Red Centre, Northern Territory, Australia: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Red Centre, Northern Territory, Australia? If you're planning to go to Red Centre, this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Red Centre
- Important essentials for Red Centre
- Activities for Red Centre
- Red Centre in January: weather and what to pack
- Red Centre in February: weather and what to pack
- Red Centre in March: weather and what to pack
- Red Centre in April: weather and what to pack
- Red Centre in May: weather and what to pack
- Red Centre in June: weather and what to pack
- Red Centre in July: weather and what to pack
- Red Centre in August: weather and what to pack
- Red Centre in September: weather and what to pack
- Red Centre in October: weather and what to pack
- Red Centre in November: weather and what to pack
- Red Centre 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 Red Centre, Northern Territory, Australia
Based on the climate and weather in Red Centre, the best time to go is April. See below for details.
Important essentials for Red Centre, Northern Territory, Australia
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Red Centre, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
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Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
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N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection you can have.
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Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
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Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly choice.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards can get worn. An unreadable vaccination card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
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(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
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Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
General health necessities
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Emergency water purifier
Some areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's useful to take an emergency water purifier like this one.
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Travel first aid kit
This one is a great choice.
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Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
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For families with young children
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Airplane or car necessities
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Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
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Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
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Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Red Centre. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. This one should be sufficient for most locations, but you may want to check with your hotel.
What to wear/what to pack for Red Centre, Northern Territory, Australia by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January is sweltering. Temperatures average in the 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day. It rains sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Light linen shorts
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are engineered to help you stay cool:
-
Skirts
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are created to keep you cool and to provide UV protection.
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Bug repellent
-
UV protecting pants/skirts
These will keep you protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
You should bring additional, as these often get wet or dirty.
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We recommend:
February
February in Red Centre can be sizzling. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) to 90s F (mid 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are created to keep you cool:
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Be sure pack extra, since these easily get wet or dirty.
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are developed to help you stay cool and include UV protection.
-
Bug repellent
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Light linen shorts
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Protecting pants
These will keep your legs protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Personal cooling fan
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We like:
March
Traveling to Red Centre in March, you will notice that it is really hot and very dry. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against the sun:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We recommend:
April
If you visit Red Centre during April, you might notice that it is extremely warm and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C). Humidity is generally between 20 and 30% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
May
May in Red Centre is a perfect temperature and very dry. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C). With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 30% to 40% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Extra socks
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We recommend:
June
June in Red Centre is balmy and dry with little rain. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C). With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 30% to 40% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
July
July in Red Centre is mild and very dry with almost no rain. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 30s F (single digits C). With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 20% to 30% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
August
August in this region is warm and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Extra socks
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
September
September in this region is hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Extra socks
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
October
October for Red Centre is really hot and very dry. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you cool and protect you from skin damage:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We recommend:
November
If you visit Red Centre during November, you might see that it is consistently hot and very dry. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (high 10s C). Humidity is generally between 20 and 30% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against skin damage:
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We recommend:
December
If you visit Red Centre during December, you might find that it is scorchingly hot and very dry. Temperatures tend to hover around the 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 60s F (low 10s C). Humidity is generally between 20 and 30% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are specially designed for cooling and to provide UV protection.
-
Skirts
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Waterproof sandals
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are developed to keep you cool:
-
Light linen shorts
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Don't forget pack extra, as these get wet or dirty.
-
UV protecting pants/skirts
These will keep your legs safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Bug repellent
-
Personal cooling fan
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We recommend:
Activities for Red Centre, Northern Territory, Australia
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Red Centre.
If you go to Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon), you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Binoculars
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
If you go to the Museum of Central Australia, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
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