Adelaide, South Australia, is often touted as the hub of arts and culture. The city is famous for its vibrant festivals, indulgent wineries, beautiful beaches, adventurous outdoor activities, and year-round lively energy. It’s a top destination for family holidays, romantic getaways, and even for a budget-friendly trip with friends.
So, when is the best time to visit Adelaide? Well, that would on depend on your holiday preferences, including your budget, the kind of weather you’d like, the activities you want to do, and even crowds.
Overall, the best times to visit Adelaide are the shoulder seasons of autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November) thanks to the warm, sunny weather, fewer crowds, and cheaper prices – the perfect combination to enjoy beach days, exploring the coast, bush walks, gallery visits and wine tasting.
In saying that, every traveller to Adelaide has different priorities. Perhaps you wish to go whale watching, wine touring, or beach hopping; or maybe you’d prefer to stick to a tight budget without compromising on a great time.
To help you figure out when to book your trip, we have put together a guide of the best times to visit Adelaide for different priorities.
Here’s a quick summary of the best times to visit Adelaide, but read to find out why!
- For weather: March to May and September to November
- For crowds and prices: March to May and September to November
- For wine tasting: March to May
- For whale watching: June to October
- For beaches: December to February
- For hiking/ bushwalking: September to November
- For festivals and events: February to March
- For budget-friendly flights and accommodation: June to August
- For family holidays: March to May and September to November
Best time to visit Adelaide for weather
Adelaide has Mediterranean-like climate with plenty of sunshine, making it a great year-round destination. The best time to visit Adelaide for weather depends on the activities you have planned, but for the most comfortable conditions, aim for autumn (March to May) or spring (September to November). These seasons enjoy mild temperatures, clear skies, and low humidity, with average daytime temperatures between 18°C and 26°C - perfect for hiking, cycling, and exploring national parks.
March, April, and October are particularly pleasant for outdoor adventures, with sunny days and lower rainfall creating ideal conditions for sightseeing in the city, visiting the Adelaide Zoo, or heading to Kangaroo Island.
If you want to plan your Adelaide trip around a beach holiday or some coastal experiences, summer (December to February) is the clear winner. Expect hot, sunny days averaging highs of 28 - 30°C, a vibrant atmosphere, and warm water temperatures for beach hopping along Glenelg, Henley, and Semaphore. Keep in mind that heatwaves are common in summer, with chance of daily highs exceeding 40°C. Summer is also peak tourist season, so it’s recommended to plan ahead and book your flights and accommodation well in advance.
| Season | Weather | Best for |
| Summer | Hot, sunny, low rainfall | Beach holidays, outdoor activities, festivals |
| Autumn | Mild, sunny, low humidity | Hiking, wine tours, sightseeing |
| Winter | Cool, wet, more humid | Museums, galleries, food and wine tours |
| Spring | Mild, clear days, little rainfall | Outdoor activities, jacaranda season, hiking |
For more information on Adelaide’s weather by month, including average temperatures, rainfall, and humidity, read our Adelaide weather and climate guide.
Best time to visit Adelaide for crowds and prices
Adelaide is always a popular tourist destination, but some times of the year are busier and more expensive than others. The best time to visit Adelaide for the crowds and prices is typically during winter (June to August) when cooler weather and occasional rain mean fewer visitors and the lowest rates for accommodation and airfares.
For a balance of manageable crowds, reasonable prices, and comfortably warm, drier weather, aim for Adelaide’s shoulder seasons: autumn (March to May) or spring (September to November).
High season – summer (December to February)
Adelaide’s peak season is typically in summer (December to February), when hot weather, school holidays and a lively festival atmosphere draw in flocks of visitors. This is the best time of year if you seek a vibrant atmosphere and energetic nightlife. With temperatures ranging from 16°C to 28°C, Adelaide comes alive for beach and outdoor lovers, but expect higher airfares and accommodation rates.
Shoulder season – autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November)
Adelaide’s shoulder seasons - March to May (autumn) and September to November (spring) - offer mild, pleasant weather with fewer crowds than summer. For lovers of food, wine, hiking and being outdoors, this season is a haven.
It’s worth noting that March is a busy time for major events in Adelaide, including Adelaide Fringe and WOMADelaide, which can make it busier and more expensive, but the rest of autumn and all of spring generally offer more affordable accommodation than the summer season
Low season – winter (June to August)
Adelaide’s low season and quietest period is in winter, from June to August, when the weather is the coolest and there’s the greatest chance of rainfall. With fewer crowds and decreased demand, winter is typically the cheapest time to visit Adelaide as there’s generally much better deals on accommodation and airfares. Despite the cool and crisp weather, there are plenty of things to do at this time of year including the Adelaide Cabaret Festival and Winter Reds Weekend (a festival for red wine and hearty food!).
