The wet season affects the quality of barramundi fishing each year.

In December 2024, Darwin had 64.6mm of rain, significantly below the long-term average of 247.7 mm for that month.

In January 2025, Darwin recorded 398.8mm, which is 92% of the long-term average of 431.3 mm for that month.

The monsoon came later than usual, arriving on February 7, 2025. In February 2025, Darwin Airport had 385.8mm, slightly above the long-term average of 371.8 mm for that month.

How will all this pan out? Darwin city rain is only roughly indicative for Top End fishing, as the rain must fall on the river catchments to be most beneficial.

It will be interesting to see if there is more rain through March/April.

Regardless of fishing quality, it’s arguably the annual Million Dollar Fish promotion that keeps people interested these days.