South Australia's climate varies from hot and dry in the interior, to mild and wet in the south and coastal regions. Adelaide generally has mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. It is the driest of all the Australian capital cities. The average annual rainfall is 553 mm. June is the wettest month, averaging around 80 mm. The average rainfall in summer is around 20 mm. The average maximum temperature is 29°C in summer and 15-16°C in winter. Here you will find some information on temperature, rainfall and seasonal activities to help you plan your holiday in Adelaide.
Autumn (March to May) is a great time to visit Adelaide. There's plenty of sunshine and the weather is warm and pleasant. Daily autumn temperatures in Adelaide range from a minimum of 12.5°C to a maximum of 22.4°C.
The biennial Tasting Australia festival (April-May) is held in Adelaide and various locations across South Australia in autumn. It is one of the best times to enjoy South Australia's bounty of fresh local produce.
South Australia gets most of its rainfall during the winter months (June, July and August). It rains more around Adelaide and the Mount Lofty Ranges than it does in the outback. Average daily winter temperatures in Adelaide range from a minimum of 8°C to a maximum of 15.9°C.
In spring (September to November) South Australia is awash with colour and wildlife flourishes. Average daily spring temperatures in Adelaide range from a minimum of 11.6°C to a maximum of 21.7°C. The best time to walk the Arkaba Walk in the Flinders Ranges is from October to April.
During summer (December to February) people head to the beaches, so coastal towns are popular and can be quite busy. Locals also take advantage of the warmer weather to dine outdoors in Adelaide's many fine restaurants and cafes. Catch a tram to the seaside town of Glenelg, which has a warm year-round Mediterranean climate.
In the Barossa Valley, summer means sunshine and warm days. The nights are ideal for outdoor dining. Spring offers sunny days and a great time for nature walks. Pack lighter clothing for the day and some warm clothing for the cool evenings. In Autumn, the autumn leaves on the vines are a sight to behold. The Winter months bring colder days and some rain, and cold nights which are perfect for sitting with a glass of wine in front of a cosy log fire.
Kangaroo Island is a destination for all seasons. In summer, the landscape is a contrast of golden pastures against summer wild flowers. Koalas, wallabies, kangaroos and Australian Sea-lion give birth to tiny young. In Autumn, rare Glossy Black Cockatoos and Little Penguins begin nesting. Winter is spectacular with lush green countryside, flowing rivers and abundant wildlife. Southern right whales pass the shores on their migration to the Great Australian Bight to calve. Spring is the season of rebirth. It is a wonderful time to see the spectacular array of wild flowers, birds and mammals.