Alice Springs Weather in September

What Is the Weather Like in Alice Springs in September?

With September, Alice Springs ushers in the beginning of spring. Don’t be too quick to pack away your warm clothing, as the desert chill can still be felt in the early mornings and late evenings. Daytime temperatures can reach up to a pleasant 28°C (82.4°F), perfect for exploring the great outdoors. However at night, it can drop to a cool 12°C (53.6°F), offering a cool change from your busy day adventures.

With the heat returning after the winter season, it’s important to check the daily forecasts and avoid spending too much time in the harsh midday sun. Instead, try and plan your outdoors adventures for the early morning or late afternoon when the weather drops and spend your days escaping to museums and other historical sites.

Average Temperatures in Alice Springs in September

Temperatures across Alice Springs in September typically range between 28°C (82.4°F) during the day, before dropping to a cool 12°C (53.6°F) at night. The daytime temperatures usually only vary by about 3°C either side, rarely dropping below 20°C (68°F). This is the time of year where checking the weather forecast for the next day is important when planning your sightseeing adventures.

At night, the temperatures can drop to as low as 7°C (44.6°F), so it's a good idea to pack a lightweight jacket or a warm jumper to keep you comfortable if it gets a little chilly. The drop often provides a nice change from the heat of the day.

In the past two decades, the hottest day on record was in 2010, where temperatures soared to 34°C (93.2°F). In 2020, it hit a close second at 33°C (91.4°F), followed by 32°C (89.6°F) in 2021, 2015, and 2011. This shows that the heat can still hit hard, even at the beginning of spring, so plan ahead.

Average Sunshine Hours Per Day in Alice Springs in September

During the month of September in Alice Springs, the sun starts to rise a little earlier in the morning and sets a little later in the evening following the winter months. You can expect sunrise around 6.32am and sunset around 6.27pm, offering up around 11.9 hours of daylight for you to head out and explore in the fresh spring weather.

UV levels in Alice Springs in September

In September, the average daily maximum UV index across Alice Springs is 6, which as you would expect, is a slight increase from the winter months. This level indicates a high health risk from unsafe exposure to ultraviolet radiation, so it’s extra important to err on the side of caution and make sure you cover up when outdoors.

Average Rainfall in Alice Springs in September

Spring is in the air and you can smell those fresh flowers from the minute you arrive! Just like the winter months, you can expect Alice Springs to remain fairly dry throughout September, with an average of 8.9mm (0.35 inches) of rain throughout the month. You can generally expect about 1-2 rainy days throughout this time, which means if you’re ready for sunshine, fresh flowers and lots of opportunity to get outdoors and explore, this is the perfect month to visit.  

Best Things to Do in Alice Springs in September

When springtime blooms in the southern hemisphere, there is no better place to enjoy the vibrant season than Alice Springs, Australia. Encased by the breathtaking MacDonnell Ranges and the vast Australian Outback, Alice Springs is a unique destination brimming with natural beauty, rich indigenous culture, and exciting adventures. If you're planning a trip to Alice Springs in September, you're in for an unforgettable experience.

In September you will find the pleasant warmth of the day perfectly complements the cool, crisp nights. With daytime temperatures averaging around 27°C (80°F), it's the ideal time to explore the area's outdoor attractions without the scorching summer heat. Here's some of the best things to do in Alice Springs in September.

Unwind at Alice Springs Brewery

Spring brings with it rising temperatures as the outback heats up in preparation for Summer. This can make sightseeing during the middle of the day thirsty work! When you're ready to unwind after a day of exploring, head over to the Alice Springs Brewery. This local establishment offers a selection of locally crafted beers that are particularly refreshing on a hot day. The brewery is just south of the town centre, so it’s a convenient place to stop after you’re done exploring (or simply need a break from the heat!).

Olive Pink Botanic Gardens

With spring in the air, there’s no better place to visit than the stunning Olive Pink Botanic Gardens. All their beautiful plants and flowers will begin to bloom and you can take one of their many self-guided walks to learn all about the plants and animal life.

One of the most popular is the 15-minute Wattle Walk that takes you by some of the larger trees in the gardens. In springtime, this part of the garden showcases yellow blossoms and you might be lucky enough to spot a kangaroo or black-footed wallaby hopping around.

Desert Song Festival

Running from beginning to mid September, musicians and choirs from around the world come together for this intercultural musical extravaganza. It’s the ideal opportunity to celebrate the multicultural character of Alice Springs.

Over a big 10 days, you can watch the singers, choirs, musicians and more in big concerts, workshops and even masterclasses. It’s a great opportunity to immerse yourself in Australia’s culture and even learn something new.

Telegraph Station

Just 4km north of the town centre, the Telegraph Station is an important historical site where the town of Alice Springs started. There are numerous short but rewarding walking tracks around the station, including the Trig Hill walk which is a favourite for many tourists. 

There is plenty of wildlife to spot in the area, with kangaroos, rock wallabies, and wallaroos often around. The best time for wildlife watching is early in the morning or late in the afternoon, especially around the rocky sections of the Trig Hill walking track.

Discover Simpsons Gap

Just 20km from Alice Springs town centre, you'll find Simpsons Gap. This sacred indigenous site is an ideal place for quiet reflection. A short five-minute walk from the car park leads to a gorge with spectacular views. If you visit at dawn or dusk, you might get to see a black-footed wallaby hopping along the walking track or at the watering hole.

There are plenty of short walks you can take around the area taking in the many native plants and incredible views. Just be sure to purchase a park pass before your visit.

Alice Springs Reptile Centre

Of course, no trip to Alice Springs is complete without setting your sights on some of the local wildlife. If you are daring enough, you can head to Alice Springs Reptile Centre and hold a slithering snake of a friendly lizard and learn all about these outback animals.

If you’re not quite up for a cuddle with a snake, you can still stand back and enjoy some of the many talks and brush up on your knowledge of the wildlife in the local area.

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

Recommended Itineraries for Alice Springs in September

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.