Best time to visit Adelaide for activities
Thanks to the pleasant weather that comes with its Mediterranean-like climate, there are plenty of things to do in Adelaide all year-round.
It’s a hub of arts, culture, food and wine, with a variety of museums and galleries to wander, food to sample, and vineyards to tour. You can also kick back at the beach, trek into the bushes, and encounter the Southern right Whale as they migrate to the Southern Australian waters.
Here are some of the most popular activities in Adelaide and the best time to experience them, so you can plan your trip to the South Australia capital depending on what you most want to do!
Wine tasting
For wine lovers, the best time to visit Adelaide for wine tasting is autumn (March to May). Vineyards in Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Adelaide Hills boast vibrant shades of orange, yellows, and reds, making the perfect backdrop for photos. It’s also the harvest season, so you can experience grape-picking and sample bold, velvety reds.
Whale watching
The best time to go to Adelaide for whale watching is between June and October, when the Southern Right Whales migrate thousands of kilometres from the cold waters of the Southern Ocean near Antarctica to the warmer waters of Southern Australia. June is the peak month to see these majestic creatures, and the best places to spot them include around Kangaroo Island, Encounter Bay, Eyre Peninsula, or Victor Harbor.
Beaches
Summer (December to February) is the best time to visit Adelaide’s beaches , offering long, sunny days and warm, clear waters.
As summer is peak tourist season, you can expect to share the sand with many others, so if you’d prefer to avoid the crowds and still enjoy the heat and good swimming conditions, consider visiting in November. While the region is heating up for the approaching summer, it’s just before the school holidays, making it the perfect combination of warm weather and more peaceful coastlines. Popular beaches include Glenelg, Henley, and Semaphore.
Hiking/ bushwalking
The best time to go hiking and bushwalking in Adelaide is spring (September to November), when temperatures are mild and there's little chance of rain. Temperatures reach a pleasant maximum of 18-24°C, rainfall is low, and the vibrant flora and fauna in the region, including jacaranda trees, yellow canola in Clare Valley, and almond blossoms in Willunga, come alive. Morialta Conservation Park is conveninetly located near Adelaide city, while the Ikara-Flinders Ranges offer colourful wildflower trails for those who want to venture a few hours out of Adelaide.
Autumn (March to May) is another excellent option for planning hikes and bushwalks from Adelaide, with mild temperatures, minimal rain, and landscapes painted in picturesque red, orange, and yellow.
Best time to visit Adelaide for festivals and events
Adelaide is famous for its large variety of festivals and events throughout the year. The city attracts visitors from all over for its rich arts and culture and is known for its 'Mad March'.
Adelaide Festival (March)
Also known as the Adelaide Festival of Arts, this exciting and bustling annual festival takes place in March each year and is a celebration of arts, theatre, dance, opera, music, and visual arts. It draws crowds from across Australia and internationally, making March a highlight for arts lovers.
Adelaide Fringe (Mid-February to Mid-March)
The world’s second largest annual arts festival, Adelaide Fringe is an immersive multi-week event that offers cabaret, theatre, comedy, circus, music, and visual arts. With hundreds of shows across the city, it’s best to book tickets in advance.
WOMADelaide (March)
The World of Music Arts and Dance (WOMADelaide) is held at Botanic Park on the traditional lands of the Kaurna People and is a famous open-air festival that celebrates global music, arts, dance, and food. Experience the strong sense of community that has been fostered over the last 33 years of this festival.
Illuminate Adelaide (July)
Adelaide’s winter lighting festival is designed to light up the city in colourful lights and immersive experiences and brings together art, music, and technology. It includes free and ticketed installations and is a must-visit for winter travellers.
OzAsia Festival (late October to early November)
OzAsia Festival presents a bold line up of contemporary Asian arts and culture and showcases theatre, dance, music, visual arts, literature and food. The family-friendly event is perfect for all travellers, particularly foodies and culture lovers. Highlights include the boundary-pushing exhibitions, the family-friendly Lantern Trail and the Lucky Dumpling Market, a vibrant hub featuring Asian-inspired bars and dining.
