Short answer: Are you cyclone ready? Cyclone season in the Top End runs from 1 November to 30 April. On average, two to three cyclones affect the region each year. Make a household plan, pack an emergency kit that lasts at least 72 hours, and tidy your yard before a warning is issued.
Last updated: 10 November 2026
When is cyclone season in Darwin, and are you cyclone ready?
The official season is 1 November to 30 April, although cyclones have been known to happen outside those dates. Don’t wait until one is on the way. The NT Government says protecting your family, your home and your belongings is your responsibility.
What should be in a cyclone emergency kit?
Your kit should keep everyone in your household going for at least 72 hours. Store it somewhere dry that you can reach without electricity. Include:
- Battery-powered radio and spare batteries
- Torch and spare batteries
- First aid kit and any essential medicines
- Drinking water and non-perishable food
- Phone, charger and charged power banks
- Important documents in a waterproof container
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Strong, closed-in shoes, hats and gloves
- Toiletries and sunscreen
- Supplies for babies, older people and anyone with extra needs
- Pet food, water and supplies
- Cash
- Spare car and house keys
- A copy of your household plan
For the full official list, see SecureNT’s cyclone advice.
How do you prepare your home and yard?
- Clear loose items that could blow around, like furniture, pot plants, toys and tools
- Trim branches and trees well clear of your home (use a professional for big jobs)
- Clear gutters and drains
- Ask a building practitioner whether your home was built to cyclone code
- Keep your insurance details somewhere easy to find
What should be in your household plan?
- Where you’ll shelter, and how you’ll get there
- How household members will contact each other
- Where your pets will go, because pets can’t go into public emergency shelters
- Important phone numbers saved in your phone
- Your nearest safe high ground, in case of a storm surge or flood warning
Our guide to cyclone shelters in Darwin explains your options.
What should you do when a warning is issued?
Follow official advice and listen to your radio. Advice from NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services includes:
- Secure outdoor furniture and garden items
- Close and lock all windows and doors
- Unplug non-essential electrical items
- Fill your bathtub and buckets with water
- Stay inside, well clear of windows, doors and skylights
If you rent, are you cyclone ready?
Tell your property manager early about loose fencing, branches over the roof, blocked drains or anything else that worries you. If you rent through Abode Property Management, call (08) 8932 7777. We look after homes across Darwin, Palmerston, the Darwin rural area and Katherine.
Who to call in a storm or cyclone:
- Life-threatening emergency: 000
- NT Emergency Service for floods, storms and cyclones: 132 500
- Police for non-urgent matters: 131 444
Sources: SecureNT and NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services cyclone preparation advice.
