Best time to visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Best for: thriving flora, pleasant weather and mild nights.

Weather-wise, August/September and April/May are excellent months to visit Uluru as the days aren’t blisteringly hot, and nights aren’t too chilly. Spring is a particularly beautiful time of year to walk around the park as desert flowers are in bloom and reptiles emerge from hibernation.

Find out what to pack for Uluru

Best for: thinner crowds and waterfalls (if you're lucky).

It can be uncomfortably hot and muggy in the summer with average highs of 31-35°C – though it’s not uncommon for it to climb into the 40s. Though hard to predict, rainfall is most likely in the summer and the humidity can make the heat more intense. Flies are ever-present in the Outback, but they’re rife in the summer so you’ll need a protective head net. If it does rain, you may be one of the lucky few to see temporary waterfalls flowing down Uluru's rock faces – you don’t see that every day! Stay hydrated and set off early to beat the midday heat.

Best for: comfortable weather and great walking conditions.

June and July are the coldest months, but daytime highs still range between a pleasant 18-23°C and sunshine is plentiful. Wearing a T-shirt and shorts is fine during the day, but you’ll need a jumper and long pants handy to change into for sunset. Nights are surprisingly cold, so warm layers are essential for sunrise tours and late-night chats around the fire if you’re camping (think beanie, gloves and a down jacket). Although it never feels super crowded in the Outback, just bear in mind that winter is one of the busiest seasons at Uluru.