy and damp. By June, it drops closer to 40–50%, which is much drier.
This drop in humidity lines up with the big fall in rainfall. By the end of May, wet days are rare, and the air feels less saturated. Lower humidity and clearer skies mean the dry season is here.
Effects on Daily Life
You’ll feel the humidity change most in how your body handles the heat. In March, sweat barely evaporates, so being outside can wear you out.
By May, drier air lets sweat cool you down better, making exercise and walking around a lot easier.
Travelers often find early fall sticky and uncomfortable, especially without air conditioning. Later in the season, evenings are more pleasant, and you might not need the AC as much.
Locals get a break too. Lower humidity means less mold and dampness indoors. Laundry dries faster, and outdoor markets or festivals are just more fun. That’s why late fall is such a great time to be outside in Darwin.
Sea Temperature and Coastal Conditions
Darwin’s coastal waters stay warm all through fall, with only slight changes in temperature. These conditions make swimming comfortable and keep local marine activities going strong.
Average Sea Temperatures
The Timor Sea around Darwin holds steady warmth during fall. Surface water temperatures drop just a bit, from about 30°C (86°F) in March to around 28°C (82°F) by May.
That small change means the water stays nice for swimming. Unlike places with big seasonal swings, Darwin’s tropical spot keeps the sea from ever feeling cold.
| Month | Avg. Sea Temp °C | Avg. Sea Temp °F |
|---|---|---|
| March | ~30°C | ~86°F |
| April | ~29°C | ~84°F |
| May | ~28°C | ~82°F |
These numbers are higher than lots of popular beach spots elsewhere. The water stays warm enough for swimming or boating almost every day.
Swimming and Marine Activities
With sea temperatures above 28°C, you can swim comfortably without a wetsuit. The water feels especially nice in early fall when it’s closer to 30°C.
But it’s not just about the temperature. In March, rain and runoff from the wet season can mess with water clarity. By late April and May, the water clears up, making snorkeling and diving more appealing.
Don’t forget, Darwin’s coast has marine stingers and saltwater crocodiles. It’s safest to swim at patrolled beaches or places like the Darwin Waterfront lagoon.
Fishing and boating stay popular all fall. Later in the season, steady winds from the east make sailing better, and May’s calm seas usually mean clearer water for reef trips.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight
Fall in Darwin usually brings steady sunshine, with just a small shift in daylight length. You’ll notice bright days and plenty of reliable sunlight, though the daylight hours change a little as the season drifts toward the wetter months.
Average Daily Sunshine
Darwin gets a lot of sunshine in fall compared to most places. Most days, you’ll see around 9 to 10.5 hours of bright sunshine, so the sun’s out nearly 80 to 90% of the time.
Early in fall, humidity levels stay moderate. The skies are usually clear.
That makes outdoor plans pretty comfortable, especially in May when the dry season kicks in and rain barely shows up.
By September and October, things start to feel warmer and stickier. Even then, there’s still plenty of sunshine, with mornings often clear before clouds show up later in the day.
Here’s a quick look at average monthly sunshine in fall:
| Month | Average Sunshine (hours/day) |
|---|---|
| May | ~9.5 |
| June | ~10 |
| July | ~10.5 |
| August | ~10.2 |
| September | ~9.8 |
You can count on steady daylight for your outdoor adventures, whether you’re heading to a national park or just relaxing by the coast.
Day Length Variation
Day length in Darwin changes just a little during fall since the city sits pretty close to the equator. In May, you get about 11.5 hours of daylight. By September, that bumps up to nearly 12.5 hours.
Sunrise and sunset shift slowly. At the start of the season, the sun comes up around 6:45 AM and goes down near 6:15 PM. By September, sunrise happens earlier, about 6:30 AM, and sunset stretches out to almost 6:50 PM.
You don’t really lose usable daylight with these small changes. Planning activities feels easy, since you don’t have to worry about daylight disappearing suddenly like in places farther from the equator.
Late September has the longest days, so you get almost an extra hour of daylight compared to early May. The change is gradual, and honestly, it’s not disruptive. It’s easy enough to tweak your schedule as the season rolls along.