Northern Territory Weather in February

Due to its vast size, you’ll find two climate zones in the Northern Territory.

• The Red Centre, in the heart of Australia, is mostly dry all year round with occasional rainy days over summer (November to March). 
• The Top End with Darwin has two distinctive seasons: Dry Season (May to October) and Wet Season (November to April). 

Top End Weather in February

February falls into Top End’s Wet Season. It’s hot and humid and there is a chance of cyclones. Afternoon thunderstorms often reduce the temperatures and make it more bearable to go outside. While the Wet Season isn’t the most popular time to visit Northern Territory’s Top End, the wild weather attracts those who love to watch Mother Nature putting on a spectacle. Lush green foliage against a dark-grey sky, massive waterfalls and awe-inspiring lightning can be witnessed in February. In more remote areas, it’s not uncommon for the roads to get flooded, so bear this in mind when planning a visit to the Top End in February. 

Average sea temperatures

The average sea temperatures in February in the Top End are a tropical 30°C | 86°F. Due to storms, it’s not advised to swim in the ocean in February. If you’re keen on a refreshing swim, just hop into one of the artificial public lagoon pools.

Red Centre Weather in February

The Red Centre has 4 seasons: Summer (Nov - Mar), Autumn (Mar - May), Winter (Jun - Aug) and Spring (Sep - Nov). Even though the Red Centre is a desert and can get hot during the day pretty much any time of the year, you can feel the different seasons in the temperatures. February is Summer in Alice Springs and Uluru, meaning temperatures can reach 40°C | 104°F and over. Night temperatures hardly ever drop below 20°C | 68°F. 

With some luck, you might experience one of the rare rainy days which turn the Red Centre into a colourful palette of wildflowers.  

Average sunshine hours

Thanks to its location in the desert, the Red Centre enjoys 9 - 10 sunshine hours per day nearly year-round. The average sunshine hours in the Top End in February are around 6 hours due to the Wet Season.

Average temperature in Northern Territory

Average rainfall in Northern Territory in February

Best things to do in Northern Territory in February

When visiting the Northern Territory in February, you might want to plan some indoor activities for those super-humid days. If the weather is too hot or too wet to explore the outdoors, you still have plenty of indoor options. 

Museum and Art Gallery Darwin

Experience a day of art and culture at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT).

MAGNT is home to internationally renowned artistic, cultural and scientific collections and research programs. Learn about aboriginal culture, the devastating cyclone Tracy and visit the museum’s most famous resident, Sweetheart the saltwater crocodile!

Go shopping

Spend the day hunting down handmade treasures for yourself and your loved ones at home. Dozens of art galleries and cultural centres are scattered all over the NT. At one of the many markets, you can talk to the makers and learn more about their art pieces. If you’re up for something a bit different, how about a whip from Mick’s Whips or a weaved basket from the Tjanpi Weavers? 

See the desert come to life

See the Red Centre as you’ve never seen it before. After heavy rainfall, the desert springs to life. Not only can you witness waterfalls running down Uluru. Animals that usually hibernate, emerge from their hiding places to feed and mate. Desert flowers start growing, painting a tender green, yellow and purple over the red. 

If you plan to visit Northern Territory in February, a good self-drive itinerary is our 14-day Highlights of the Northern Territory tour. Watch the sunset over Uluru and wander through the Valley of the Winds in Kata Juta National Park before heading to the Top End where you’ll explore Kakadu National Park and the relaxed city of Darwin.

Ready to start planning?

Check out FLT’s road trip itineraries for Australia travel inspiration and get in contact with one of our travel specialists. They’ll help with any questions you might have and create an itinerary that is tailored to your personal needs and wants.