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Kakadu National Park seasons
The Climate of the Kakadu Region
Kakadu is located in the tropics, 12 to 14° south of the Equator.
The climate is monsoonal, characterised by two major seasons: the dry season and the wet season. The 'build up' describes the transition between these two seasons.
During the dry season (April/May to September), dry southerly and easterly trade winds predominate. Humidity is relatively low and rain is very unusual.
At Jabiru the average maximum temperature for June-July is 32°C. During the 'build up' (October to December) conditions can be extremely uncomfortable with high temperatures and high humidity.
However 'build up' storms are impressive and lightning strikes are frequent. In fact the Top End of Australia records more lighting strikes per year than any other place on earth.
At Jabiru the average maximum temperature for October is 37.5°C.
The wet season (January to March/April) is characterised by warm temperatures and, as one would expect, rain.
Most of the rain is associated with monsoonal troughs formed over Southeast Asia, although occasionally tropical cyclones produce intense heavy rain over localised areas.
At Jabiru the average maximum temperature for January is 33°C.
Annual rainfall in Kakadu National Park ranges from 1,565 mm in Jabiru to 1,300 mm in the Mary River region.
The following charts provide an indication of rainfall, temperatures and humidity within the Kakadu region. Data for the charts was sourced from the Bureau of Meteorology, Darwin.
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Seasons in Kakadu National Park from Darwin
Where is Kakadu National Park
Kakadu National Park an Australian Natural Icon covers almost 20,000 square kms and is 253 kms East of Darwin the capital city of the Northern Territory, Australia.Kakadu National Park is a World Heritage listed area that has been listed for it's cultural and natural heritage and Kakadu is the largest terrestrial national park in Australia. Life in the park does depends on the water, also in respect to the tropical monsoon climate that produces the downpours of the tropical humidity of the "wet" season, and the milder weather of the "dry" season.Kakadu National Park is the gateway to Arnhemland. The sealed roads from Darwin to Kakadu is via the Arnhem Highway and from Katherine to Kakadu National Park via the Kakadu Highway. The Bowali Visitor Centre near Jabiru in Kakadu National Park is located 253 km from Darwin in Northern Territory Australia via the Arnhem Highway entrance. If travelling by road, you should allow 3 hours travelling time from Darwin.
Kakadu is the second largest national park in the world and and is home to approximate number of species: Mammals: 62, Reptiles: 123+, Birds: 280, Freshwater Fish: 51, Insects: 10,000, Frogs: 25, Plants: 1,275. (many are rare and occur only in Kakadu)
Kakadu National Park seasonsBut Australia's Kakadu sees seasons of varied extremes -- so varied, in fact, that the park's longtime aboriginal inhabitants have divided the year into six distinct seasons.
Gunumeleng Pre-Monsoon Storm Season
Gunumeleng, from mid-October to late December, may in fact last from a few weeks to several months. It is the pre-monsoon season of hot weather that becomes more and more humid. Thunderstorms build in the afternoons and scattered showers bring a tinge of green to the dry land. As the streams begin to run, acidic water that washes from the floodplains can cause fish to die in billabongs with low oxygen levels. Waterbirds spread out as surface water and new growth become more widespread. Barramundi move from the waterholes downstream to the estuaries to breed. This was when Bininj/Mungguy moved camp from the floodplains to the stone country, to shelter from the violent storms of the coming wet season.
Gudjewg - Monsoon Season
Gudjewg, from January to March, can be described as the 'true' wet season. It is a time of thunderstorms, heavy rain and flooding. The heat and humidity generate an explosion of plant and animal life. Spear grass grows to over 2 metres tall and creates a silvery-green hue throughout the woodlands. Magpie geese nest in the sedgelands. Flooding may cause goannas, snakes and rats to seek refuge in the trees. Eggs and stranded animals are a good food source for Bininj/Mungguy during this time.
Banggereng - Knock 'em down storm Season
Banggerreng, in April, is the season when the rain clouds have dispersed and clear skies prevail. The vast expanses of floodwater recede and streams start to run clear. Most plants are fruiting and animals are caring for their young. Violent, windy storms early in this season flatten the spear grass; they are called 'knock 'em down' storms.
Yegge - Cooler but still humid Season
Yegge, from May to mid-June, is relatively cool with low humidity. Early morning mists hang low over the plains and waterholes. The shallow wetlands and billabongs are carpeted with water lilies. Drying winds and flowering Darwin woolly butt tell Bininj/Mungguy that it is time to start burning the woodlands in patches to 'clean the country' and encourage new growth for grazing animals.
Wurrgeng - Cold Weather Season
Wurrgeng, from mid-June to mid-August, is the 'cold weather' time; humidity is low, daytime temperatures are around 30°C and night-time temperatures are around 17°C. Most creeks stop flowing and the floodplains quickly dry out. Burning continues, extinguished by the dew at night. By day, birds of prey patrol the fire lines as insects and small animals try to escape the flames. Magpie geese, fat and heavy after weeks of abundant food, and a myriad of other waterbirds crowd the shrinking billabongs.
Gurrung - Hot Dry Weather
Gurrung, from mid-August to mid-October, is hot and dry. It is still 'goose time' but also time for Bininj/Mungguy to hunt file snakes and long-necked turtles. Sea turtles lay their eggs on the sandy beaches of Field Island and West Alligator Head and goann as rob their nests sometimes. White-breasted wood swallows arrive as thunderclouds build, signalling the return of Gunumeleng.
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