Climate and seasons
"Anangu don't go by Piranpa dates, we only go by our own seasons....
We know which fruits and foods we get during our seasons - that's what is important to us".
- Barbara Tjikatu
Piriyakutu/piriya piriya (usually August/September)
This is when the piriya comes - a warm steady wind from the north and west. Animals breed, food plants flower, fruit and seed. Hibernating reptiles come out and the honey grevillea is in bloom. This is a good time for hunting kangaroo.
Mai wiyaringkupai/kuli (around December)
There is not much food around at this time. This is the hottest season. There is Marutjara (storm clouds) and lightening, but little rain. Lightning strikes can start fires.
Itjanu/inuntji (usually January-March)
This is when utawari (overcast clouds) usually bring rain. During this season the food plants flower. If the rains are good there is plenty of fruit and seed.
Wanitjunkupai (usually April, May)
The beginning of the cold weather and this is when the Park's reptiles hibernate. Tjuntalpa clouds start around April but usually don't bring rain. They come from the south, mainly by westerly winds. Tjuntalpa sit low over the hills until late in the day.
Wari (late May, June, July)
The cold time, when there is nyinnga (frost) and kulyar-kulyarpa (mist or dew) every morning but little rain.
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