South Australia is a year-round destination and the best time to travel South Australia will depend on the places you intend to visit. While autumn and spring are generally the best times for sightseeing or enjoying some of the festivals South Australia is famous for, the outback is great in winter and Kangaroo Valley and the Eyre Peninsula are perfect for a summer getaway.

The best time to of year visit South Australia – Main regions

The best time of year to visit the Barossa Valley and other wine regions? – If you are planning to visit some South Australian wineries, then autumn is harvest time and also when the leaves change colour.

When is the best time of year to visit the Flinders Ranges? The weather cools between April and October, making it perfect for taking a few hikes around Wilpena Pound.

When is the best time of year to visit Kangaroo Valley? Most people enjoy Kangaroo Valley in the summer, when you can swim at the most beautiful beaches and enjoy longer days to explore.

When is the best time of year to visit Adelaide? March and April are great times to visit Adelaide. If your dates coincide with any of the big festivals, sort your accommodation early for the best choice and price. This is particularly true of March when pleasant weather and significant events combine.

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Weather in South Australia

With its coastline facing the Southern Ocean and a vast area cover by some of the country’s biggest deserts, the temperature in South Australia can see some extremes.

Like most of Australia, most people find the weather in best in Spring and Autumn best for exploring.

• Summers can be scorching, particularly away from the coast, and this is not the best time to head to places like Wilpena Pound. However, it is an excellent time to visit the Eyre Peninsula.
• Winters are mild, but rainfall can be substantial. It can be a good time to road trip away from the coast.
• Spring edges out the other seasons as our favourite because of the wildflower season and comfortable temperatures. This is also a wonderful time of year to explore Kangaroo Island.
• Autumn is a popular time to visit Adelaide with major events like the Adelaide Fringe Festival, providing epic entertainment. It’s also the perfect time to explore South Australia’s wine regions.
  

Average Temperatures in South Australia

Temperatures can be extreme in the South Australia outback in summer and bitterly cold in Kangaroo Island in winter

Summer (December to February): Summers in South Australia are hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F) in the coastal areas and soaring above 40°C (104°F) in the Outback. The entire state can experience heatwaves in summer.

Autumn (March to May): Autumn brings milder temperatures, making it a wonderful time to visit. Daytime temperatures range from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), and evenings can get cooler.

Winter (June to August): Winters in South Australia are relatively mild, especially along the coast. Daytime temperatures hover around 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F), but nights can get chilly, with temperatures dropping to around 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F).

Spring (September to November): Spring is a beautiful time to visit South Australia, with blooming wildflowers and pleasant weather. Daytime temperatures gradually increase, ranging from 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F).

South Australia Festivals and Events

Below, are a sample of South Australia’s leading events and festivals. Check regional tourism sites before you make any plans, as things may be rescheduled.

South Australia School and Public Holidays

School holidays see prices go up and availability reduce. If you don’t need to be travelling at this time, you can save quite a bit by avoiding it.

Public Holidays in South Australia 2023-2024

Holiday	2023	2024
New Year’s Day + Monday Holiday	01 and 03 January	01 – 02 January
Australia Day	26 January	26 January
Adelaide Cup	13 March*	11 March*
Good Friday	07 April	29 March
Easter Sat.	08 April	30 March
Easter Mon.	10 April	1 April
Anzac Day	25 April	25 April
Kings Birthday	12 June	10 June
Labour Day	02 October	07 October
Christmas Eve	24 December	24 December
Christmas Day	25 December	25 December
Boxing Day	26 December	26 December
New Year’s Eve	31 December	31 December

School Holidays in South Australia 2023-2024

Period	2023	2024
Autumn break:	15 April – 30 April	13 April – 28 April
Winter break:	08 July – 23 July	06 July– 21 July
Spring break:	30 September – 15 October	27 September – 12 October
Summer break:	16 December – 28 January 2024	13 December – 26 January 2025

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