Climate
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.
