Is Adelaide worth visiting?
Yes, you'll find numerous reasons to visit Adelaide, and it's a city that everyone should see. We had an amazing time here.
Whether you're a traveling as a family, a couple, or a backpacker, this city has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the terrific beaches and great shopping.
Adelaide is the capital of South Australia. While it's not at the top of many traveler's itineraries, it offers some great activities such as beautiful beaches and a world class wine scene. The city has many beautiful green spaces and there's a great cultural scene as well.
Rundle Mall, Adelaide (South Australian Tourism Commission)
7 Reasons to Visit Adelaide
1. Beaches
Part of what makes the city's beaches so great is how accessible they are. You don't have to go far to be at some of the area's best beaches. Glenelg is a family-friendly beach near town. It's also the most popular and most accessible. Brighton is relaxed with cafes and small restaurants nearby. And for seafood, head to Henley.
2. Shopping
Rundle Mall is the most well known shopping area in town. You'll find boutique shops as well as large department stores. Whether you're looking for international fashion brands or something more local, there are many places to explore.
3. Museums
There are some interesting buildings along North Terrace such as the Parliament House, the State Library of South Australia, and the South Australian Museum. At the Botanic Garden there's the Santos Museum of Economic Botany. Also make sure you check out the Art Gallery of South Australia.
4. Food
There's great wine, local restaurants, and charming cafes. You'll find local dishes as well as international flavors around town. The local produce is good and the restaurants offer fresh and delicious recipes.
5. Nightlife
The nightlife scene is filled with rooftop bars, live music venues, and boutique wine bars. Whether you're looking for trendy and luxury or casual and laid back, there are many places to spend a night out.
6. Hiking
Outside of town there are national parks and reserves with hiking trails. You don't have to go far to explore the coastline or bushland in the area.
7. Authenticity
Adelaide has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Adelaide worth visiting in the Summer?
The high season for travel in Adelaide is the summer, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is somewhat touristy, so in the high season it's usually busier.
The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 22°C (72°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 28°C (83°F).
Visiting the nearby beaches is one of the most popular things to do this time of year, so spend some time enjoying the waves and sand. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable city, especially in the nice weather. During this season it's fun to experience the beaches, the hiking, and the museums and landmarks. Also, you can check out the nightlife.
Summer Weather in Adelaide
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 22°C (72°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| February | 23°C (73°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| March | 21°C (69°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
Is Adelaide worth visiting in the Autumn?
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 18°C (64°F).
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Adelaide, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. Even though Adelaide is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.
This is a great time of year to wander through the museums and get out into nature.
Autumn Weather in Adelaide
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 18°C (64°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 15°C (58°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| June | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
Is Adelaide worth visiting in the Winter?
Winter is the low season for travel in Adelaide. This destination is fairly touristy, but in the low season you can find fewer crowds and better deals.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during winter with average temperatures around 11°C (52°F).
You'll like that you can take public transit easily in the winter, too. You can get around quickly while avoiding bad weather if needed. You'll find plenty to do during winter, as you'll be able to browse through museums, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, and enjoy an evening out.
Winter Weather in Adelaide
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 11°C (52°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| August | 12°C (54°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| September | 13°C (56°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
Is Adelaide worth visiting in the Spring?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Adelaide. Even though Adelaide is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 16°C (61°F).
During this season it's fun to experience the shops and boutiques, the famous sights and museums, and the nightlife scene.
Spring Weather in Adelaide
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 16°C (61°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| November | 18°C (65°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| December | 21°C (69°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
Related
What is Adelaide most famous for?
Adelaide is most famous for its wine scene, vibrant festivals, green spaces, and local sporting events. People visit this impressive city for its great beaches and shopping. It is also known for its great museums, food, nightlife, and hiking. It is often described as elegant, welcoming, friendly, and under-rated.
What is the most famous sight in Adelaide?
The most popular sight in Adelaide is the Adelaide Botanic Garden. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Adelaide on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for the Adelaide Botanic Garden and other attractions here.
How touristy is Adelaide? Is it a popular city to visit?
Adelaide is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Full Day Kayaking Tour in Coorong National Park: $108
- Hahndorf food and wine E-Bike Tour: $159
- Ultimate Adelaide Walking Tour: $37
- Adelaide Hills Day Tour. Winery Cellar Doors: $152
- Intimate Walk (Adelaide private tour): $128
- McLaren Vale Private Luxury Tours: $207
- Elderton Elite Tasting Experience: $85
- Abseiling Adventure in Adelaide: $101
How long should I spend in Adelaide?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Adelaide is two to four days. Since Adelaide has activities such as beaches and shopping, many visit for up to four days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Adelaide?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Adelaide?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Adelaide?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.