How hard would you kick yourself if you planned a trip to the waterfalls and swimming holes of the Top End during the dry season? How much would your mates hate you if you organised a fishing trip during monsoon season?
Understanding the difference between the 6 seasons in the Top End (Yes, that’s right, 6) is important when planning the best trip possible.
Below you’ll find a complete list of all 6 seasons, along with a couple of suggestions for things to see and do during these times.
The 6 Seasons of the NT’s Top End
1. Gadjewg – Monsoon Season: December to March
Gadjewg is the season where heavy rains, thunderstorms and high humidity reign over the lands.
While this wet season may see a number of sites, parks and bushwalking trails closed to the public, it’s a necessary time of year for the ecosystem in the Top End, allowing both plant and animal life to flourish.
Average temperature: 24-34°C
Things to see and do in the Top End:
- Jim Jim and Twin Falls in Kakadu – both will be flowing with full force
- Adelaide River Jumping Crocodile Cruise – take in all of the thriving greenery and wildlife from the comfort of your vessel
2. Banggerreng – Knock ‘em Down Storm Season: March to May
Not quite the wet season, and not quite the dry season, this is the time of year when the skies start to clear, yet the rivers, creeks and waterfalls keep on flowin’.
So why is it known as “Knock ‘em Down Storm Season’? Well, that’s because even though the rain clouds have left, for the time being, there are still furious windstorms in action, flattening the native grasses that flourished in the previous season – hence the name ‘Knock ‘em Down’.
Average temperature: 23-34°C
Things to see and do in the Top End:
- Visit Kakadu and Arnhem Land
- Barramundi Fishing In and Around Creek and River Mouths
- Visit Waterfalls, Creeks and Pools – it’s important to remember that crocodiles often inhabit many of the wet areas. Consult a Park Ranger before venturing out and always prepare by being crocwise.
3. Yegge – Cooler Yet Humid: May to June
As the storms calm down, so does the weather, as the temperature cools off and begins to dry.
The relatively cooler temperatures makes this time of year ideal for visitors who don’t like the heat, yet are keen on an outback experience.
Yegge is a great time for photography as the landscapes transition from morning mists to warmer hues, towards the evening.
Average temperature: 21-33°C
Things to do in the Top End:
- Bushwalking
- Hunt for Bush Tucker
- Camping
- Wildlife and Vegetation Tours
- All Round Good for Fishing
4. Wurrgeng – Cold Season: June to August
The weather is truly cooling down now as the humidity drops, making it the peak time, for many tourists, to visit the Top End.
While the creek beds and waterfalls tend to dry up during this time of year, the wildlife activity in billabong areas begins to heighten, making it a great place to gain a National Geographic like experience.
Average temperature: 17-32°C
Things to do in the Top End:
- Photography at Yellow Water Billabong
- Fishing at Yellow Water or Finniss River
5. Gurrung – Hot and Dry Season: August to October
Gurrung is where the heat starts to creep back into the Top End, also known as the hot dry season.
The water is often well and truly dried up in most areas by now, yet it’s one of the best times for bushwalking and camping.
Average temperature: 23-37°C
Things to do in the Top End:
- Wildlife Tours
- Bushwalking and Camping
- River Cruises
6. Gunumeleng – Pre Monsoon Season: October to December
Humidity starts to rise, and rains appear, as the Top End prepares to enter Monsoon season again.
This time of year sees birdlife spread out and feed across the slowly growing water areas, while barramundi migrate upstream for breeding season.
As this is the great transition from dry to wet seasons, there are a number of changes happening in the ecosystem, with an increase in vegetation and wildlife activity.
Average temperature: 24-37°C
Things to do in the Top End:
- Early Morning and Evening Photography
- Arnhem Land Tours
- Wildlife Tours
- Bird Watching
The truth is, the Top End is a great place to visit all year round with so much to see and do. And if you miss out on doing one thing while you’re there, there’s plenty more to keep you entertained if you think like Bear Grylls…
…“Improvise, adapt, overcome!”