Spring in Alice Springs really marks a shift from those cooler winter nights to much warmer, sunnier days. Most days, you’ll see clear skies, with only a bit of rain and humidity staying low.
Spring here is usually warm, dry, and sunny, making it one of the best seasons to get outside.
During spring, temperatures climb steadily, but the desert climate brings cooler nights that take the edge off the heat. You’ll notice big swings between day and night temperatures, which is just classic central Australia.
Sunshine rules the season, and daylight hours stretch longer as summer approaches.
If you’re thinking about hiking the MacDonnell Ranges, checking out local sights, or just soaking up the outdoors, spring is hard to beat. Mild mornings, warm afternoons, and hardly any rain mean you can count on good weather for exploring.
Overview of Spring Climate in Alice Springs
Spring gives Alice Springs a bump in temperatures, longer days, and a slow uptick in rain. You’ll get warm days, cooler nights, and a shift away from the dry winter toward summer’s heat.
Location and Climate Classification
Alice Springs sits smack in the center of Australia’s Northern Territory, about 581 meters (1,907 feet) above sea level. It’s far from the coast, so the ocean doesn’t do much to moderate the weather.
The town sits in a subtropical desert climate (BWh), according to Köppen. That means big daily temperature swings, low humidity, and not much rain.
Because the climate is so dry, you get clear skies most of the year, though spring brings a slight bump in clouds and humidity. The MacDonnell Ranges nearby block a lot of coastal moisture, keeping things pretty arid.
Spring Months and Seasonal Context
Spring in Alice Springs runs through September, October, and November. Daytime highs start at about 25°C (77°F) in early September and climb to around 34°C (93°F) by late November.
At night, things warm up too, going from 9°C (48°F) to almost 20°C (68°F) by the end of spring.
Rain is scarce at first, averaging only 5 mm (0.2 in) in early September, but by late November, totals can hit 30 mm (1.2 in) in a month. The chance of a rainy day goes from about 4% to 16% as spring rolls on.
Daylight stretches out fast. You’ll gain nearly two extra hours of sunlight between September and November, with sunrises coming earlier and sunsets later. This helps drive Alice Springs’ long growing season, which lasts most of the year.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Compared to winter (June–August), spring feels much warmer and not quite as dry. Winter days average about 19°C (66°F), but spring quickly jumps into the upper 20s and low 30s. Nights lose that sharp chill you get in winter.
If you put spring next to summer (December–February), the difference is obvious. Summer brings hotter days, often above 36°C (97°F), and storms are more common. Spring acts as a bridge, with rising heat but less humidity and rain.
Against autumn (March–May), spring is both drier and sunnier. Autumn can hang onto summer storms, while spring starts off clear and only gets a little wetter by late November. Honestly, spring might be the most balanced time to visit Alice Springs.
Average Spring Temperatures
Spring in Alice Springs brings a steady warming trend from September to November. You’ll see daytime highs climb, nights stay mild or cool, and the daily temperature swings—well, they’re classic desert.
Typical Daytime Highs
Daytime temperatures rise fast in spring. September’s average highs hit around 25°C (77°F), which is great for being outdoors.
By October, highs average about 30°C (86°F), and in November, you’re looking at 34°C (93°F).
The jump is pretty steady, so expect afternoons to get hotter as spring moves along. The dry air means the heat isn’t sticky like the coast, but the sun is strong and shade can be tough to find.
If you’re planning to be outside, try to do things earlier in the day. By midday, especially in late spring, it can feel pretty hot.
Nighttime Lows
Nights in Alice Springs cool off a lot compared to the days. September brings lows around 10°C (50°F), which can feel chilly once the sun goes down.
By October, nights warm to about 14°C (57°F), and November stays closer to 18°C (64°F).
That big difference between day and night is just how deserts work. You might want a jacket or sweater for evenings, even if the day feels hot. The cool nights make sleeping easier than in sticky tropical places.
If you’re camping or heading out of town, be ready for these temperature swings. The drop after sunset can be sharp, and mornings often start crisp before the sun heats things up.
Monthly Temperature Trends
Spring brings a clear upward trend in both highs and lows. September starts off mild, October gets noticeably warmer, and November can feel like summer is already here. Each month, the averages go up by a few degrees.
Here’s a quick look at the numbers:
| Month | High °C (°F) | Low °C (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| September | 25 (77) | 10 (50) |
| October | 30 (86) | 14 (57) |
| November | 34 (93) | 18 (64) |
By late spring, daytime weather feels a lot like summer, but nights are still cooler than earlier in the year.
Spring Rainfall Patterns
Spring in Alice Springs doesn’t bring much rain. Totals stay low compared to coastal Australia, and you mostly get short, scattered showers. Rainfall spreads unevenly across September, October, and November.
Average Rainfall Amounts
Rain in Alice Springs during spring is usually light. You’ll typically get 15–30 mm per month, but it can change a lot from year to year.
September usually sees the least rain, with about 10–15 mm. October and November bring a bit more, and November sometimes tops out at 30–35 mm. That’s nothing compared to the annual average of about 255 mm, which shows just how dry it is here.
If you compare Alice Springs to wetter parts of Australia, like the tropical north or the coast, it gets only a small share of their rainfall. The land stays dry, and you’ll only see brief bursts of green after a rain.
Number of Rainy Days
Rain is rare, even in spring. Most months, you’ll see 2–4 rainy days. These are usually just light showers, not big storms.
September is often the driest, averaging around 2 days with measurable rain. October and November might add another day or two, but long wet spells are pretty unusual.
