Best things to do in Adelaide in winter
The madness of the summer festival season has passed but there’s no reason to hibernate in Adelaide during the cooler months. It’s a perfect time to explore cosy galleries and museums, discover a new winery or restaurant or even a new sport.
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The city’s relatively mild winter temperatures means there are plenty of outside activities that can also be enjoyed from cycling to walking. And, of course, it wouldn’t be Adelaide without a festival or two.
Get arty at SALA
Winter is the time to enjoy SALA (the South Australian Living Arts Festival). Throughout August, you’ll find artists exhibiting in galleries and open art studios, as well as unconventional places like restaurants, wineries, shops, offices and public spaces. SALA has kickstarted the careers of many local artists so keep an eye out for a future investment. We love Jorji Gardener's Grub's Up (pictured).
Game day at Adelaide Oval
Yes, it’s one of the world’s best cricket venues but after a $610m revamp, it’s also the raucous home of the city’s AFL teams. So rug up and experience first-hand the roar of a home-crowd. Not here on game day? Stadium tours are conducted daily. Cricket fans can also view the Don Bradman Collection. More adventurous types might like to try the Climb the Roof tour.
Immerse yourself in culture
On a cold winter’s day, spend time exploring Adelaide cultural precinct. Along North Terrace you’ll find the State Library, Art Gallery of SA and the South Australian Museum. The gallery is hosting a series of must-see events this winter, including Dangerously Modern: Australian Women Artists in Europe 1890 and Chiharu Shiota's Absence embodied, a mesmeric installation. Over at the library, check out the free Out Of This World collection which focuses on Australia in the space age.
Warm up with winter reds
Shrug off your winter blues at the Adelaide Hills Winter Reds Festival. More than 30 Adelaide Hills’ wineries, like Nepenthe, Barristers Block and Bird in Hand are offering culinary events day and night throughout July, culminating with the Winter Reds Weekend from July 25-27. There are plenty of B & B options dotted through the hills or head for a luxury weekend at historic Mt Lofty House, where you can also celebrate Christmas in July with a festive four-course menu that includes a glass of champers in front of a roaring fire.
Explore historic Semaphore
Catch the train to this historic seaside village. Just 20 minutes from the CBD, there are plenty of things to do that don’t require getting wet. After exploring the boutiques, homeware stores, cafes and restaurants along Semaphore Road, head for the foreshore where you’ll find a children’s playground, heritage carousel, sideshows, mini golf and a miniature steam train.
Wander Adelaide’s laneways
Winter is a great time to discover a whole new bar and dining culture. Tiny pop-up bars in warehouses and old shopfronts, some literally hiding behind holes in the wall, have become the city’s coolest places to hang out. And many are just off Rundle Street. Try a toastie at Proof, sample a locally brewed craft beer at Bank Street Social. Or just take a wander down Peel Street and head into whatever bar syncs with your vibe.
Hit the Riesling Trail
The cooler winter months are the ideal time to cycle the Riesling Trail. Follow the old railway track through the Clare Valley, stopping at cellar doors along the way for a glass or three of wine. Make a weekend of it at the Clare Valley Cottages, where a wood fire and luxury spa bath await you at ride’s end. Check out their weekend getaway package which includes a gourmet food platter and a bottle of the Clare Valley’s finest.
Eat up at Adelaide Central Market
Established in 1869 in the heart of the Adelaide CBD and home to over 70 providores, the Market is so much more than an excellent place to buy the freshest seasonal ingredients from South Australia. There is a free audio tour hosted by Adam Liaw, the CWA's scone pop up, the Little Market chefs program for junior cooks and the Friday Nights event was voted as Australia’s favourite food experience in the 2025 delicious 100 awards. Start with a coffee at Zuma Caffe and bring your appetite.
Be dazzled by Illuminate Adelaide
Vivid schmivid. This South Australian extravaganza blends art, light, music and drones to create dozens of installations around Adelaide city. Always a winner are the free City Lights event and the Illuminate @ Adelaide Central Market. The rest of the program is a mix of free and ticketed events and the Horizons drone show (pictured) will sell out real quick so start planning now. It's so mesmerising that you won't even feel the winter chill - but seriously take a jacket and a beanie then embrace the fresh air.
Meet the new giant pandas at Adelaide Zoo
Wang Wang and Fu Ni are no longer resident but Xing Qiu and Yi Lan have made themselves truly at home at this Adelaide institution near the Botanic Gardens. It is dead set one of the best zoos in the southern hemisphere with keeper talks, animal experiences such as the Orangutan and Tiger Encounters, life in myriad forms and the striking Universal Kingdom: The Next Era light installation in collaboration with Illuminate Adelaide. Big fun awaits for a family with a taste for adventure and zeal for nature.
Go whale watching at Victor Harbour
While Kangaroo Island may be a little far for a day trip, Victor Harbour, on the Fleurieu Peninsula, is just an hour south of Adelaide and a prime spot to take in the annual migration of southern right whales. From June to October, this marine highway is in full flow as the animals migrate from the cold of Antarctica to the warm waters of Encounter Bay. If you've never seen whales in the wild, head to VH immediately for one of the greatest natural sights in the world. A trip with Southern Ocean Adventure Tours is highly recommended if you yearn to spend a bit of time being absolutely awestruck.
What is Adelaide's weather like in winter?
The South Australian capital's winter temperatures range from eight to 16 degrees. Which means plenty of excuses to cosy around a fire with a glass of red - our favourite libation colour - from McLaren Vale when the sun dips. In terms of rain, Adelaide is the driest of all the Australian capitals but June is the wettest month with an average of 80mm.
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Originally published as Best things to do in Adelaide in winter
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