Fall in Alice Springs feels like a welcome break from the intense summer heat. You’ll notice warm days that gradually cool down from March through May, with highs starting in the low 30s °C (about 89°F) and dropping to the low 20s °C (around 71°F).
Nights cool off fast, so evenings turn crisp and can feel chilly compared to the daytime warmth.
Rainfall drops off as autumn moves along. March might still see some showers, but by May, rain barely makes an appearance and most days are dry and clear.
This mix of warm afternoons, cool nights, and low rainfall makes fall a great time to be outdoors in Central Australia.
With plenty of sunshine and comfortable weather, autumn makes it easy to explore Alice Springs. The climate stays predictable and manageable, so you can plan hikes, cultural visits, or day trips without worrying much about the weather.
Overview of Alice Springs Fall Climate
Fall in Alice Springs means cooler temperatures, drier air, and shorter days compared to the hot summer. You’ll see a steady drop in both daytime highs and nighttime lows, with clearer skies and less rain.
Temperature Range in Autumn
During fall, daily high temperatures in Alice Springs usually start around 93°F (34°C) in early March. By the end of May, highs fall to about 69°F (21°C).
Nights get cold quickly, with lows dropping from 68°F (20°C) to near 45°F (7°C).
You’ll notice big temperature swings between day and night. It might feel warm in the afternoon, but after sunset, you’ll want a jacket.
On rare nights, temps dip close to 35°F (2°C), especially late in the season.
Because of this wide range, layering is key. You’ll probably need a light jacket in the morning and evening, but midday is usually fine with short sleeves.
Typical Weather Patterns
Fall in Alice Springs is all about dry, clear conditions. Cloud cover drops off steadily, and by late May, skies are mostly sunny.
Rain is rare, starting near 10% in March and dropping to about 6% by the end of fall.
Rainfall totals shrink too. Early fall averages around 1.3 inches (33 mm), but by late May, you’ll see less than 0.5 inches (12 mm).
Long dry stretches are pretty common.
Humidity drops as well, so the air feels dry and comfortable. Winds usually blow from the east at 9–11 mph (14–18 km/h), making afternoons breezy but evenings calmer.
Comparison With Other Seasons
Compared to summer, fall feels way less intense. Summer highs often top 100°F (38°C), but fall rarely gets that hot.
Nights cool off much faster than in summer.
Winter brings colder days, with highs around 65°F (18°C) and nights often close to freezing. Fall sits in the middle, with mild days and cool nights.
Spring is warmer and wetter than fall, with higher humidity and a bigger chance of storms. In contrast, fall is one of the driest seasons, so it’s a stable time for outdoor plans.
Average Temperatures During Fall
In Alice Springs, fall brings a steady cooling trend. Afternoons stay warm, but nights get much cooler.
You’ll notice a wide range between daytime highs and nighttime lows.
Daytime Highs and Nighttime Lows
During fall, daytime highs drop from about 93°F (34°C) in early March to around 69°F (21°C) by late May. They rarely go above 101°F (38°C) or below 61°F (16°C).
Nighttime lows cool down fast. Early in the season, nights average around 68°F (20°C), but by late May, they’re closer to 45°F (7°C).
On the coldest nights, temps can drop near 35°F (2°C), which feels pretty chilly after a warm afternoon.
You’ll want light clothing for the day and warmer layers for night. The contrast between hot afternoons and cool evenings really defines Alice Springs weather in fall.
Here’s a quick look at the seasonal shift:
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| March | 93°F (34°C) | 68°F (20°C) |
| April | 81°F (27°C) | 55°F (13°C) |
| May | 69°F (21°C) | 45°F (7°C) |
Daily Temperature Fluctuations
Alice Springs has big swings between daytime and nighttime temperatures. The desert heats up quickly during the day, but as soon as the sun sets, the warmth disappears.
In March, highs and lows can differ by more than 20°F (11°C). By May, the gap can get even wider, with warm afternoons near 70°F (21°C) and nights dropping to the mid-40s°F (7°C).
This means mornings start out cool, afternoons feel comfortable, and evenings get brisk. You might start your day in a jacket, take it off by midday, and put it back on after sunset.
With low humidity, the air feels crisp, not damp, so the cooler nights are easier to handle.
Travelers usually get used to this daily rhythm, and it’s handy to keep in mind when planning outdoor activities around Alice Springs.
Rainfall and Wettest Month in Fall
Rainfall in Alice Springs during fall is light and a bit unpredictable. Most months only get small amounts. The season is generally dry, but you’ll notice some differences between March, April, and May in both how much it rains and how often.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
In fall, Alice Springs gets modest rainfall compared to summer. March usually sees the most, averaging 40–50 mm.
By April, rain drops to about 20–25 mm, and May is even drier with just 10–15 mm on average.
This drop marks the shift from the wetter summer to the dry winter. Most rain comes in short bursts, not long soaking events.
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| March | 40–50 mm |
| April | 20–25 mm |
| May | 10–15 mm |
March can still bring some storms, but overall, fall isn’t a wet season.
