Wet Season in the Top End

Travelling to the Top End in the wet season is the perfect opportunity to rediscover the region in a whole new light and marvel at the dramatic contrasts of our magical country. The Top End’s Wet Season runs from November to April and is the ultimate off-peak affordable holiday.

As the calendar rolls over from October to November and the tourist numbers begin to slowly decline, the climate of Australia’s Top End takes a dramatic turn as it transitions into its magnificent ‘Wet’ Season. Characterised by high humidity and monsoonal rains and storms, the Wet Season is a shock for those who have experienced the pleasantly consistent weather of the Dry Season, which delivers a delightfully dry 32 degree and sunny daily forecast.

If you are a lover of storms and rain, then the mighty electric storms that roll across the sky every afternoon causing an abundance of tropical rain is a key reason you should visit in the Wet Season. The rain awakens the region, bringing to life the natural landscape and wildlife, and as a result the waterfalls of Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks come to life like never before, it is truly the time to see them at their best. While some key destinations like Florence Falls or Gunlom Falls may be unaccessible, there is always the option to discover the area from above in a scenic helicopter flight!

Yellow Water Billabong

While humidity reaches 80% on most days, the locals will tell you that as the rain begins to fall, everything is right with the world! The refreshing rain relieves the humidity and cools everything down instantly. However, don’t shy away too soon, the rain doesn’t fall every day, so there is plenty of time to discover the region’s best natural wonders and outdoor activities.

While the peak tourist season may be over, there is still so much to do in Darwin in the wet season. The local Parap markets are held every Saturday, no matter the weather – rain, hail or shine! While you are waiting for the rain to pass, why not check out some art and natural history at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory or get some retail therapy by shopping for the perfect piece of Aboriginal art. Darwin is a thriving modern city, and as a result is home to a plethora of amazing cafes, restaurants and bars.

And how could we forget the tropical sunsets…

Mindil Beach sunset

While the Top End’ still boasts some of the world’s most stunning sunsets in its Dry Season, they are elevated and made even more dramatic by the lightning shows that are a common occurrence during the wet.

In addition to all of this, a major benefit to travelling to the Top End in the Wet Season is affordability. There are often major deals on flights and accommodation, and our Short Break itineraries that operate during this time are super cost effective. Discover this magical time of the year in the Top End on our Tropical Top End (Nov-Apr) or Kakadu & Katherine Gorge (Nov-Apr) Short Break.

To find out what the Top End is like during the dramatically contrasted Dry Season, read our blog: Dry Season in the Top End.

Watch our Top End video here.