WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO visit SOUTH AUSTRALIA?

South Australia is a year-round destination and the best time to visit will depend on the places you intend to go. While autumn and spring are generally the best times for sightseeing or enjoying 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. We spent five weeks driving around South Australia in autumn, and this was a perfect all round time to explore this beautiful, underrated state.

The best time to visit South Australia’s 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.

Spring is the best time to visit south Australia Wilpena Pound
Wilpena Pound in the Flinders Ranges, South Australia

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.

Glenelg Beach Pier Adelaide
Glenelg Beach Pier Adelaide

This page may contain affiliate links. Read our full disclosure policy for more information.

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.

  • Summer 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.

2024 Dates Event
12-21 January Santos Tour Downunder
11-16 FebruaryHanda Women’s Open
16 February – 14 MarchAdelaide Fringe
1 – 17 MarchAdelaide Festival
8-11 March Womadelaide
17-26 May Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend
April Barossa Vintage Festival
4-7 AprilFestival of Footy
3-12 MayTasting Australia
TBC MayDreamBIG Children’s Festival
TBC JuneCoober Pedy Opal Festival
7-22 JuneAdelaide Cabaret Festival
28 June – 30 JulyIlluminate Adelaide
July Winter Reds Weekend – Adelaide Hills
31 August – 8 SeptemberRoyal Adelaide Show
20-22 OctoberAdelaide Fashion Week
24 October- 10 NovemberOzAsia Festival
TBC November Feast Festival
14-17 November VAILO Adelaide, 500
TBC November National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant
Dates correct at time of publication

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 money on accommodation by avoiding it.

Public Holidays in South Australia 2024-2025

Holiday 20242025
New Year’s Day + Monday Holiday 01 – 02 January01 January
Australia Day26 January26 January
Monday 27 Jan
(additional day)
Adelaide Cup11 March*10 March
Good Friday29 March 18 April
Easter Sat.30 March 19 April
Easter Mon.1 April21 April
Anzac Day25 April25 April
Kings Birthday 10 June9 June
Labour Day07 October06 October
Christmas Day25 December 25 December
Boxing Day26 December 26 December
New Year’s Eve31 December 31 December
* Subject to proclamation Source: Safe Work South Australia.


School Holidays in South Australia 2024-2025

Period 20242025
Autumn break:13 April – 28 April12 April – 27 April
Winter break: 06 July– 21 July05 July – 20 July
Spring break:27 September – 12 October27 September – 12 October
Summer break:13 December – 26 January 202513 December – 28 January 2025
Source: SA Government

Got a question? Head over to our Australia Travel Tips Facebook Group and ask a local.