Climate and monthly weather forecastDarwin, Australia

The climate of Darwin

Positioned in the tropical region, Darwin, Australia is known for its incorporation under the Aw, Tropical wet and dry or savanna, according to the Köppen climate classification. Throughout the year, the city witnesses temperatures swinging between the ranges of 21.7°C (71.1°F) and 33.3°C (91.9°F). Relative humidity fluctuates modestly, from a minimum of 57% in June to a peak of 78% in January and February.

With its tropical nature, rainfall in Darwin has a marked seasonal pattern. December to March are the wettest months with rainfall exceeding 200mm (7.87") and reaching 340mm (13.39") in January. Contrarily, the months from May to August almost lack any significant rainfall, with June and July experiencing just 2mm (0.08") rainfall. In respect of cloudy days, the early part of the year, between January and March, has a higher proportion, close to 47%, while the rest of the year witnesses fewer clouds in the sky.

In terms of sunshine, Darwin basks under the sun between 7.5 to 9.9 hours every day, with the maximum amount of sun being observed from May to September. Interestingly, the sea temperatures range from 25.8°C (78.4°F) to 31.5°C (88.7°F) all through the year, adding a soothing rhythm to the regional climate.

The best time to visit Darwin

Considering the weather conditions, the period between May and September emerges as the ideal time to visit Darwin. The temperatures during this span remain comfortably warm, ranging from 21.8°C (71.2°F) to 31.7°C (89.1°F), with humidity staying at the lower side of the scale, from 57% to 64%. An added attraction is the abundant sunlight with an average of 9.6 to 9.9 hours per day, promising vivid, bright days.

Additionally, this is the period with the least rainfall; May to July just witnesses a 2mm (0.08") fall. The sea temperatures, varying from 26.4°C (79.5°F) to 29.1°C (84.4°F), make sea activities such as swimming or snorkelling quite enjoyable during these months. With a mere cloud presence of 9% to 20%, clear blue skies can be expected during this period.

The worst time to visit Darwin

December to March is typically seen as a less desirable period to visit Darwin, majorly due to the high rainfall and relatively higher humidity levels. Rainfall peaks in January, recording 340mm (13.39") accompanied by 28.3 rainfall days on average. The humidity levels range from 76% to 78%, further intensifying the heat with temperatures from 26.8°C (80.2°F) to 33.3°C (91.9°F).

Despite these less desirable conditions, some visitors might find charm in the region's lush greenery during this time, while keeping in mind the substantial rainfall and humid weather.

Spring weather in Darwin

Spring in Darwin, which runs from September to November, experiences temperatures from 24°C (75.2°F) to 32.7°C (90.9°F). Rainfall during this period begins to pick up from a mere 14mm (0.55") in September to 92mm (3.62") in November. Humidity also starts to increase, rising from 64% in September to 68% in November. The spring period enjoys relatively long daylight hours, ranging from 12 hours to 12.7 hours, coupled with commendable sunshine duration of 9.8 to 9.4 hours daily.

Summer weather in Darwin

The summer months in Darwin, from December to February, witness the peak rainfall of the year, recording rainfall between 225mm (8.86") and 340mm (13.39"). This season is characterized by higher humidity ranging from 76% to 78%. Temperatures during these months remain consistently warm, from 27.1°C (80.8°F) to 31.2°C (88.2°F). The daily sunshine lessens slightly to around 7.5 to 8.4 hours.

Autumn weather in Darwin

Autumn in Darwin, from March to May, signifies a transition in the city's climate. Temperatures during this time gradually decline from 25.9°C (78.6°F) to 21.8°C (71.2°F). Rainfall sees a steep drop from 105mm (4.13") in March down to just 2mm (0.08") in May, reflecting the arrival of drier months. While daylight hours remain consistent, around 11.4 to 11.8 hours, the sun shines more vividly for about 9 to 9.6 hours a day.

Winter weather in Darwin

Winter in the tropical city of Darwin, spanning from June to August, experiences the driest part of the year with nominal rainfall, just 2mm (0.08") observed from June to August. A significant dip in humidity to 57% in June further contributes to the dryness. However, temperatures remain pleasant during the season, varying from 21.7°C (71.1°F) to 30.2°C (86.4°F). Sunshine duration maintains its generosity, accounting for 9.8 to 9.9 hours every day.

Weather in January

In Darwin, Australia, the beginning of the year marks the onset of heavy rainfall with an average of 340mm (13.39") of precipitation, a significantly higher rate compared to the following months. The tropical heat of January combined with consistent precipitation results in a high average relative humidity of around 78%. Weather in January »

Weather in February

February, similar to January, experiences considerable rainfall, although the quantity decreases to 225mm (8.86"). The pristine city of Darwin retains its moisture, with a slightly reduced relative humidity of about 78%. As the month progresses, the overall weather remains pleasantly warm, with the sea temperature slightly dipping but remaining comfortably warm for swimming. Weather in February »

Weather in March

The tropical monsoon climate in Darwin results in a minute reduction in rainfall in March from 225mm (8.86") to 219mm (8.62") compared to February. Relative humidity drops slightly to 76% in March, which constitutes a noticeable difference in the overall weather conditions. Weather in March »

Weather in April

As Darwin marches into April, a considerable reduction in rainfall is noticeable, with precipitation averages falling to 105mm (4.13"). An important aspect of April weather is the prominent decrease in relative humidity from 76% to 71%. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May takes a turn with its notably reduced rainfall, dropping dramatically to a mere 25mm (0.98"). The city begins to dry with lower relative humidity, decreasing from 71% to 64%. Water temperatures remain comfortable for various watersports such as jet skiing, sailing, and fishing due to minimal rainfall. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June in Darwin is less humid, with the lowest relative humidity of the year at 57%, a fair decrement from 64% in May. Darwin witnesses its minimum rainfall this month, with a negligible 2mm (0.08"). These conditions transform June into a bright, sunny, and dry month, providing the perfect weather for hiking, sightseeing, and participating in various outdoor events. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July continues to hold the dry season characteristic for Darwin with an equal amount of 2mm (0.08") rainfall, similar to June. The city experiences a slight rise in relative humidity, marking approximately 58%. Documenting low rainfall and relatively less humidity, July is an ideal time for trekking expeditions and picnics in the city's national parks. Weather in July »

Weather in August

With the arrival of August, Darwin continues to experience negligible rainfall with just 2mm (0.08") precipitation, identical to July. The city records a minor increase in relative humidity from 58% to 59%. In the absence of significant rainfall, daily life and outdoor activities carry on smoothly, aided by drier conditions and abundant sunshine. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September marks a significant increase in rainfall from 2mm (0.08") to 14mm (0.55"). Slight changes in the weather can be noticed with an increase in relative humidity from 59% to 64%. Despite the increased rainfall, the weather remains quite manageable, leaving plenty of hours for outdoor activities. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October is characterized by a fourfold increase in rainfall, surging from 14mm (0.55") to 52mm (2.05"), compared to September. The weather readjusts with the increasing precipitation as fitful rain showers become more frequent. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November brings with it an increase in precipitation, indicating the start of the wet season with a significant rise in rainfall to 92mm (3.62"). Relative humidity increases to 68%, suggesting an upward surge in moisture in the atmosphere. Weather in November »

Weather in December

Signifying the arrival of the wet season in full swing, rainfall in December spikes to 204mm (8.03"). An increase in relative humidity to 72% endorses the excessively moist conditions typical of Darwin's weather at year-end. Despite the cloudy sky and intermittent showers, the city retains a fair amount of warmth characteristic of a tropical city. Weather in December »