The Best Time to Go to Adelaide
Adelaide by seasons
Adelaide enjoys a Mediterranean climate, ideal for grape growing and bringing warm, sunny summers and cool winters to the region. It’s Australia’s driest state capital, and doesn’t suffer from the humidity of other areas; however it still receives a fair amount of rainfall so it’s best to come prepared, whichever time of year you travel. To help you decide when to go, we’ve split the year into its seasons:
September to November
Spring in Adealide means warm days with temperatures creeping into the low twenties. There’s little rain, although it’s worth bringing a jacket for the cooler evenings. This is an ideal time of year to get outside, go for a walk, cruise the river or explore the Adelaide Hills and surrounding vineyards in more detail. Look out for the vibrant yellow canola fields blooming to the north of the city.
Go for…
Royal Adelaide Show: In early September, Adelaide fills with revellers drawn to carnival rides, craft stalls, livestock and of course food, topped off with a nightly fireworks display.
CheeseFest: Don’t miss this celebration of South Australia’s speciality cheeses, held in October. Come to taste, buy, cook and make cheese in Adelaide’s Rymill Park.
December to February
Long, hot summer days arrive in Adealide in December, bringing little rain and thankfully little humidity. Temperatures range from 17 to 29°C, although in very hot years they have been known to hit 40°C. The best way to cool off is to hit Adelaide’s beaches, have a dip in the ocean or head out to sea in search of Glenelg’s resident pod of bottlenose dolphins.
Go for…
Adelaide Festival: Enjoy world-class theatre, concerts, musical performances, dance and artworks at this two-week festival, held at venues across the city.
Christmas: Strange as it may seem to celebrate Christmas in the hot sun, that’s all part of the fun. Adelaide puts on various events including parades, Christmas carols and festive feasts.
March to May
Autumn is a lovely time of year to visit Adelaide with warm days, next to no rain, and a colour wheel of oranges and reds tinting the countryside. The best place to appreciate the leaves in all their glory is among the forests and parks of the Adelaide Hills or the Barossa Valley’s vineyards. Within the city, Stirling Street is the prime foliage-viewing spot.
Go for…
Adelaide Cup: Get dressed up and put on your hat, place your bets, cheer on your favourite and let the Champagne flow at South Australia’s top horse racing event.
WOMADelaide: in March of odd-numbered years, join in with this showcase of performance arts, music and dance, including concerts, arts & crafts, food and drink and plenty of fun.
June to August
As June approaches, temperatures across Adelaide drop and the chance of rainfall increases. In the city, the mercury rarely dips below 8°C, but out in the Adelaide Hills, frosts are not unheard of. That won’t stop the locals telling you it’s cold though, as most of them retreat indoors to the city’s museums, restaurants, cafes and bars, many of which have open log fires.
Go for…
Adelaide Beer & BBQ Festival: Doing exactly what it says on the tin, this mid-July festival features beer, barbecues and excellent food, served up at the Adelaide Showground.
Whale watching: Grab your coat and get down to the beach to see if you can spot the southern right whales as they migrate past the Fleurieu and Eyre Peninsulas, sometimes with calves in tow.
