Plan your trip
The best time to visit Adelaide
Adelaide averages daytime highs of 21°C and overnight lows around 12°C across the year. Here's when to go — season by season and month by month — based on a decade of climate data.
In short
- 🌤️ Best overall: March, December, February — the most comfortable, driest stretch.
- 🔥 Hottest: January (~28°C) · Coolest: July (~14°C)
- 🌧️ Wettest: July · Driest: March
- 💸 Quietest / best value: the autumn and spring shoulder seasons (outside the Dec–Jan holidays).
11°C Mostly sunny in Adelaide
Winter · H 13° / L 6° · Cosy season — warm up indoors.
Hottest month
January
avg high 28°C
Coolest month
July
avg high 14°C
Wettest month
July
~85mm
Driest month
March
~19mm
Our pick
For the best balance of comfortable weather and fewer wet days, aim for March, December, February. If you don't mind the heat, January is peak summer; for cooler, quieter exploring, July is the mildest stretch. Whatever month you choose, check what's on and our 48-hour itinerary.
Adelaide season by season
What each season is actually like — and what it's best for.
Summer in Adelaide
December – February
Summer is warm in Adelaide — average highs around 27°C, overnight lows near 16°C, and about 83mm of rain across the season (dry). Beach days, early starts and long evenings out — pack sun protection, a hat and water.
Autumn in Adelaide
March – May
Autumn is mild in Adelaide — average highs around 21°C, overnight lows near 13°C, and about 144mm of rain across the season (dry). Mild, settled days make this prime time for walks, wine country, markets and leisurely lunches.
Winter in Adelaide
June – August
Winter is cool in Adelaide — average highs around 15°C, overnight lows near 8°C, and about 248mm of rain across the season (moderate rain). Cosy season — lean into cafes, museums, galleries and snug pubs; bring a few layers.
Peak season & crowds
Adelaide is busiest — and accommodation priciest — over the December–January summer school holidays around Christmas and New Year, plus long weekends and major events. For thinner crowds and better value, the autumn (March – May) and spring (September – November) shoulder seasons are the sweet spot — mild weather without the peak-season squeeze. Book ahead if you're visiting around a festival; see what's on to plan around it.
Adelaide weather month by month
Average daily high & low temperature and total monthly rainfall.
| Month | Season | High | Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Summer | 28°C | 17°C | 29mm |
| February | Summer | 27°C | 17°C | 28mm |
| March | Autumn | 25°C | 15°C | 19mm |
| April | Autumn | 22°C | 13°C | 50mm |
| May | Autumn | 17°C | 11°C | 75mm |
| June | Winter | 15°C | 9°C | 83mm |
| July | Winter | 14°C | 8°C | 85mm |
| August | Winter | 15°C | 8°C | 80mm |
| September | Spring | 17°C | 10°C | 54mm |
| October | Spring | 21°C | 11°C | 44mm |
| November | Spring | 23°C | 13°C | 41mm |
| December | Summer | 26°C | 15°C | 26mm |
Source: Open-Meteo historical climate data, 10-year averages (2014–2023). Day-to-day weather varies — check the current forecast before you travel.
Best time to visit Adelaide — FAQs
When is the best time to visit Adelaide?+
March, December, February generally offer Adelaide's most comfortable mix of pleasant temperatures and fewer wet days. The warmest month is January (average high 28°C) and the coolest is July (average high 14°C).
What is the hottest month in Adelaide?+
January is the hottest month in Adelaide, with average daytime highs around 28°C.
What is the coldest month in Adelaide?+
July is the coolest month, with average highs near 14°C and overnight lows around 8°C.
What is the wettest month in Adelaide?+
July is typically the wettest month (about 85mm of rain on average), while March is the driest at around 19mm.
When is the cheapest, quietest time to visit Adelaide?+
The shoulder seasons — autumn (March – May) and spring (September – November) — are usually quieter and better value than the summer peak. The busiest, priciest stretch is the December–January school-holiday period around Christmas and New Year.
What is summer like in Adelaide?+
Summer (December – February) is warm in Adelaide, averaging highs near 27°C and lows around 16°C, with roughly 83mm of rain across the season.
What is winter like in Adelaide?+
Winter (June – August) is cool in Adelaide, with average highs around 15°C and overnight lows near 8°C.
How many days do you need in Adelaide?+
Two to three days covers the highlights — see our 48-hour itinerary for a ready-made plan — while four or more lets you explore the suburbs and day trips at a relaxed pace.