Let’s not beat around the bush. The Northern Territory gets hot, particularly during the middle of the day.

Some people are put off by the mere thought of the Territory's heat, as well as the humidity in the Top End. But those who live here have learned the many advantages of living in such a predictable climate.

In Central Australia

Central Australia enjoys a typical summer and winter, but without a pronounced spring and autumn. In summer, the daytime temperatures can climb to over 40 degrees Celsius, although the average maximum at even the warmest times of the year is 36 degrees.

The lack of humidity, coupled with the relative cool of the night, makes summer in Central Australia not much warmer than many Australian towns.

In the winter, daytime temperatures are generally around 20 degrees Celsius, although they can get quite a bit chillier on cold days. Overnight, temperatures can drop dramatically – even below zero at times.

What makes the Central Australian weather so enjoyable is the crispness of the mornings and evenings. A stroll along some of the great walking tracks around Alice Springs at sunrise or sunset is an experience not to be missed.

The Tropical North

From about Katherine north, commonly known as the Top End, there is no winter at all. People living in the Top End enjoy year round warmth.

The Dry season lasts from May to October and is nothing short of perfect. While most Australians are freezing through winter, Top Enders are enjoying an average of 10 hours sunshine a day, just three cloudy days a month, low humidity and average daily temperatures of around 30 degrees Celsius.

It's no wonder that Top Enders believe they live in paradise with sunny days, cool nights, soft breezes and clear blue skies. In fact, the weather is so perfect our schools enjoy a four-week midyear break in June to July.

Between November and April spectacular thunderstorms fill the northern sky. The humidity rises markedly and the heat can become oppressive.

Most homes are air-conditioned. And because you don't need to pay for heating in the summer, the overall cost of keeping your home comfortable is less than you think.

For many, the wet season is their favourite part of the year, ushering in beautiful balmy evenings, spectacular lightning displays and cooling tropical rains.

A word about cyclones

November to April is cyclone season – a fact of life that everyone in the Top End needs to realise. This means taking some simple, common sense precautions. For example, during the past century, Darwin has been affected by three major cyclones. After Cyclone Tracy in 1974, the Government introduced strict new construction standards and building codes, so buildings are much safer these days. Every year, awareness campaigns remind people of the steps they should take to stay safe if a cyclone watch is declared.