Suitable time for Uluru visit

G'day Captain,

Can't help with the why part of your question. We were there in September last year, sunset on the day of arrival was spectacular!!
Next day, all climbs were halted because of high winds and by nine o'clock all views of the rock and the Olgas were hazy because of the dust in the air. I think it will be a case of enjoying your time there, when ever you can go.
Regards,
Wayne & Sally.
PS FWIW if you are not happy with the campsite you are issued at Yulara, CT people are NOT held in high regard at the campground, ask for another. 45 degree front to back and 30 degree side to side isn't a "nice, level site"
Cheers.
W&S.

put it this way last april (08) the max temp was 34.8
and by the middle of the month temps were low 30s high 20s with morning temps below 20

looks fairly breezy though wiith most maximum wind gusts over 40kph.

my advice is if you intend to climb it and you get there and the climb is open then do it dont wait till later as it gets closed for any number of a thousand reasons

We went to Uluru on 18 April 06 when we thought it would be OK heatwise as we had researched the best time to visit also, I am unaffected by the heat but Fiona does it really tough.

The day we arrived it was 43C which was pretty high for that time, 39C the following day and 38C at Kings Canyon on the third day, so you can never tell when a sudden change will come about, but should we go again to catch up what we missed our on we would do it in late May or early June.

There will be plenty of excellent advice from the other members here though.

G'day Captain, we were there first week in april 07, & while very warm wasnt too bad. Did Uluru walk early one morning then
happy houred till early next morning & did Valley of the Winds
walk. Both highly recomended. Dont expect to climb on any day.
Was closed due to high winds, but no discernable wind at ground level. I think climbing will be phased out. Flies were no problem,
likewise crowds........oldbaz.

Yep - all bets are off but its still worth going in April - we struck it 40C plus there one year too - you can walk round the base of the rock (9km) if the top is closed - re lumps of stone though, the Olgas are the pick IMV ! Valley of the Winds walk recommended !
If you get around to Kings Canyon, the rim walk is fabulous on a nice sunlit day.

Hi Captain, I agree with Darian. The King's Canyon walk is best of the lot - but start early if the weather is warm. This walk can be closed in hot weather. We start all walks early to beat the heat.

Valley of the winds walk at Kata Tjuta has more interest that Uluru, and expect it to be windy between the domes.

We walked around Uluru. There are seats to rest on, and a couple of drinking water points. We chose not to climb; it is not recommended for both cultural and safety reasons, and it is just a long haul up a chain.

We were there in September, and the weather was starting to warm up, after a very cold and windy week in Alice. Crowds of international tourists visit Uluru and Kings Canyon by the bus load, but most are only taken on one short walk at Uluru, then you are virtually on your own for the rest of the walk. They do the rim walk at King Canyon, but there is plenty of room to get away from the groups. There may be more people during school holidays.

The campsite at the Yulara resort is mediocre, but you really need to stay there to see the rock at the best times; the campsite at Kings Canyon resort is nice.

Motherhen

Gday
Are you planning on climbing it?

Cheers

Thanks all for your helpful replies. It looks like there is no reason not to go in April, you can get caught out by unseasonal weather anytime.

Will do also plan on doing Kings Canyon, we were last in the NT in 1995 (pre-kids) and look forward to showing them some of the sights.

Cheers

Captain