Tasting Festival (May)
Australia’s longest-running food and drink festival takes place across South Australia, with the hub in Adelaide’s Town Square. Sample the state’s best culinary delights, from gourmet halls to wine tasting. Perfect for families, wine lovers and foodies.
Santos Tour Down Under (January)
Taking place over nine exhilarating days in January, the Santos Tour Down Under is a festival for action-lovers and cycling fans. It is the largest cycling race and cycling festival in the southern hemisphere, with world-class cycling events, mass-participation rides for all ages and skill levels (including kids), street parties, and gala dinners.
Adelaide Cabaret Festival (June)
Sweeping through the city every June, the Adelaide Cabaret Festival delivers charm and tradition in an electric couple of weeks. This festival features a mix of classic and contemporary cabaret performances, and is a must to brnig some glitz and glamour to your winter trip in Adelaide!
Worst time to visit Adelaide
The worst time to visit Adelaide depends on your travel priorities and preferences, but for many, it’s during the peak of summer (December to January), when scorching hot temperatures and big holiday crowds make a trip to Adelaide less enjoyable. There’s also greater demand during Adelaide’s peak tourist season – particularly around Christmas and New Years – making it harder to book accommodation and it's the most expensive time to visit Adelaide.
If you’re set on a beach holiday but want to avoid Adelaide’s extreme heat, high costs and summer crowds, plan your visit in November when the weather is hot and the beaches are quieter.
For those seeking sunshine and clear skies, the worst time to visit Adelaide is during winter (June to August). Although the city is quieter and flights and accommodation tend to be cheaper, this is the coldest and wettest time of year to visit Adelaide.
FAQs
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What month has the best weather to visit Adelaide?
If you want warm sunny days without extreme heat or heavy rain, the best months for weather in Adelaide are October and November (spring). These months offer the perfect blend of sunny days, comfortable temperatures, low humidity, and minimal rainfall, making perfect conditions for exploring the city, beach hopping, and enjoying outdoor activities before the stifling heat and crowds arrive in the December school holidays.
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What is the cheapest time to visit Adelaide?
The cheapest time to visit Adelaide overall is typically winter (June to August), with June often being the best month to find lower airfares and hotel rates thanks to the cool, wet weather and decreased tourist demand.
The good news is that even in the chilly weather, winter is still a wonderful time to visit Adelaide. You can peruse the museums, discover the Illuminate Adelaide light festival in July, go whale watching, and even indulge in rich red wines of the Barossa Valley.
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What time is the best to visit Adelaide with family?
Overall, the best times to visit Adelaide for families are spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May). Both seasons offer the most pleasant weather and fewer crowds to enjoy Adelaide’s outdoors and family-friendly activities like cycling, hiking, visiting the Adelaide Zoo, and beach hopping. Fewer crowds in the shoulder seasons also make it the perfect time to take the kids to Kangaroo Island for encounters with kangaroos and koalas, or educational activities like visiting the Art Gallery of South Australia.
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What’s the best time of year to visit Adelaide’s wineries?
No trip to Adelaide would be complete without experiencing one of the city’s incredible wineries and vineyards. The best time to visit Adelaide’s wineries is autumn (March to May), during the harvest season and when the landscapes are golden. As an added bonus, during this time, the weather is pleasant and mild, and there are fewer crowds, so it’ll be easier to get into wine tastings at the cellar doors.
While autumn generally takes the cake for the best and most picturesque time for wine tasting, each season offers its own charms:
Summer (December to February): With hot weather, sunshine, and a vibrant atmosphere in the Adelaide Hills and Barossa Valley, you can spend hours lounging on terraces and sipping cool whites or crisp rosé. Tap your feet to live music and tuck into yummy food, but don’t forget your sunscreen and hats!
Autumn (March to May): Experience the extraordinary harvest season, the time of year when the vineyards are alight with reds, oranges, and yellows. The cooler weather makes for a perfect afternoon or evening spent indulging in bold red wines.
Winter (June to August): Fewer crowds and cooler temperatures are ideal for cosying up by a fire and enjoying the relaxed ambience with a glass of a rich and velvety red.
Spring (September to November): With comfortable temperatures, and blooming vines and flowers across the vineyards, spring offers idyllic conditions for a tour of Adelaide’s famous wineries. Kick back and take in the colourful views while enjoying a new season wine. There are often plenty of festivals and events during this time of year so there is vibrant atmosphere to enjoy.
Flights to Adelaide
Virgin Australia offers direct flights to Adelaide from major Australian cities, including:
