Posted on 14 August, 2023 in Darwin, Kakadu, Private Charter, Tours, Wet Season, Culture
Most of us are familiar with two prominent seasons
experienced in the Northern Territory; Wet and Dry.Wet Season runs from November to April. Monsoonal rain, thick humidity, storms, and
impressive lightning shows to mark this season.
Nature comes alive during this season, with abundant waterfalls and
green landscapes. The Dry Season runs from May to October. The skies are clear, and the nights are cool
(by local standards). This period is the most popular time for visitors in the
NT, and the milder temperatures and lower humidity make it more favourable for
the outdoors.The Seasons In Kakadu National Park there are actually six seasons. These are recognised by the Traditional Owners and based on thousands of years of local knowledge and land connection. Subtle shifts mark the change between the seasons in the weather and the seasonal plants and bush foods that grow.Gudjewg – Monsoon seasonDecember
to March. 24°C – 34°CKakadu’s tropical summer – expect afternoon thunderstorms, heavy rain
and flooding. The hot temperatures and high humidity create an abundance of
plant and animal life. Magpie geese nest in the wetlands, and flooding of waterholes and
wetlands see goannas and snakes, stranded which then provide a source of food
for local Aboriginal people during this time.
Banggrreng – Storm seasonApril.
23°C – 34°CThe rainclouds disappear, and the skies are blue again by April. Floodwaters
recede, and streams run clear. It’s harvest time in Kakadu with plants fruiting
and animals are caring for their young. Violent, windy storms can be
experienced during the beginning of “bangkerreng”, and the long speargrass
which has grown during the monsoon season is flattened – giving the name ‘knock
‘em down” storms.
Yegge – Cooler SeasonMay
to mid-June. 21°C – 33°CWith less humidity, this is a cooler but still humid time in Kakadu.Dry winds and
flowering woollybutt trees tell local Aboriginal people that it’s time to start
patch burning. An essential method of encouraging new growth and deterring
large bush fires, the practice of lighting small fires at this time has been
culturally significant for thousands of years. It is an integral part of
keeping habitats protected and diverse. In addition, the tapestry of burnt and
unburnt land makes it harder for bushfires to spread.
Wurrgeng – Cold weather seasonMid-June
to mid-August. 17°C – 32°CBy NT standards, this is a cold time. With evening temperatures dropping
to about 17°C Humidity remains low throughout the day. Creeks and floodplains quickly dry out. Magpie Geese and waterbirds,
full from weeks of abundant food, flock the shrinking billabongs.Patch burning continues, with the fires put out by the dew at night.
Birds of prey such as Sea Eagle and Square-Tailed Kites, patrol the fire lines
as insects and small animals escape the flames.
Gurrung – Hot, dry weatherMid-August
to mid-October. 23°C – 37°CGurrung is hot and dry. Temperatures and humidity rise. As well as
Magpie Geese, local Aboriginal people hunt file snakes and long-necked turtles during
this season. White-breasted wood swallows arrive and the thunderclouds start to
build, marking the change of another season
Gunumeleng – Pre-monsoon storm seasonMid-October
to late December. 24°C – 37°CWith hot weather and the humidity increasing, this marks the pre-monsoon
season. Afternoon thunderstorms nourish the land, which has become dry from the
seasons before. Streams run again and Barramundi
move to the estuaries to breed, and waterbirds spread out following the water
and plant life.Traditionally Aboriginal people moved camp from the floodplains to the sandstone
country, seeking shelter from the coming monsoon.
Venture North Safaris operate all year round, allowing you to experience all of the seasons of Kakadu National Park. Check out our tours from Darwin to Kakadu. Or join our 5 Day Kakadu, Arnhem Land and Cobourg Peninsula Tour, which operates May through October. If you have any questions about Kakadu and the best time to visit, please get in touch with us.
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