Since showers don’t last long, most days stay sunny, even if it does rain for a bit. That makes spring a great time for outdoor plans—rain almost never ruins the day.
Rainfall Variability
Rainfall in Alice Springs jumps around a lot from year to year. Some springs barely get any, while others bring a few storms that push totals above average.
This depends on bigger weather systems. Sometimes, tropical thunderstorms reach central Australia in late spring, dropping sudden but local rain. Other years, it stays dry and totals lag behind.
If you’re visiting or living here, you just can’t count on spring rain. You might get a quick burst of green after a storm, or you might go weeks with nothing but blue skies.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours in Spring
Spring in Alice Springs means loads of clear skies and plenty of daylight. Most days, you’ll get lots of direct sun, and daylight hours stretch out more as you move from September to November.
Average Daily Sunshine Hours
During spring, you usually get 9 to 10 hours of sunshine per day. September averages about 10 hours, with October and November just a little less—around 9.5 to 10 hours.
That’s a lot of sun, so the town stays bright most of the day. On average, 77–84% of daylight hours are sunny, with only a bit of cloud cover.
| Month | Avg. Sunshine Hours/Day | % of Sunny Daylight |
|---|---|---|
| September | ~10 h | 84% |
| October | ~9 h 40 m | 77% |
| November | ~10 h | 77% |
With this much sun, spring is one of the sunniest times of the year. You can plan outdoor stuff without worrying much about losing daylight to clouds.
Daylight Duration Changes
Daylight hours get longer from early to late spring. September days last about 12 hours, but by November, you’ll see more than 13 hours of daylight.
| Month | Avg. Daylight Hours/Day |
|---|---|
| September | ~12 h |
| October | ~12 h 40 m |
| November | ~13 h 15 m |
You’ll notice the change—September starts with shorter days, but by November, evenings stretch out, giving you more time outside even after the sun’s peak.
This gradual shift leads right into summer, when Alice Springs gets its longest days.
Humidity and Wind Conditions During Spring
Spring in Alice Springs brings dry air, with low to moderate humidity and mostly light winds. Outdoor conditions feel comfortable, but the dry air can make you dehydrate faster.
Relative Humidity Levels
Humidity stays low in Alice Springs during spring. Average relative humidity sits between 25% and 35%, with October usually being the driest. The air feels dry, especially in the afternoon when it’s hottest.
Mornings start off a bit more humid, but as the day heats up, humidity drops quickly. You won’t get that sticky feeling you’d find near the coast. The dry heat feels less oppressive, but you’ll need to drink water and protect your skin.
If you’re outdoors, carry water and maybe some lotion. The dryness can kick up dust, so folks with allergies or breathing issues should be careful.
| Month | Average Relative Humidity |
|---|---|
| September | ~35% |
| October | ~23–25% |
| November | ~28–30% |
Average Wind Speed
Spring winds usually stay light, averaging 5–10 mph (8–16 km/h). Early spring is a bit calmer, while October and November sometimes bring stronger breezes.
Most winds blow in from the southeast or east, carrying dry air. They rarely get strong enough to cause problems, but gusts can pick up dust, especially in open spots.
For visitors, the breeze feels nice and helps with the heat. If you’re camping or hiking, secure your gear—sudden gusts can happen. Winds get stronger in summer, so spring is pretty stable for travel.
Additional Weather Considerations for Spring
Spring in Alice Springs means stronger sun, a higher chance of quick rain showers, and more day-to-day variety. You’ll want to prep for hot, dry days but also the odd wet spell, especially if you’re spending time outdoors in the Northern Territory.
UV Index and Sun Safety
In spring, central Australia’s UV index often hits very high to extreme levels. The clear desert air and lack of shade mean UV exposure stays strong, even when it’s partly cloudy.
You’ll usually see the highest UV between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. That’s when you really need to watch out for sunburn.
Grab a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) and put it on before heading outside. Reapply every couple of hours, especially if you’re sweating or active.
Honestly, a wide-brimmed hat, long sleeves, and sunglasses with UV protection just make sense out here. The sun can sneak up on you fast.
If you’re thinking about hiking or doing anything outdoors, try to go early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Midday brings both heat and intense UV, which can make things uncomfortable or even risky if you’re not careful.
Typical Weather Events
Spring shifts central Australia from its dry winter into a wetter summer vibe. Early spring usually brings clear skies, but by late November, you’ll probably notice more clouds and the odd quick rain shower.
The chance of a wet day jumps from about 4% in September to roughly 16% by late November. It’s still not much compared to tropical regions, but storms do pop up now and then.
Thunderstorms aren’t super common, but when they hit, they can dump rain fast, whip up strong winds, and bring lightning. Sometimes, strong winds stir up dust storms that sweep across the desert.
These storms don’t last long, but they can really cut visibility and make driving tricky.
Travel Tips for Visitors
Pack for temperature swings. Nights can drop to around 10°C early in the season, while afternoons often shoot up past 30°C.
Bring a light jacket for evenings. For daytime, you’ll want breathable clothing to stay comfortable.
Carry plenty of water—seriously, don’t underestimate how dry it gets, especially if you’re planning to explore the desert landscapes around here. Dehydration hits a lot of people who visit central Australia.
If you’re driving, always check road conditions after it rains. Unsealed tracks get muddy fast or might even close for a bit.
Keep some extra supplies in your vehicle. The distances between towns and services in the Northern Territory can really surprise you.
Prepare for both hot sun and sudden storms, and you’ll have a much safer, more comfortable trip to Alice Springs in the spring.