Planning a trip to Adelaide? What to pack is one question we all ask when planning a trip.
What you need to pack for a trip to Adelaide will depend upon the season and also what you plan to do. It is a fairly casual city, so comfortable casual clothing will be perfect in most places. In summer, Adelaide can be scorchingly hot and in winter it can be relatively cold, so you will need to pack accordingly.
Temperatures in Adelaide
During summer, Adelaide has an average temperature of 29C (84F). However during January, you can experience several hot days in a row around the 40C (104F) mark. On these hot days, you will want to plan your outdoor sightseeing for early in the morning, taking advantage of an airconditioned attraction in the afternoons. You will need light, cool clothing.
During the winter months, Adelaide’s average temperature is 16C (60). This is quite mild in comparison to other regions, however you will still need warm clothing for outdoor activities. Particularly if you are planning trips to nearby Victor Harbor, Kangaroo Island and the Limestone Coast on the Southern Ocean. The wind off the ocean in the winter is arctic.
Check out our packing guides for other destinations
What to wear in Adelaide
What you wear in Adelaide will depend largely upon what you plan to do. Generally smart casual clothing will be fine, however you will need a dressier outfit if you are planning to visit the casino, theatre or smarter restaurants.
Comfortable clothing is a must if you are planning to visit any of Adelaide’s many festivals, as is a wide-brimmed hat in summer.
If you are planning to head into the hills and the many nature reserves, you will want clothing that will protect you from the sun’s harmful rays, as well as protective shoes.
Visiting the wineries around Adelaide you will want smarter casual clothing. Many clubs, pubs and restaurants will have dress codes. Generally smart casual attire is fine – a skirt or pants with a neat top. Swimwear, thongs (flip flops) and singlet tops will often not be allowed.
Multi functional wardrobe
We pack a multi-functional, interchangeable wardrobe. Items that can take you from a day’s sightseeing to dinner at the pub. I love the “capsule wardrobe” concept. Basically it comprises of a few pieces that you absolutely LOVE and will mix and match together for a number of different outfits.
Summer packing for Adelaide
Bear in mind that during summer, you will need to change your tops every day due to the heat. So you will either need to pack one shirt for each day, or tops that can be washed and dried quickly. Long pants will also be uncomfortable if you strike really hot days.
Ladies wardrobe
I usually start with a pair of black pants and a skirt that can be worn day or night. I team these with two casual tops, two shirts and a couple of dressier tops for evening. This gives you 12 outfits that can easily be dressed up or down with scarves, necklaces and accessories.
In summer I always also take a light dress to Adelaide , as they are cooler. You will also want a cardigan just in case of a rare cooler evening.
Some comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring the city. Sandals are much cooler on hot days and you will want a pair of dressy heels for dinner in the evening. However, if you are planning on doing any bushwalking, enclosed shoes – joggers or hiking boots – are a must. You certainly don’t want to stumble upon a snake or spider wearing sandals.
Men’s wardrobe
For Ian I will pack two pair of shorts and two pair of long pants. Match these with three T shirts or polo shirts and two button up shirts, with a dressy shirt in case we go to a fancy restaurant. Once again, 12 outfits which can take you from sightseeing to dinner at the pub. You will want jeans or longer shorts if you are planning on bushwalking.
You will also need comfortable walking shoes and a pair of smart dress shoes. Thongs aren’t generally worn off the beach in the city and you may find sandals more comfortable in summer.
Pack your swimsuits in summer. Even if you are not planning to spend time on the beach, you may find you enjoy cooling off in the hotel pool on a searing hot day. A sunhat is also a must for both men and ladies.
Packing for winter in Adelaide
If you are visiting Adelaide during winter, layers will be the key. You will want warmer clothes that you can put on or take off as the day warms up. Unlike summer, you will be able to get a couple of days out of one shirt.
You will need three long sleeve shirts or long sleeve T shirts. These can be layered and worn under a lightweight jumper. These can be worn with two pair of jeans and a pair of smart pants. Add two dressy tops for the ladies or a two smart shirts for men to take you out for the evening.
You will also need a warm jacket, particularly if you plan on visiting the coastal areas. It can also get quite cold up on the hills and the winery regions. One of my favourite pieces is a taupe jacket, which can be worn with everything in my wardrobe. A rainproof jacket that can live at the bottom of your daypack in case of showers will also be very useful..
By selecting clothing that you can mix and match or layer, you can still pack lightly for your trip to Adelaide.
Read also:
A local’s guide to visiting Adelaide.
What does it cost to visit Adelaide?
What does it cost to visit Melbourne
A Local’s Guide to visiting Australia
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