7 Weather Wise Secrets For Travel In Northern Australia

We stood on the beach and watched as a thunderstorm of biblical proportions roared towards Darwin from the Timor Sea. That night the weather turned nasty.
Over 200mm (8 inches) of rain fell on the city, temporarily isolating it by road.

What are the secrets to picking the best weather and season for traveling in Northern Australia?

Northern Australia has 2 distinct seasons. The wet season lasts from November to April. You are likely to experience wet and stormy weather even at the end of the "wet". The remainder of the year is called the "dry" season and the weather is usually warm and sunny. Travelers need to be aware of the hazards and advantages of both seasons.

Here are 7 suggestions.

The wet season.

1 Comfort.

The Australian summer is not pleasant for traveling in Northern Australia. It is a time of high humidity and frequent, heavy rain. It is sometimes called the "troppo" season and many from this part of Australia migrate to the cooler south where the weather is more comfortable.

2.Travel hazards.

Due to the frequent heavy rain, many unsealed roads can be closed for months and if you are traveling alone on an isolated road, you may be in danger of being stranded. Many organized tours suspend their operations during this time, due to uncertain weather and sometimes dangerous road conditions.

3. Your health.

Be aware that insects are most prevalent during this season and you will need to take some protection, particularly against mosquitoes. Always carry with you weather protection. Wear a hat and sunglasses and take with you sun cream and water. When the sun shines it can get very hot and inland temperatures can reach as high as 45c or 115f.

4. Advantages.

Many tourist brochures promote the northern summer as the "green" season and it certainly is that. The country, particularly in March and April is green and lush, the waterfalls are spectacular and you share this beauty with few other tourists.

The dry season.

5. Comfort.

This is a far more comfortable season. Most of the heavy rain has finished, the weather is warm and sunny with day temperatures around 28 to 30c (around 80f). The humidity is much lower.

The only comfort problem you may have, is sharing this beautiful countryside with hordes of tourists from southern Australia, escaping the winter cold.

6. Beware the dust and kangaroos.

All roads are open and the biggest hazards, particularly on gravel roads will be potholes and dust. There will be increased numbers of caravans, so if you are driving, take particular care when passing on dusty roads.

An extra hazard, particularly at dusk, is kangaroos. The golden rule here, if you don't have time to slow down, is NEVER swerve to avoid them. Hit them and accept that there may be some vehicle damage. Many fatalities on Australian country roads are caused by vehicle rollovers trying to avoid kangaroos.

7 Best time to travel.

My favorite time is late April and early May. The weather is usually fine, most roads will be open and it is still uncrowded.

The country is green, waterfalls including Jim Jim and Twin Falls are flowing strongly, the wildflowers are blooming and my favorite fish, the barramundi is biting like a ferocious dog!