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.
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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.
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.
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.
| 2026 Dates | Event |
|---|---|
| Dates TBC | Santos Tour Downunder |
| 14-17 February 2026 | Handa Women’s Open |
| 20 Feb – 22 March 2026 | Adelaide Fringe |
| 27 Feb – 15 Mar 2026 | Adelaide Festival |
| 28 Feb – 5 Mar 2026 | Adelaide Writers’ Week |
| 6 – 9 March, 2026 | Womadelaide |
| May 2026 | Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend |
| TBC 2027 | Barossa Vintage Festival |
| 3-12 May | Tasting Australia |
| 12—22 May 2027 | DreamBIG Children’s Festival |
| 13th – 15th June, 2025 | Coober Pedy Opal Festival |
| 5—21 Jun 2025 | Adelaide Cabaret Festival |
| 02 – 20 July 2025 | Illuminate Adelaide |
| August 30 — 7 Sept 2025 | Royal Adelaide Show |
| October 2025 | Adelaide Fashion Week |
| 23 Oct – 9 Nov 2025 | OzAsia Festival |
| 1-23 Nov 2025 | Feast Festival |
| 27-30 Nov 2025 | VAILO Adelaide, 500 |
| Saturday 8 Nov 2025 | National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant |
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 2025-2026
| Holiday | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 01 January | 01 January |
| Australia Day | 26 January Monday 27 Jan (additional day) | 26 January |
| Adelaide Cup | 10 March | 09 March |
| Good Friday | 18 April | 03 April |
| Easter Sat. | 19 April | 04 April |
| Easter Mon. | 21 April | 06 April |
| Anzac Day | 25 April | 25 April |
| Kings Birthday | 09 June | 08 June |
| Labour Day | 06 October | 05 October |
| Christmas Day | 25 December | 25 December |
| Proclamation Day holiday | 26 December | 26 December |
School Holidays in South Australia 2025-2026
| Period | 2025 | 2026 |
| Autumn break: | 12 April – 27 April | 11 April – 26 April |
| Winter break: | 05 July – 20 July | 4 July – 19 July |
| Spring break: | 27 September – 12 October | 26 – 11 October |
| Summer break: | 13 December – 28 January 2026 | 12 December – 26 January 2027 |
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