Outback, Northern Territory, Australia: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
This article contains affiliate links to Amazon and other vendors. We may earn commission from purchases made through these links.
Traveling to Outback, Northern Territory, Australia? If you're planning to go to Outback, I have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Outback
- Important essentials for Outback
- Activities for Outback
- Outback in January: weather and what to pack
- Outback in February: weather and what to pack
- Outback in March: weather and what to pack
- Outback in April: weather and what to pack
- Outback in May: weather and what to pack
- Outback in June: weather and what to pack
- Outback in July: weather and what to pack
- Outback in August: weather and what to pack
- Outback in September: weather and what to pack
- Outback in October: weather and what to pack
- Outback in November: weather and what to pack
- Outback in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Outback, Northern Territory, Australia
Based on the climate and weather in Outback, the best time to go is April. See below for details.
Important essentials for Outback, Northern Territory, Australia
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Outback, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection available.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may become worn. An unreadable vaccine card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good plane-friendly product.
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's wise to take a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good value.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Outback. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. This one is sufficent for most places, but you should check with your hotel.
-
For families with young children
What to wear/what to pack for Outback, Northern Territory, Australia by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you go to Outback in January, you will notice that it can be excruciatingly hot and dry with little rain. Expect it to rain sometimes. Daytime temperatures are in the high 90s F (high 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
UV protecting pants/skirts
These will keep you safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
Bug bite relief
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are created to help you stay cool:
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Do pack additional, as these often get wet or dirty.
-
Bug repellent
-
Light linen shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are created to cool you and to provide UV protection.
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We like:
February
February for Outback can be excruciatingly hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day. It rains once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Bug repellent
Bug bite relief
-
Sunglasses
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are developed to keep you cool:
-
UV protecting pants/skirts
These will keep you safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are engineered for cooling and can provide UV protection.
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
It's important bring extra, as these get wet or dirty.
-
Light linen shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Skirts
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We recommend:
March
March in Outback is consistently hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave also cleans dangerous contaminants:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against UV rays:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We like:
April
If you go to Outback in April, you will notice that it is pretty consistently hot and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also removes harmful contaminants:
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against the sun:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We recommend:
May
If you go to Outback in May, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature and dry with little rain. Expect it to rain occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Light skirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We like:
June
If you are traveling to Outback in June, you will notice that it is mild and dry with little rain. Expect it to rain occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the high 60s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We suggest:
July
July is balmy and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: here
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We recommend:
August
If you are traveling to Outback in August, you will notice that it is mild and dry with little rain. Expect it to rain occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We suggest:
September
If you vacation in Outback during September, you will probably notice that it is a perfect temperature and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 40s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Sandals
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We suggest:
October
If you visit Outback during October, you may see that it is extremely hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from the sun:
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also filters contaminants:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We suggest:
November
Traveling to Outback in November, you will notice that it is blindingly hot. Expect it to rain occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (mid 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are developed to cool you:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
Bug bite relief
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are specially designed to cool you and offer UV protection.
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Don't forget pack extra, since these are likely to get wet or dirty.
-
Light linen shorts
-
UV protecting pants
These will keep your legs safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We like:
December
December is sweltering and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the high 90s F (high 30s C) during the day. It rains once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are engineered to keep you cool and to provide UV protection.
-
Sunglasses
-
Light linen shorts
-
Protecting pants/skirts
These will keep you protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Skirts
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are developed to keep you cool:
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Do pack extra, since these often get wet or dirty.
Bug bite relief
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We suggest:
Activities for Outback, Northern Territory, Australia
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Outback.
Check out our guides for these other locations: Otepää, Estonia, Edenderry, Ireland, County Mayo, Ireland, Jersey City, New Jersey, United States of America, Caithness and Sutherland, Scotland, United Kingdom, Doaba, India, Alpharetta, Georgia, United States of America, Bogotá, Colombia, Clifton, Texas, United States of America, Kalk Bay, South Africa, and Gero, Japan.