Adelaide travel guide has a Mediterranean climate (Koppen Csa) with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The city averages 540 mm of rainfall per year spread across roughly 85 rain days, and gets around 2,500 hours of sunshine annually. Summer heatwaves can push daytime temperatures past 40degC (104degF), while winter nights occasionally dip to 2degC (36degF). The sea temperature at Glenelg Beach ranges from 14degC (57degF) in August to 22degC (72degF) in February.
Adelaide Monthly Weather Breakdown
Adelaide Weather in January
January is Adelaide’s hottest month. Average high: 29degC (84degF), average low: 17degC (63degF). Rainfall averages 20 mm over 3 to 4 days. Humidity sits around 38% in the afternoon, making the heat feel dry rather than oppressive. The UV index hits 12 (extreme) so sun protection is non-negotiable. Sea temperature reaches 21degC (70degF). January also brings the occasional heatwave with 3 to 5 consecutive days above 35degC (95degF).
Adelaide Weather in February
February is nearly identical to January. Average high 29degC (84degF), low 17degC (63degF). Rainfall 20 mm across 3 days. It is the driest month of the year by total precipitation. Sea temperature peaks at 22degC (72degF), the warmest of the year. The Fringe Festival runs through February and March, the best time to visit Adelaide, so visitors should expect outdoor event conditions: sun, occasional 35degC-plus days, and very little chance of rain.
Adelaide Weather in March
Autumn begins in March with noticeably cooler nights. Average high 26degC (79degF), average low 15degC (59degF). Rainfall increases slightly to 25 mm over 4 days. This is the start of Adelaide’s most comfortable season: daytime temperatures in the mid-20s, cool evenings, and stable weather patterns. The Adelaide Festival and WOMADelaide both happen in March, drawing large outdoor crowds. See our Adelaide events and festivals guide for more details.
Adelaide Weather in April
April brings a clear seasonal shift. Average high drops to 22degC (72degF), average low to 12degC (54degF). Rainfall increases to 40 mm across 6 days. Days are still pleasant for outdoor activities but evenings require a jacket. This is peak wine region season in the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, with vineyards showing autumn colors.
Adelaide Weather in May
May is the start of the wet season. Average high 19degC (66degF), average low 10degC (50degF). Rainfall jumps to 55 mm over 8 to 9 days, the second-wettest month. Cloud cover increases and sunshine hours drop to around 5 per day. Tasting Australia, the city’s premier food and wine festival, runs in late April through early May. Bring a rain jacket and layers.
Adelaide Weather in June
June is Adelaide’s wettest and cloudiest month. Average high 16degC (61degF), average low 8degC (46degF). Rainfall reaches 80 mm across 10 days. Sunshine drops to 4.5 hours per day, the annual minimum. This is the best month for whale watching along the Fleurieu Peninsula coast. Sea temperature falls to 16degC (61degF). Indoor attractions like the Central Market and museums make more sense than beach days.
Adelaide Weather in July
July is the coldest month. Average high 15degC (59degF), average low 7degC (45degF). Rainfall 75 mm over 10 days. Overnight frost is rare in the city but possible in the Adelaide Hills. The city gets roughly 5 hours of sunshine per day. Heating is essential for where to stay in Adelaide. July falls in the middle of the Australian school holidays, so domestic tourism is active despite the weather. See our best neighborhoods in Adelaide for more details.
Adelaide Weather in August
August is the last full winter month. Average high 16degC (61degF), average low 8degC (46degF). Rainfall 65 mm over 9 days. Winds pick up, averaging 15 to 20 km/h from the northwest. Sea temperature bottoms out at 14degC (57degF). The days start lengthening noticeably by late August, with sunrise around 6:45 AM and sunset close to 5:50 PM.
Adelaide Weather in September
Spring arrives in September with a rapid warm-up. Average high 19degC (66degF), average low 10degC (50degF). Rainfall drops to 50 mm over 8 days. This is the windiest month of the year, with afternoon sea breezes regularly hitting 25 to 30 km/h. The Royal Adelaide Show runs in early September. Wildflowers begin blooming in the Adelaide Hills and Barossa.
Adelaide Weather in October
October is mid-spring with reliably pleasant conditions. Average high 22degC (72degF), average low 12degC (54degF). Rainfall 40 mm over 6 days. Sunshine hours climb back to 8 per day. This is a prime month for outdoor dining, hiking in the Adelaide Hills, and wine touring. Sea temperature begins its slow climb back to 17degC (63degF).
Adelaide Weather in November
November is the transition to summer. Average high 25degC (77degF), average low 14degC (57degF). Rainfall falls to 25 mm over 5 days. The UV index reaches 10 (very high). Daylight saving has started, so sunset is around 8:00 PM, giving long evenings for outdoor dining. The Christmas Pageant in early November draws 300,000-plus spectators to the city streets.
Adelaide Weather in December
December is the start of summer proper. Average high 27degC (81degF), average low 16degC (61degF). Rainfall 25 mm over 4 days. Heatwaves become possible, with days reaching 38degC (100degF) not uncommon. Sea temperature reaches 19degC (66degF). The Tour Down Under cycling race preparations begin. Christmas falls in summer, so barbecues and beach picnics replace roast dinners.
Adelaide Weather Averages at a Glance
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall (mm) | Rain Days | Sun Hours | Sea Temp |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 29degC / 84degF | 17degC / 63degF | 20 | 4 | 10 | 21degC / 70degF |
| Feb | 29degC / 84degF | 17degC / 63degF | 20 | 3 | 9 | 22degC / 72degF |
| Mar | 26degC / 79degF | 15degC / 59degF | 25 | 4 | 8 | 21degC / 70degF |
| Apr | 22degC / 72degF | 12degC / 54degF | 40 | 6 | 7 | 19degC / 66degF |
| May | 19degC / 66degF | 10degC / 50degF | 55 | 9 | 5 | 17degC / 63degF |
| Jun | 16degC / 61degF | 8degC / 46degF | 80 | 10 | 4.5 | 16degC / 61degF |
| Jul | 15degC / 59degF | 7degC / 45degF | 75 | 10 | 5 | 15degC / 59degF |
| Aug | 16degC / 61degF | 8degC / 46degF | 65 | 9 | 6 | 14degC / 57degF |
| Sep | 19degC / 66degF | 10degC / 50degF | 50 | 8 | 7 | 15degC / 59degF |
| Oct | 22degC / 72degF | 12degC / 54degF | 40 | 6 | 8 | 17degC / 63degF |
| Nov | 25degC / 77degF | 14degC / 57degF | 25 | 5 | 9 | 19degC / 66degF |
| Dec | 27degC / 81degF | 16degC / 61degF | 25 | 4 | 10 | 20degC / 68degF |
