The Best Time to Visit Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island—Australia’s third largest—is regularly listed as one of the best islands in the world and is known for its fantastic beaches, authentic food-and-drink experiences, wild and untamed landscapes, and abundant wildlife.

When to visit Kangaroo Island

So, when is the best time to visit Kangaroo Island? Picture-perfect landscapes, seasonal produce and ample wildlife-spotting opportunities make the island a top holiday destination all year-round. As each season has its appeal, come more than once to experience all the highlights!

Our guide to the best things to see and what to expect on Kangaroo Island in summer, autumn, winter and spring will help you decide when to come, along with giving you plenty of inspiration to help you plan your stay.

Kangaroo Island in summer

Weather

The most popular season is the Australian summer (December to February), when average temperatures of 24°C (75°F) maximum and 14°C (57°F) minimum are ideal for exploring the stunning beaches—we promise there is one to suit everyone! As summer is also the Kangaroo Island fire season, ensure you are aware of fire safety regulations.

Swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and surfing locations are abundant. The north coast is generally safer for swimming while the south coast has wild, crashing waves and surf fishing. Discover tranquil bays and beaches such as Stokes Bay, which offers child-friendly rock pools and moderate waves for boogie-boarders.

Wildlife and Nature

At the beach or on the water, explore the abundance of sea life and birds. You might even spot a pod of dolphins cruising past!

Summer is mating season for koalas and seals, so watch the fierce territorial battles from the Admiral's Arch boardwalk or Seal Bay and listen to the koalas' deep mating call in the treetops.

In summer, kangaroos, echidnas and many other animals and birds retreat to the shade during the heat of the day, returning to forage around dawn and dusk.

Eat and Drink

Enjoy the island’s authentic flavours and taste local produce at farm outlets. Get to know the foodie scene, local artisans and pick up a collection of local delicacies.

Pack a summer feast to enjoy on the beach with a bottle of Kangaroo Island wine. Seafood such as Southern rock lobster and Southern garfish are plentiful. Try lavender or honey ice cream, taste fresh oysters with some local gin, and enjoy KI granola with freshly picked figs for breakfast. To explore the island's farm gates, cellar doors and the best places to eat out, check out our Eat & Drink guide!

Kangaroo Island in autumn

Weather

If you ask a local when to visit Kangaroo Island, they’ll probably say autumn! Between March and May, there’s still enough daylight to explore, while cooler nights are ideal for rugging up with a selection of Kangaroo Island delights over dinner.

The mild temperatures of 20°C (68°F) maximum and 13°C (55°F) minimum are perfect for nature lovers, bushwalkers, and fishing fans. Bright, clear days with low winds, less rain and calmer seas are great for family days on the beach.

Wildlife and Nature

In autumn, wildflowers—banksias, peapods, flame heath and common heath—begin to blossom, and the woodlands provide bushwalkers and photographers with a taste of nature’s diversity.

Autumn is a marvellous time to spot wildlife and identify birds. Keep a close eye out for tiger snakes, little lizards and Rosenberg's goanna.

Pack your walking shoes so you can discover the many walks and hikes across Kangaroo Island.

Eat and Drink

Kangaroo Island offers a range of cellar doors complemented by regional produce. Visit one of the first boutique distilleries in South Australia, where fresh, local botanicals enhance handcrafted gin, vodka and liqueurs.

Influences from previous generations have helped create high-quality produce with distinctive flavours. Pick up bottled jams, chutneys, and sauces direct from the producers at local markets or call into a pop-up food van for some island-style 'fast food'.

Go 'squidding' for southern calamari off the local jetties to enjoy with a bottle of local wine. Alternatively, dine out at one of the many restaurants and cafes proudly serving Kangaroo Island wine and produce.

Kangaroo Island in winter

Weather

A winter wonderland abounds between June and August, and it can have a particularly romantic atmosphere. Some days offer the ideal opportunity to rug up and stay cosy by a roaring log fire, and others are perfect for enjoying the sun and solitude with fewer tourists. With many cosy accommodation options available, curl up with a glass of island red while watching the rain, or relax with outstanding views over the landscape.

Kangaroo Island in winter offers flowing waterfalls, lush pastures and bushland, birdlife and dramatic seascapes. With average temperatures around 15°C (59°F) maximum and 8°C (47°F) minimum, layer up and head out for a nature adventure like no other.

Wildlife and Nature

In winter, joeys emerge from their mother's pouches to explore, and southern right whales visit. It is the best time for bushwalking and the perfect chance to spot birdlife such as glossy black cockatoos and raptors.

The cooler months are ideal for scenic hikes through picturesque landscapes. The Western River's Waterfall Creek hike packs a lot into its five kilometres, passing through forests and woodlands to a spectacular waterfall framed by tall grass trees. Look out for orchids, early boronias and plenty of fungi. Find out more about Kangaroo Island's walks and hikes here.

Eat and Drink

Say ‘hi’ to the friendly locals as most restaurants, cellar doors and producers are as hospitable as ever during the colder months. Winter is also a great time for King George whiting and oysters. Don’t miss the Gutsy Kangaroo Island event celebrating KI produce, set to be held annually each June long weekend, after the success of the inaugural event in 2022.

Kangaroo Island in spring

Weather

With warmer, longer days, Kangaroo Island in spring sees many wildflowers in full bloom and the wildlife coming out to play. Numerous activities are on offer between September and November along the island’s 540 kilometres of coastline.

Average temperatures between 19°C (66°F) maximum and 11°C (52°F) minimum create picturesque morning mists and birdsong. Paddle a kayak, go hiking or cycling, or fish for some of Australia's freshest seafood.

Wildlife and Nature

Find a grassy patch and wait for a close-up wildlife encounter at dusk. At dusk, kangaroos and wallabies emerge to feed on some juicy grass in the shelter of the bushland.

Australian sea lions can be spotted basking on the beach on a tour at the Seal Bay Conservation Park, and pups are generally born any time between January and June, although each year and location can be different due to an unusual 18 month breeding cycle. Long-nosed fur seals at Admiral's Arch can be seen in and around the rock pools, and pups are usually born in December and January. Keen photographers will find unspoilt landscapes with abundant blooms and colours aplenty amongst the vegetation.

We have a range of knowledgeable tour operators and guides on Kangaroo Island who know the best places to spot our wildlife - and will help you get up close and personal with some of Australia's most unique and iconic animals.

Eat and Drink

As the Ligurian bees start producing honey in spring, try Kangaroo Island's distinctively complex flavours of coastal mallee or sugar gum honey. Lavender begins to bloom, spring lamb is available at gourmet outlets, and you can pick up wild fruit jams from the local markets.

Meet the island residents and share their love of social gatherings. Taste fresh coffee, home-baked-and-grown produce, and crafted ales. Create a picnic basket with fresh, seasonal produce and do what the locals do—head to one of the many remote beaches to unwind and relax.