Best time to visit Kangaroo Island

Wildlife, waterscapes and the wilderness trail await in Kangaroo Island

While Kangaroo Island is great to visit at any time of year, if you’re travelling to hike, go to the beach or see specific wildlife like baby kangaroos or whales, there is a certain time you’ll want to visit.

The best time to visit Kangaroo Island for hiking and general exploration is usually in the spring and autumn months, but if you’re visiting to swim at the beach, the best time to go is summer.

Summer	Autumn	Winter	Spring
December to February	March to May	June to August	September to November

When to visit

The ocean view from the Remarkable Rocks with three hikers posing on Kangaroo Island

When to visit for hiking

You can visit Kangaroo Island anytime for a hike, but spring and autumn are often the most comfortable times. Spring sees native wildflowers bloom and animals, like the Australian sea lions at Seal Bay Conservation Park, come out to enjoy the sun.

Autumn weather tends to be warm and sunny during the day and cool at night, with the added bonus of smaller crowds. Pleasant temperatures make for ideal bushwalking conditions.

A fairy penguin at night in warm lighting

When to visit for wildlife experiences

Winter is an excellent time for wildlife enthusiasts. Watch fur seals basking in the winter sun, adorable joeys emerging from their mother's pouches and southern right whales breaching off the coast. Winter sees the heaviest rainfall and chilly winds, so warm layers and a waterproof jacket are essential.

If you’re hoping to see penguins, the most likely time to see them is when they come ashore to breed from March to December.

A beach on Kangaroo Island with white sand, blue water and cliffs

When to visit to enjoy the beaches

Summer is the most popular time to visit when the days are long and the weather is warm and sunny, meaning you should have the best beach weather to enjoy Kangaroo Island’s highly ranked beaches. Spend your days lazing on the white sands of Emu Bay, exploring the natural pools of Stokes Bay or swimming in the calm waters of Cove Beach.