5 Hikes in Kangaroo Island - Season Guide

Kangaroo Island is a year-round destination, although the seasons are quite different. Summer is beautiful and warm; therefore, Kangaroo Island is pretty busy and high priced. It's vice versa in the winter. It frequently rains, but the island is not overrun. Expect more precipitation from April to October. Continue reading to figure out which season you may prefer.

Weather and Crowds by Season

Spring ( September-November)

Goanna basking in the sun 

Day temps in September are on average around 15°C. Rain decreases in October. Temps increase and reach 20°C in November. Camping is still chilly in the night with Temperatures below 10°C. The wildflower season starts. 

Summer (December-February) Peak Season

It's the most popular season with the best weather conditions. The downside almost everything is fully booked and high priced. The temps are on average around 25°C during the day and 12°C at night. These are the warmest and driest months of the year.

Autumn (March-May)

The crowds thin out except for Easter. The island gets its tranquillity back, and wildlife can be observed. The little penguins start nesting. Rain increases already around April, instead, less wind, which causes a calm sea. Day temps in March and April are above 20°C and below in May. Nights are already cool around 10°C.

Winter (June-August) Low Season

Temps are pleasant for winter around 14°C in the daytime and 7°C at night. It frequently rains, but on the other side, clear and sunny days occur. It's the coldest and wettest time of the year. Echidnas may hibernate at this time of the year, depending on the temps. Besides, for those who are visiting KI to see wildlife, winter is the best choice. There is abundant food, and the newborn kangaroos, koalas, and wallabies typically use this season to emerge from their mother's pouches. Whales can be spotted from the shore from May to September. Winter helps keep the sometimes-exorbitant prices of staying on the island much more manageable. Travelling in the off-peak season also leads to lower overall visitor numbers, which adds to the feeling of peace and solitude that can be had at any number of places on KI.

When to Spot Wildlife in Their Natural Habitat

• More active at dusk or they are nocturnal like the possums
• If it's hot koalas and kangaroos, prefer to rest in the shade
• Koalas are more active during the breeding season from October to March
• Goannas may be spotted basking in the sun
• Echidnas can be spotted throughout the year if it's not too cold during winter
   

How to Get to Kangaroo Island

You can get to the island either by plane with Qantas from Adelaide (in 2018 flights were offered from Melbourne during summer) or by ferry from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw in the northeast. The ferry ride takes roughly 45 minutes. If travelling by plane, I recommend renting a car to explore the island independently for a couple of days.

Top Tip and Accommodations on KI

Usually, Kangaroo Island is an expensive destination to visit, especially when adding the prices for transport to the island and back to the mainland plus your accommodation for your stay. Kangaroo Island is too huge and has too many attractions, hikes, and wildlife. Staying at least two, even three nights is highly recommended. We spent here almost a week. Important is the location; you can either camp in the National Park or stay close to the entrance and visitor centre like at Western KI Caravan Park & Wildlife Reserve. Consider from Kingscote it's a 100 km drive one way to the Flinders Chase National Park. Another lovely retreat is the Kangaroo Island WildernessRetreat. One thing is for sure; you will experience wildlife in these remote accommodations on Kangaroo Island. However, much on the island got destroyed in the bushfire in 2019/20 and many animals were burnt.