WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT SOUTH AUSTRALIA?
South Australia is a year-round location.
If you plan a visit to coincide with any of the big festivals, sort your accommodation early for the best choice and price. This is particularly true of February and March when good weather and significant events combine. March is particularly expensive.
Weather in South Australia
Like most of Australia, the weather in South Australia is best in Spring and Autumn. Summers can be scorching, particularly away from the coast. Winters are mild, but rainfall can be substantial. Spring edges out the other seasons as our favourite due to the wildflower season and comfortable temperatures.
South Australia Festivals and events
Below we have listed a sample of South Australia’s leading events and festivals. Check regional tourism sites before you make any plans, as things may be rescheduled due to current conditions.
| January | Santos Tour Downunder |
| February | Handa Women’s Open |
| February | Adelaide Festival |
| Feb/March | Adelaide Fringe |
| March | Womadelaide |
| March | Harvest Season |
| May | Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend |
| April | Barossa Vintage Festival |
| April | Tastes of the Outback – Flinders Ranges |
| April/May | Tasting of Australia |
| June | Coober Pedy Opal Festival |
| July | Winter Reds Weekend – Adelaide Hills |
| September | Royal Adelaide Show |
| September/October | OzAsia Festival |
| October | Adelaide Fashion Festival |
| October/November | Feast Festival |
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 2022-2023
| Holiday | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day + Monday Holiday | 01 and 03 January | 01 – 02 January |
| Australia Day | 26 January | 26 January |
| Adelaide Cup | 14 March | 13 March* |
| Good Friday | 15 April | 07 April |
| Easter Sat. | 16 April | 08 April |
| Easter Mon. | 18 April | 10 April |
| Anzac Day | 25 April | 25 April |
| Queens Birthday | 12 June | 12 June |
| Labour Day | 02 October | 02 October |
| Christmas Eve | 24 December | 24 December |
| Christmas Day | 25 December | 25 December |
| Proclamation Day | 27 December | 26 December |
| Boxing Day | 26 December | 26 December |
| New Year’s Eve | 31 December | 31 December |
Source: SA Government June 2021
School Holidays in Queensland 2022-2023
| Period | 2022 | 2023 |
| Autumn break: | 15 April – 1 May | 15 April – 30 April |
| Winter break: | 09 July – 24 July | 08 July – 23 July |
| Spring break: | 01 October – 16 October | 30 September – 15 October |
| Summer break: | 17 December – 29 January 2023 | 16 December – 28 January 2024 |