Seasons & Climate
The Adelaide Hills has four very distinct seasons, each offering different experiences and reasons to visit. Settle in by the fire with a glass of red wine in a cosy B&B in winter or visit in summer to pick your own cherries and strawberries. Autumn puts on a colourful show of leaves, while spring is one of the best times to visit open gardens.
Summer (December-February)
Higher altitude means the Hills are generally a few degrees cooler than Adelaide, with lush, shady trees, wineries and beer gardens, cool glades and fern gullies providing a welcome sanctuary from the heat. Summer is also a great time to pick fresh strawberries and cherries and enjoy major events such as the Tour Down Under and Crush Wine Festival.
Autumn (March – May)
The region is well-known for its beauty in autumn, with Stirling and Hahndorf lined with spectacular trees, golden corduroy vineyards, and a sea of colour at Mount Lofty Botanic Garden. Many of the region’s most famous crops are also harvested at this time of year, including crisp apples, juicy pears and flavoursome figs, with opportunities to pick straight from the tree.
Winter (June-August):
A season for romantic mists, lush green pastures, creeks and waterfalls, perfect for nature play and campfires. Think: cosy B&B’s, hearty food and wine, roaring open fires in pubs and cellar doors, velvety hot chocolates, rich mulled wine and roasted chestnuts. Don’t miss Winter Reds Weekend in July for rustic food, warming wines and lively entertainment at local cellar doors.
Spring (September-November)
Spring brings a profusion of colour in the Adelaide Hills, with the region’s glorious open gardens at their prime, and Mount Lofty Botanic Garden a profusion of colour. As trees transform to a brilliant green, buds burst in vineyards and apple and pear orchards grow thick with blossom, while baby animals frolic in lush fields and pastures. Read more >