Alice Springs Weather in May

What Is the Weather Like in Alice Springs in May?

May in Alice Springs is one of the best times to visit the area with maximum temperatures for the day hitting a comfortable 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) without the soaring heat interrupting your sightseeing plans. 

At the same time you will need to rug up at night as the temperature drops considerably to a chilly 8°C (46.4°F). Whether you’re heading off on night adventures to experience dining under the stars in Uluru, or simply curling up into bed for a good night’s sleep before another full day of sightseeing, be sure to rug up and bring plenty of warmth.

Autumn is the perfect time to get outdoors and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Australian outback. It brings with it cool, dry weather that offers a pleasant change from the heat of the summer desert sun. Enjoy hiking the many outback trails, escaping to animal parks, or heading off around preserved historic sights to learn more about the area. As the last month before winter hits, May is a great time to travel.

Average Temperatures in Alice Springs in May

Temperatures across Alice Springs in May range between a relatively mild 23°C (73.4°F) during the day, before dropping to a rather chilly 8°C (46.4°F) at night time. The daytime temperatures 

can still get up to the 30°C (86°F) mark, so pack for summer desert, with a breathable cardigan or jumper you can throw over the top if the weather cools. 

For nighttime, pack your winter woolies to stay nice and snug! Plan your adventures for the daytime with the mild, dry weather offering up perfect sightseeing temperatures. At night, stick to the indoors and layer up to stay cozy. If you are heading out for a dinner under the stars or evening walk, pack your winter coats.

The highest recorded temperature in May in Alice Springs is a scorching 38.3°C (100.94°F) dating back to 27 May 1880. This was followed by a cooler 35°C (95°F) 4 May 1942, 35°C (95°F) 3 May 1942 and 1 May 1958. In the past two decades, 2007 was the last recent year to see soaring temperatures with 34.3°C (93.92°F) on 1 May 2007, 33.7°C (92.66°F) and 33.4°C (92.12°F) on 2 May and 5 May respectively and 33.3°C (91.94°F) recorded on 4 May 2007.

Average temperatures in Alice Springs in March

Average Sunshine Hours Per Day in Alice Springs in May

During the month of May in Alice Springs, the sun rises at around 7am and sunset is around 6pm, offering up around 11 hours of daylight for you to head out exploring in the mild weather.

UV levels in Alice Springs in May

In February, the average daily maximum UV index across Alice Springs is 4, which is a nice drop from the warmermonths. This still indicates a moderate health risk from unsafe exposure to ultraviolet radiation. It’s important to plan ahead for your visit and still cover up.

Average Rainfall in Alice Springs in May

May is considered a particularly dry month in Alice Springs with an average of 16mm (0.6 inches) of rain throughout the month. You can generally expect about two rainy days throughout this time, which means if you’re ready for sunshine and mild weather, this is the perfect month to visit.  

Average rainfall in Alice Springs in May

Best Things to Do in Alice Springs in May

If you’re wondering when the best time to visit Alice Springs is, pop the month of May to the top of the list. This late Autumn month brings much milder days that are perfect for exploring the incredible outback landscape with very minimal rainfall to put a stop to your plans. While the nights do get chilly, as long as you pack enough warmth it’s a great opportunity to rug up in front of a fire and really enjoy your surroundings. Here’s some of the best things to do in Alice Springs in May.

Check out Alice Springs School of the Air

If you’re travelling with primary-aged kids, then pop the Alice Springs School of Air on your to-visit list. It was established back in 1951 to educate children living in remote central Australia and you can get a real feel for what the classes were like back in the day, and how technology has made an impact over the years to how they are taught today.

It is known as the world’s largest classroom, covering more than 1.3 million square kilometres. You can even observe a teacher conducting a live lesson in one of their four broadcasting studios. A great opportunity to show the kids how different learning can be in the country.

Uluru

It’s no secret that Uluru is a must on any trip to Alice Springs, just over 4 hours down the road. May is the ideal month to wander its many trails thanks to the mild weather allowing for more outdoor adventures to be experienced. You can walk around the base of this mesmerising rock and settle back as the sun sets majestically over it. 

If you have the luxury of time, then be sure to spend a night camping (but rug up in May, as it gets cool at night!) and wake up to an equally spectacular sunrise over Uluru. You can then take another trail around Kata Tjuta and explore more.

Hike to Standley Chasm

Located an hour’s drive from Alice Springs in the West MacDonnell Ranges, a hike to Standley Chasm is a chance to see geology at its best. Known as the Angerle Atwatye, or ‘Gap of Water’, you can take a very easy 20-minute hike through the ranges to hit the 80-metre rock face that stands very majestically. As the midday sun hits, the effect is inspiring with the rays reflecting off the walls and creating quite the scene. It makes for a great photo opportunity!

You can also learn all about the culture of this significant spot, sacred to the Arrernte people. It is 100% owned and operated by the local community and you can choose to take a tour guided by a local for a more immersive experience.

Take on Mountain Bike Trails

May is also a great time to check out the mountain bike trails, when the weather isn’t too hot. You don’t have to be a pro either, just simply give it a go!  The trails stretch on for a huge 45km for you to ride through.

Simply head to the telegraph station and you can rent your own mountain bike from Outback Cycling. The employees at the shop will even give you tips on the best mountain biking in the area. It’s a great way to see Alice Springs from a different vantage point.

Visit Alice Springs Kangaroo Sanctuary

There’s nothing better than getting up close and personal with some local wildlife in the area. This incredible sanctuary is run by Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns, who set it up in 2003 for their rescued orphaned baby and adult kangaroos. 

There was even a 2013 documentary called Kangaroo Dundee made by BBC YK/National Geographic USA, showcasing the lives of these rescued kangaroos and other wildlife. 

While you are welcome to visit, their kangaroos come first. They sleep during the day, and they don’t disturb them during this time. They hold their guided tours late in the afternoon so be sure to book beforehand.

For more inspiration on what to see and do in Alice Springs in February, have a look at our comprehensive Nine Day Alice Springs Self Drive Loop. 

Recommended Itineraries for Alice Springs in February

This 14 Day Highlights of Northern Territory offers plenty of ideas on how to best spend your holiday in Alice Springs. And if you’d like to have a personalised itinerary created just for you, our travel specialists will be happy to help you plan a memorable trip.