Adelaide in December

In December, Adelaide averages 26°C (79°F) during the day and 15°C (59°F) at night, with around 9 days of rain (23 mm total).

High season

Conditions are warm and beach-friendly. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.

December is a great month to visit Adelaide: pleasant temperatures and relatively few wet days.

26°C
Avg high
15°C
Avg low
9
Rain days
23 mm
Rainfall

How December compares to the rest of the year in Adelaide

3rd
warmest month of the 12
10th
wettest month of the 12
4%
of yearly rainfall falls in December
14 h 29 min
daylight on the 15th

December is one of the warmest months in Adelaide (3rd of 12) and one of the driest months (10th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 5°C above the annual average (21°C). December runs 3°C warmer than November (23°C) and warms a further 2°C into January (28°C).

December sunrise & sunset in Adelaide

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
5:56 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
8:24 PM
Day length
14 h 29 min

Times shown for Adelaide local time (Australia/Adelaide), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Adelaide — December

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Adelaide's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
4:56 AM – 5:36 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
5:36 AM – 6:36 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
7:44 PM – 8:44 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
8:44 PM – 9:24 PM

📅 When to book — Adelaide in December

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (High season) and Adelaide's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
2-3 months
Prices are above off-season but not the absolute peak. Tuesday/Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekend ones.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
2-3 months
Wide selection still available at this lead time. Premium properties book first; consider 'last-minute deal' availability at 2-week mark if your dates are flexible.
⚠ Christmas / New Year travel is a global premium-pricing event — many destinations 30-50% above normal. Book 4+ months ahead if your dates are Dec 20 - Jan 2.

Crowds & pricing — December in Adelaide

High season

This is a busy month in Adelaide — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.

Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather

Sun & mosquito risk — December in Adelaide

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
12.7
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●●●
Severe
Severe mosquito season with active disease transmission risk. DEET 30%+, picaridin 20%, long sleeves day and night, treated nets, and check CDC/WHO travel advisories before going.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Adelaide in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 28°C / 82°F 17°C / 62°F 34 mm 8
February 27°C / 81°F 17°C / 62°F 23 mm 6
March 25°C / 77°F 15°C / 60°F 20 mm 9
April 21°C / 71°F 13°C / 56°F 53 mm 12
May 17°C / 63°F 11°C / 52°F 71 mm 16
June 15°C / 58°F 9°C / 48°F 83 mm 17
July 14°C / 57°F 8°C / 47°F 88 mm 19
August 15°C / 59°F 8°C / 47°F 78 mm 18
September 17°C / 63°F 10°C / 49°F 53 mm 15
October 21°C / 69°F 12°C / 53°F 47 mm 14
November 23°C / 73°F 13°C / 56°F 42 mm 11
December 26°C / 79°F 15°C / 59°F 23 mm 9

Other cities with similar December weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Adelaide in December →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Adelaide in December?

In December, Adelaide averages a high of 26°C (79°F) and a low of 15°C (59°F) — generally warm.

Does it rain a lot in Adelaide in December?

December sees occasional rain in Adelaide, with about 9 rainy days on average.

Is December a good time to visit Adelaide?

December is warm. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Adelaide in December?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings. See the full December packing list for Adelaide for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Adelaide on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.