Guide to winter in Adelaide 

From a tropical girl.

As someone who grew up in the tropics, it took me awhile to acclimatise to the Australian winter or to be specific, the South Australian winter because the season is a bit different here than it is in other parts of the country. 

The schedule and the climate

So, let’s begin with a discussion on the period in which winter is to take place in SA. Google says winter runs between the months of June and August with temperatures hovering around 15 degrees Celsius; even cooler in the mornings and evenings. 

When I first got here, it felt like winter was on time. It was cool in autumn and by the time June came, I was already sporting my puffer jackets but as I go through more and more winters in Adelaide, it takes me more and more time until I could finally break into my winter attire. 

Maybe my skin has finally adapted to the climate here or maybe it’s just global warming. 

Anyway, I would say peak winter starts around July here. Even the Kaurna calendar says Kudlila (winter) starts in July. June is chilly but I don’t think it warrants the wearing of jackets yet, unless you’re one to get cold easily. 

What to wear

And with that let’s talk fashion! 

Here’s my personal guide to dressing for the winter weather:

• Anything above 20 degrees is warm – I could probably go out in a blouse or if I’m feeling particularly daredevilish, a t-shirt with a cardigan slung around my shoulders just in case it gets cold.
• Anything between 15-20 degrees is chilly – I’d say a thick knit sweater with a t-shirt underneath could keep me warm enough.
• Anything below 15 degrees is cold – I wouldn’t leave the house without layering my thermals and bringing along a puffer or thick coat. 

Take note of the wind and rain too. If it seems like the trees outside your window are swaying a little bit too hard and the clouds are getting darker by the minute, there’s a high chance that you’re in for a really cold weather. So, dress accordingly.  

If you’re a tropical transplant like me and this is your first winter, I would suggest you invest in a good down jacket. Uniqlo has some affordable ones (some you can even pack into small pouches so it’s perfect for when you need to just toss them into your uni bag) or you can opt for the more expensive but tried and true ones from specialty brands like Kathmandu and The North Face instead.

Aim for something with a hood though because winter can get pretty wet here in SA and you will get caught in the rain at some point. 

What to do

Contrary to popular beliefs, winter does not have to be miserable. In SA, there’s heaps of things you could do to keep yourself away from the winter blues, especially during the weekends.

One of my favourite things to do is to take myself out for dinner on Friday nights – somewhere busy and noisy like Central Market – and soak up the ambience while I devour my meal. Do a little people watching, enjoy the live music, and if I’m lucky, I might even catch a fire twirling performance. Check out Winter Weekends to find your next warm Friday night dinner spot. 

Other things that are happening this winter:

• Illuminate Adelaide (there’s free installations around the city too)
• Mary Poppins The Musical 
• First Fridays at the Art Gallery of South Australia (+ their new Frida Kahlo exhibition)
• FIFA Women’s World Cup trophy tour 
• NAIDOC in the Mall
• DIDA Games Night
• Sweet Treats on Hutt Street Festival 

Where to go 

I love hitting the hills on colder months because the woodlands and fog just romanticises winter for me. While Hahndorf is a great attraction in Adelaide Hills, I prefer Stirling much more which is located just before Hahndorf. It’s a little quieter seeing as it is not the main tourist spot but it’s worth the visit nonetheless! 

Be sure to check out their Sunday market for some soft, sweet cinnamon scrolls and fresh cold-pressed apple juices. Then head over to Red Cocoa Chocolatier for a cup of specialty hot chocolate and top your day off with a book from Matilda Bookshop. 

I know winter can make us feel melancholic and dismal at times but that doesn’t mean we should spend the whole season hibernating in our dens. There’s so much to see and do in Adelaide this winter, so get your coats ready for some exploring.