Too Hot to Handle? The Best Things to Do in Adelaide on a Scorching Day
Adelaide summers can be no joke. When the temperature is pushing past “pleasant” and firmly into “why did I leave the house?” territory, the trick is simple: duck indoors, slow the pace, and let air-conditioning and chilled drinks do the heavy lifting. Luckily, Adelaide is great at exactly that.
Here’s how to enjoy the city when it’s way too hot to be outside for long.
Start Cool at the Adelaide Central Market
Yes, it’s busy—but it’s also undercover, air-conditioned, and packed with food (which automatically makes everything better). Wander through the stalls grabbing cold juices, iced coffees, gelato, fresh fruit, and snacks to eat on the spot.
Take your time, browse slowly, and let lunch turn into a long, lazy affair. When it’s this hot, grazing is a lifestyle choice.
Hot-day tip: go earlier in the morning or closer to closing time to avoid the biggest crowds. We offer tours of the Central Markets from Tuesday to Saturday at 11:30am and 1pm which are a perfect way to experience the markets and learn more about them during your visit as well as enjoy 10 tasty bites of food for a grazing style lunch. For more information check here.
Lose Track of Time at a Museum or Gallery
Adelaide’s cultural precinct is perfect for heatwave days.
Art Gallery of South Australia – light-filled, calm, and cool, with everything from classic works to contemporary exhibitions.
South Australian Museum – dinosaurs, ancient cultures, and fascinating collections that are easy to explore at your own pace.
MOD. at UniSA – immersive, futuristic exhibitions that make you forget how hot it is outside entirely.
The Motlock Wing in the State Library was recently voted the 2nd most beautiful library in the world and is well worth a visit.
All are centrally located, free (or low-cost), and blissfully air-conditioned.
Escape Into a Long Lunch (or Three-Hour Coffee)
When it’s too hot to rush anywhere, Adelaide’s café and restaurant scene has you covered. Pick a spot, order slowly, and settle in.
Think shady wine bars with indoor seating, restaurants with good AC and cold white wine, cafés that won’t judge you for ordering another iced latte
Peel Street, Leigh Street, Norwood’s Parade, and North Adelaide are all great places to park yourself indoors for a while. Some of our top recommendations for cafes can be found in our top places for coffee article or for eating out can be found in our top Adelaide neighbourhoods for foodies article.
Go Underground (Literally) at the Adelaide Arcade & Rundle Mall
Rundle Mall might be outdoors, but it’s surrounded by heritage arcades and indoor shopping spaces that make it easy to duck in and out of the heat.
Adelaide Arcade, Regent Arcade, and nearby department stores are perfect for browsing, people-watching, and pretending you’re shopping when really you’re just enjoying the cool air.
Catch a Movie or Live Show
Midday cinema sessions are underrated—especially on hot days. Adelaide has great options from big multiplexes to boutique cinemas with comfy seating.Head over to the Piccadilly Cinema on O’Connell Street, North Adelaide for a taste of Art Deco architecture before retreating to the cool inside. Indie films more up your alley? The Mercury Cinema in Adelaide’s West End on Morphett Street is a not-for-profit theatre that shows more obscure (some foreign) movies that aren’t shown on the big(ger) screens.
If you’re visiting during festival season from Mid February to Mid March then indoor comedy shows, theatre, and cabaret performances are also a brilliant way to escape the heat without missing out on the city’s vibe. Check out some options on the Fringe Festival website>
Wine Tasting Without the Vineyard Heat
he Barossa and McLaren Vale are incredible, but on extreme heat days they can feel like too much effort. Instead, head to city wine bars and tasting rooms where you can sample South Australia’s best drops in comfort. The National Wine Centre in the Botanic gardens is a perfect spot to head for a slow and cool wine tasting paired with delicious chacuterie boards. We also start off our Adelaide Food Odyssey tour here.
Cool interiors, knowledgeable staff, and chilled rosé or riesling = summer survival done right.
Splash out
What better pairing than summer and the water? Slap on sunscreen and float down the River Torrens while having a barbecue on BBQ Buoys or enjoy the breeze on Popeye. When the weather does cooloff you can experience the Popeye on our Discover Adelaide: City walk and Popeye River Cruise Tour.
Finish with Sunset by the Sea
Once the worst of the heat passes, head west. Henley Beach and Glenelg are ideal for evening walks, casual dinners, and ocean breezes that finally make things bearable again.
No rush—just a drink, a meal, and watching the sun drop into the water.
Final Thought
On super-hot days, Adelaide isn’t about cramming everything in—it’s about slowing down, staying cool, and enjoying good food, culture, and air-conditioning. Plan smart, take breaks, and save the outdoor adventures for another day.