Beaches · Adelaide · Australia
The best beaches in and near Adelaide
Where to swim and spend a beach day, and when the water is warm.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Luke Anderson, CC BY-SA 2.0
Quick answer
The best-known beach is Glenelg Beach (About 11 km south-west of the city, 30 minutes by tram). The sea is usually warm enough for a comfortable swim (21°C+) in January–March.
Key facts
- Beaches in this guide
- 5
- Swimming season
- January–March
- Warmest sea
- 22°C (72°F)
The beaches
About 11 km south-west of the city, 30 minutes by tram · Families
1.Glenelg Beach
Wide sandy beach with a jetty, patrolled swimming in summer and Jetty Road's restaurants behind it.
About 10 km west of the city · Sunsets and dinner
2.Henley Beach
Calm, west-facing beach with a jetty and Henley Square's dining strip, popular at sunset.
About 15 km north-west of the city · Quiet family days
3.Semaphore
Old-fashioned seaside suburb with a jetty, a heritage carousel and a long beach.
About 13 km south-west of the city · Swimming
4.Brighton
Beach and jetty south of Glenelg with a café strip and calmer crowds.
About 45 km south of the city · Scenery and photos
5.Port Willunga
Fleurieu beach with ochre cliffs and the remains of an old jetty, near McLaren Vale.
Sea temperature by month
| Month | Sea | Air high |
|---|---|---|
| January | 21°C (70°F) | 29°C (84°F) |
| February | 22°C (72°F) | 29°C (84°F) |
| March | 21°C (70°F) | 26°C (79°F) |
| April | 19°C (66°F) | 23°C (73°F) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 19°C (66°F) |
| June | 15°C (59°F) | 16°C (61°F) |
| July | 14°C (57°F) | 15°C (59°F) |
| August | 13°C (55°F) | 16°C (61°F) |
| September | 14°C (57°F) | 19°C (66°F) |
| October | 16°C (61°F) | 22°C (72°F) |
| November | 18°C (64°F) | 25°C (77°F) |
| December | 20°C (68°F) | 27°C (81°F) |
Staying near the beach
$$$ · Best for beach, families and first-timers
Glenelg
Glenelg is where South Australia's colonists landed in 1836, and it is now Adelaide's busiest beach suburb. Jetty Road runs from the tram stop to Moseley Square, the jetty and a long sandy beach, with hotels, apartments, ice-cream shops and restaurants along the way.
- Good
- Beach and city by tram; Lively in summer evenings; Good for families
- Watch out
- Busy at summer weekends; A 30-minute tram ride from the cultural sights
- Nearby
- Glenelg Jetty, Moseley Square, Holdfast Shores marina
Getting to the beaches
- Tram — The tram runs from the Entertainment Centre through the city along King William Street to Glenelg; travel within the city section is free.
- Bus — Adelaide Metro buses cover the suburbs, the hills foothills and the coast, and the free City Connector loops around the city and North Adelaide.
- Train — Suburban trains run from Adelaide Railway Station on North Terrace to Port Adelaide, the coast and the outer suburbs.
- Car — A car is the easiest way to explore the Barossa, McLaren Vale, Clare Valley and Fleurieu Peninsula.
Beach-weather months
Days of 24°C (75°F) or more with no more than nine rainy days come in November–March. The busiest of those is February, so book early.
Beach safety
Adelaide is a relaxed city for visitors. The main hazards are summer heat, strong sun and occasional bushfire risk in the Hills on hot, windy days; check fire warnings before driving to rural areas. Hindley Street can get rowdy late on weekend nights. Swim at lifeguarded beaches where possible and follow local flag warnings.
Questions travellers ask
+Does Adelaide have beaches?
Yes: Glenelg Beach, Henley Beach, Semaphore, Brighton and Port Willunga.
+When is the sea warm enough to swim in Adelaide?
Usually January–March, when the sea averages 21°C or more.
+What is the best beach near Adelaide?
Glenelg Beach: Wide sandy beach with a jetty, patrolled swimming in summer and Jetty Road's restaurants behind it.