Wettest Month Analysis
March stands out as the wettest fall month in Alice Springs. Lingering summer storms and tropical moisture push totals higher.
While March doesn’t match the heavy rains of January or February, it still brings more rain than April and May combined.
If you visit in March, be ready for sudden thunderstorms. These storms can dump a lot of rain quickly, sometimes causing flash flooding in low spots.
By April, heavy rain becomes rare, and May is typically very dry. March is the main month to watch if you’re tracking seasonal rainfall in the area.
Number of Rainy Days
Rain in Alice Springs is both light and rare during fall. March usually gets about 3–4 rainy days, April has 2–3, and May sees just 1–2.
Most of these are brief showers, not all-day rain. You’ll likely have long stretches of dry weather, especially in April and May.
This makes fall a pretty stable season for outdoor activities. If you’re traveling, expect mostly clear skies with only the occasional passing shower.
Sunshine and Daylight in Autumn
During autumn in Alice Springs, you’ll notice both sunshine hours and daylight get shorter. The change is slow but obvious, and it affects how much time you have for outdoor plans.
Average Daily Sunshine Hours
In autumn, you can expect about 9 to 10 hours of sunshine per day on average. March is usually a bit sunnier, while May brings fewer hours of direct sun.
The dry climate means skies stay mostly clear, especially later in the season. By late autumn, there’s less cloud cover, so you get bright, shorter days.
| Month | Average Sunshine Hours per Day |
|---|---|
| March | ~9.7 hours |
| April | ~9.3 hours |
| May | ~9.0 hours |
Alice Springs is one of the sunniest spots in Australia during autumn. There’s still plenty of daylight for sightseeing, though shorter days can limit early morning or late evening activities.
Seasonal Changes in Daylight
Daylight hours shrink fast from early March to late May. At the start of fall, you get about 12 hours and 34 minutes of daylight.
By the end of May, that drops to 10 hours and 47 minutes.
Sunrise gets later, moving from 6:29 AM in early March to about 7:08 AM in late May. Sunset comes earlier too, from 7:03 PM at the start of autumn to 5:55 PM by the end.
You lose almost two hours of daylight across the season. Planning outdoor activities earlier in the day helps you make the most of the light, especially in May when evenings come much sooner.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
In autumn, Alice Springs feels drier and breezier as the season goes on. The air loses moisture, and the strong summer winds ease off, making things more comfortable for being outside.
Relative Humidity Trends
Relative humidity in Alice Springs during fall stays low. March averages around 35–40%, but by May, it often drops to 25–30%.
You won’t run into muggy or damp conditions. Even when March afternoons get warm, the dry air keeps things comfortable.
Nights feel even cooler and less humid, which is just how desert climates work.
Because humidity is low, you need to remember to hydrate and protect your skin. Dry air makes you lose water faster, and it can irritate your skin if you’re not careful.
Typical Wind Speed During Fall
Winds in Alice Springs during autumn stay moderate, averaging 11–16 km/h (7–10 mph). The breezes are steady but not usually strong enough to ruin outdoor plans.
March can feel a bit windier as summer heat lingers, but by April and May, winds settle down. Gusts above 25 km/h (15 mph) can happen but aren’t common.
Sometimes, dry air and wind kick up dust, especially in open areas. If you’re hiking or camping, it’s smart to be ready for dusty conditions on breezy days.
Wind also helps with comfort. Even when afternoons hit the upper 20s °C, a steady breeze cools you down and eases heat stress.
Travel Tips for Visiting Alice Springs in Fall
Temperatures in Alice Springs during fall range from mild afternoons to cool evenings, so you can get outside without worrying about extreme heat. Lower rainfall also makes it easier to explore the town and the desert around it.
Best Activities for Autumn Weather
You can take advantage of moderate daytime temps, usually 20–30 °C, to hike the MacDonnell Ranges or walk parts of the Larapinta Trail. These trails offer clear skies, long sunshine, and much less heat than summer.
Cultural experiences are more comfortable in fall too. You can visit Alice Springs Desert Park or the Araluen Arts Centre without battling the heat.
Outdoor markets and local festivals often pop up during this season, so there’s a good chance to check out regional food and art.
Evenings cool to around 10–15 °C, which is perfect for stargazing. The dry desert air gives you clear views, and fall nights are long enough for plenty of sky-watching.
If you prefer quick outings, a scenic drive to Anzac Hill for sunset views is always a solid choice.
What to Pack for Fall Conditions
Pack light layers because fall temperatures swing a lot between day and night. I’d grab a breathable shirt and a hat for that relentless sun during the day.
Once the sun dips, you’ll want a fleece or a light jacket—trust me, it gets chilly fast.
Bring comfortable walking shoes since the trails get rocky and rough in spots.
A reusable water bottle makes a big difference out here, as the air stays dry even when it’s cool.
Don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses, either. Alice Springs gets almost 10 hours of sunshine per day in the fall, which is kind of wild.
If you’re camping, toss in a warm sleeping bag that can handle near-freezing nights.
For day trips, insect repellent really helps, since flies still hang around the desert.
With this mix of gear, you’ll stay comfortable and ready for whatever fall throws at you.