Does It Snow In South Australia In December?

Australia is in the Southern Hemisphere, hence when the Northern Hemisphere countries like UK or Canada are snowing, it is summer Down Under.

As a whole, there will be no powdery snow in December in South Australia, instead, you will get heat waves and hot breezes in South Australia. It does not snow anywhere in South Australia during winter, but it might hail sometimes due to storms moving through.

In December, Santa might have to arrive in South Australia with a singlet and shorts, because it will be a hot Christmas Eve. Perfect summer weather to go out and enjoy summer activities.

You can check for weather warnings at the Bureau of Meteorology website before arriving in South Australia. Weather warnings are important all year round because it can be a fire ban in summer or a hail warning in winter; both warnings can be a danger if you are planning to camp out. Other times, you can enjoy the great outdoors all year round.

What Is The Coldest Month In South Australia?

The coldest month in South Australia is July. It has an average maximum temperature of 16C, the nights can go down to -5C in remote areas. While it does not snow, it has thunderstorms, strong winds and frost patches.

Typically, June is the wettest month in South Australia, but July is the coldest month of the year. But you will still have to pack waterproof jackets or a poncho because the strong winds might wreck your umbrellas.

The pressure system means that the wind blows from the South Pole across the sea before dumping the rain inland. Winter winds can go up to 90km/h, with lashing rains that can damage property and trees. This is a good time to watch the weather before heading out for a camp or choosing to stay in a warm cabin.

Despite the cold days, the sun is still emitting UV rays, in Australia, remember to put on sunscreen every day, even during winter if you are heading out.

For travellers, coming in July means packing cold-weather gear and some rain boots. It does not snow in South Australia, so you can leave your snow jackets behind, but pack a wet suit. This is the best time to visit the Eyre Peninsula as the giant Australian cuttlefish migrates to Stony Point to mate and spawn.

If getting into the water is not your thing, you can head to the Head of Bight, also in the Eyre Peninsula. The Great Australian Bight is a whale’s sanctuary where the whale calves are born and raised in the safety of shallow waters. You are guaranteed to see a whale during July, as the whales will be there from May to October to raise their young.

What Are South Australian Winters Like?

South Australian Winters are a mixture of heavy rains a burst of hot sunshine with a blast of icy winds. The mornings and nights can be frosty, but it will warm up when the sun comes up and the clouds part.

While it does not snow in South Australia, the outback can sometime dip below zero some days. If you are planning to stay in the Adelaide Hills or the Outback, you should be prepared for frosty days.

Because there is no snow in South Australia, head to the Winter Village in Adelaide for skating and having some time together in the pop-up “igloos“. Illuminate Adelaide happens in July, with free and ticketed events featuring light shows at night. Unless there is heavy rain, you can do the same activities in winter as you do in summer: bushwalking, camping and star gazing.

Visit the Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens in Adelaide Hills during winter for a spectacular view. The Mount Loft Botanic Gardens is also known as the Winter Garden, as the lush trees will turn into various shades of green, yellow, and brown. The garden is also host to plants that bloom during winter, and it has plenty of spots for a good picnic or photo shoot.

Is December A Good Time To Visit Adelaide?

December is a good time to visit Adelaide and the state of South Australia because it is the start of summer and the weather is pleasant. You might have a few scorchers (a few days above 30C) but you can camp out along the coast of Adelaide, from Port Adelaide to down south at Brighton.

Do you want the best of both worlds? Swim with the dolphins and sea lions in the Eyre Peninsula, and then camp out under the stars at Lincoln National Park. The only thing you have to be aware of is the fire restrictions during the summer.

In Adelaide, head to Victoria Square (Tarntanyangga) to see the big Christmas tree that is up after Santa’s arrival. Santa usually arrives in mid-November to Adelaide to attend the Christmas Pageant. After that, he will be talking to children in Adelaide at the Magic Cave in Rundle Mall.

Adelaide’s Lobethal in the Hills is the place to be if you like Christmas Lights. They usually go up around the 12th of December, and they will also host a concert to start the festive season.

Christmas is not your scene? Head to Victor Harbor, only an hour’s drive from Adelaide. Goolwa is adjacent, where you can fish for cockles in the morning. You can watch the cockle train steam pass if the temperature allows it. The Cockle Train will move from Victor Harbor to nearby stations Goolwa, Middleton and Port Elliot.

You can stay in a powered campsite in Victor Harbor Holiday & Cabin Park for AUD $30 a night. It provides free Wifi, undercover gas barbeque and camp kitchens. It also has a laundry, pump track and a 9-hole mini-golf to entertain the young ones.

Any time is a good time to visit Adelaide and South Australia because the weather is wet or dry, and easy to pack for. Pack a good jacket and several shirts that you can layer up if you are planning to come during July to experience winter in South Australia. In summer, remember to pack your swimsuits and a good supply of sunscreen and insect repellent.