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.
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.
- 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 February | Handa Women’s Open |
| 16 February – 14 March | Adelaide Fringe |
| 1 – 17 March | Adelaide Festival |
| 8-11 March | Womadelaide |
| 17-26 May | Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend |
| April | Barossa Vintage Festival |
| 4-7 April | Festival of Footy |
| 3-12 May | Tasting Australia |
| TBC May | DreamBIG Children’s Festival |
| TBC June | Coober Pedy Opal Festival |
| 7-22 June | Adelaide Cabaret Festival |
| 28 June – 30 July | Illuminate Adelaide |
| July | Winter Reds Weekend – Adelaide Hills |
| 31 August – 8 September | Royal Adelaide Show |
| 20-22 October | Adelaide Fashion Week |
| 24 October- 10 November | OzAsia Festival |
| TBC November | Feast Festival |
| 14-17 November | VAILO Adelaide, 500 |
| TBC November | 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 2023-2024
| Holiday | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day + Monday Holiday | 01 – 02 January | 01 January |
| Australia Day | 26 January | 26 January Monday 27 Jan (additional day) |
| Adelaide Cup | 11 March* | 10 March |
| Good Friday | 29 March | 18 April |
| Easter Sat. | 30 March | 19 April |
| Easter Mon. | 1 April | 21 April |
| Anzac Day | 25 April | 25 April |
| Kings Birthday | 10 June | 9 June |
| Labour Day | 07 October | 06 October |
| 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 2024-2025
| Period | 2024 | 2025 |
| Autumn break: | 13 April – 28 April | 12 April – 27 April |
| Winter break: | 06 July– 21 July | 05 July – 20 July |
| Spring break: | 27 September – 12 October | 27 September – 12 October |
| Summer break: | 13 December – 26 January 2025 | 13 December – 28 January 2025 |
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