Spring is one of the most popular times of year to visit Adelaide and South Australia.

Step into spring's colourful surroundings, when the cherry blossoms and jacarandas bloom into life. Adelaide Hills awakens from its winter slumber with blooming gardens and vibrant apple and pear blossoms. Admire the area’s splendid Rhododendron’s with a visit to Mount Lofty Botanic Garden in Crafers.

Spring is also nesting season for many birds in the region, making it a prime time of year for birdwatchers to visit.

Average temperatures: 18°C – 24°C

Annual seasonal events:

• SA Spring Garden Festival, a popular festival with surroundings of the Barossa Valley and Adelaide Hills – September

• CheeseFest, where you can sample cheese from near to 100 producers from all regions of South Australia and beyond – October

• Oktoberfest in the Gardens (Adelaide), celebrating German food and beer – October

• Nature Festival South Australia, a collection of over 300 nature-inspired events across South Australia – September – October

Why visit Adelaide and South Australia in spring:

• A great time of year for birdwatching

• Pleasant temperatures for sightseeing

• Flowers blooming in parks and gardens

Summer in Adelaide is when visitors can enjoy outdoor dining, rooftop bars and a lively atmosphere.

To make the most of the gorgeous, balmy weather at this time of year, spend long, relaxed days at South Australia’s expansive, white sandy stretches of beach. Popular beaches, near to the city Adelaide include Glenelg Beach and Henley Beach, while further afield Maslin Beach and Port Willunga display unique coves and stunning cliff views.

This is also an ideal time of year to visit Kangaroo Island, where you can soak up pristine shorelines and admire active wildlife such as koalas, kangaroos, and sea lions. Just a 45-minute ferry journey from Cape Jervis (around a two hour drive from Adelaide), this island is well worth at least a couple of nights on your South Australia itinerary.

Average temperatures: 28°C – 29°C

Annual seasonal events:

• Adelaide Fringe, the largest arts festival in the Southern Hemisphere and the second-largest annual fringe festival in the world – February – March

• Adelaide Festival, a world-class theatre, opera, classical and contemporary music, dance, visual arts, and multimedia works – February – March

• WOMADelaide, a four-day global music, arts, and dance festival, held annually in Adelaide’s Botanic Park/Tainmuntilla – March

Why visit Adelaide and South Australia in summer:

• Make the most of South Australia’s beaches

• Enjoy snorkelling, swimming and surfing around Kangaroo Island

• Check out Adelaide’s vibrant festival scene

Autumn is the ideal time of year to enjoy the wine harvest in South Australia and to admire the area’s vibrant autumn colours.

Following the heat of the summer, the temperatures drop to mild and moderate levels, making it a comfortable time to wander through South Australia's vineyards and wineries. To admire the brilliant golds and ambers of the trees at this time of year, take a wonder through beautiful parks such as Adelaide Botanic Garden, Mount Lofty Botanic Garden and Stirling.

Seasonal produce can also be savoured at this time of year, with streetside stalls filled with fresh figs, apples and seasonal fruit and food markets, such as Adelaide Central Market and Adelaide Showground Farmers’ Market brimming with fresh, organic fruits and vegetables.

Average temperatures: 12°C – 22°C

Annual seasonal events:

• History Festival, an annual event that celebrates the state’s history through walks, talks, exhibitions, workshops and more – May

• Tasting Australia Presented by RAA, one of the country's longest-running and largest annual food and beverage festivals – May

• Clare Valley Gourmet Week/Weekend, Australia's longest-running food and wine festival – May

Why visit Adelaide and South Australia in autumn:

• Sample world-class wines at Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills

• Ideal time for hiking with cooler temperatures and rich autumnal hues

• Shoulder season meaning you can enjoy fewer crowds

Adelaide gleams in winter with glowing light and sound displays, presented by Illuminate Adelaide.

Winter is a wonderful time of year to explore the region with brisk temperatures, ideal for sight-seeing. Admire South Australia's night sky, with astronomy sessions along the Murray River, explore the unique and historic mining area of Coober Pedy, and spot whales along the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Winter is also the best time to visit for a cosy and relaxed break, savouring calm moments at your hotel, warming meals in front of a roaring wood fire, and treating yourself to an intimate wine tasting.

Average temperatures: 7°C – 16°C

Seasonal events to watch out for:

• Illuminate Adelaide, a annual winter festival held annually in July, transforming the city’s streets and architecture with art, light and music displays – July

• Adelaide Beer & BBQ Festival, one of the world’s biggest beer festivals showcasing regional and interstate craft breweries – July

• Cellar Door Fest Winter Edit, a boutique festival for those seeking to indulge in South Australia’s best wines, spirits, and culinary delicacies – July

Why visit Adelaide and South Australia in winter:

• The best opportunity see southern right whales and humpback whales

• Admire the city brightening up with Illuminate Adelaide

• Explore the region with fewer crowds

When to visit South Australia and Adelaide for hiking: spring (September - November) when colourful wildflowers bring the local surroundings to life

When to visit South Australia and Adelaide to enjoy the beaches: summer (December – February) when the weather is warm and sunny and you can enjoy comfortable water temperatures

When to visit South Australia and Adelaide for wildlife experiences: spring (September – November) for spotting joeys and other animal active newborns

Best time to visit South Australia and Adelaide for wine tasting: autumn (March – May) to make the most of harvest season in Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Adelaide Hills

Best time to visit South Australia and Adelaide for whale watching: winter (May to October) for seeing the whale migration, with the peak opportunities for sighting in July and August

Best time to visit South Australia and Adelaide for festivals/events: March – also known as ‘Mad March’ by the locals, because of its action-packed calendar of arts and culture events