17 Fun Rainy Day Activities in Adelaide

While Adelaide isn't exactly known for its rainy weather, it's always a good idea to be prepared in the winter months so you're not caught out when the clouds do descend.

Whether you're a local or visiting Adelaide, we're here to help keep the fun flowing no matter the forecast, by rounding up some entertaining wet-weather back-up plans for your social calendars. (If you're staying in, we've got your movie-watching sorted, too.)

Get inspired by our fun rainy day activities in Adelaide to brighten up an otherwise miserable day. 

Cosy Up at an Award-Winning Bar 

Did you hear? Luma Bar & Restaurant at The Playford M Gallery has received its designer dues... and it's the perfect place to cosy up on a thunderous evening.

The gorgeous Art-Nouveau-inspired space took out the top spot in the 'Best Bar' category at the prestigious and influential Restaurant & Bar Design Awards in London in 2023, which honours the best in global hospitality design.

Settle in for a romantic evening of cocktails and bar bites as the rain sets in heavy overhead. In such stylish surroundings, the fickle weather won't be raining on your parade, or dampening your mood.

120 North Terrace, Adelaide 

Explore the Barossa Valley

When it comes to wine, South Australia serves up the goods. If reds are your thing, a trip to Barossa Valley is an absolute must. Sitting inside, sipping on a glass and enjoying some nibbles while the rain pours outside is all kinds of bliss.

Welcoming guests from far and wide, and only a short drive from Adelaide's CBD, the Barossa Valley is one of the state's (nay, country's) most celebrated wine regions. Perfect for a day or weekend trip, the luxurious region is known and loved for its picturesque scenery, cosy cellar doors and bold, deeply-hued reds that win international awards year after year.

There are plenty of wineries to choose from, and lucky for you, we've tried and tested them to create the ultimate guide to the best wineries in the Barossa Valley - you're welcome!

Bunker Down for a Play 

There's no better way to escape a downpour than a visit to one of Adelaide's fantastic theatres. The atmosphere of the darkened surroundings, the lit-up stage, a soulful song, a dramatic performance... there's nothing quite like it.

Voyage into theatrical wonderland on the wave of a heavy downpour by checking out the current State Theatre Company offerings; it's one of the best rainy day activities in Adelaide to add to your cultural forecast.  

Multiple locations around the city

Catch a Movie at The Piccadilly Cinema

Sat in front of a huge screen on a plush, comfortable seat is the ultimate way to experience a movie, especially on a rainy day in Adelaide.

Head to the beautifully refurbished Piccadilly Cinema in all of its art deco glory, and spend a few wet weather hours catching the latest blockbuster, a rerun of a classic favourite or a film festival screening.

Don't forget to stop off at the stylish bar for a bite to eat and to try out the cocktail of the month.

181 O'Connell Street, North Adelaide

Explore Plant 4 Bowden 

Brimming with eateries, bars, markets and events, Plant 4 Bowden is one of the best destinations for rainy day activities in Adelaide.

The magic happens just outside of the CBD, in the old Clipsal building in Bowden, which serves as an industrial backdrop for a weekly rotation of maker markets, special events, celebrations and weddings. Think Musical Bingo Tuesdays, Wednesday Night Markets and Trivia Thursdays.

Surrounded by greenery and Bowden Park, the venue is also home to several unique cafés, eateries and retail shops. You'll find ample indoor seating perfect for when the weather outside is a little extra grey and miserable, with more spaces opening up as Plant 4 continues to grow.

Day or night, it's a winning destination for good food, good drinks, good vibes and good times. 

5 Third Street, Bowden 

Try a Tasting at The National Wine Centre of Australia

South Australia is well known and loved for it’s many wine regions surrounding the Adelaide CBD including the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and the Adelaide Hills, but if you’re not in the mood for a drive out in the rain why not explore the National Wine Centre of Australia and its range of experience?

Learn all about Australian wine and winemaking with guided tours, have a meal from the seasonal menu and choose from over 120 wines to taste at their Wined Bar, all just a few minutes from the CBD.

Corner of Hackney Road & Botanic Road, Adelaide

Take a Foodie Workshop

Learn a new skill to take home with you for another rainy day with some of the many cooking classes and workshops around Adelaide.

Lovers of pickles can partake in a Seasonal Pickling or Chilli-Preserving Workshop at Plant 4 Bowden's My Grandma Ben, there are classes to help you master world cuisine at Sticky Rice Cooking School or Italian at Casa Carboni.

Plus, there’s always something tasty going on at the Adelaide Central Markets, which also just happens to be one of best places to visit on a rainy day in Adelaide.

Hide Out in a Pub with a Fireplace

Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but a cosy pub with a roaring fire is so delightful. From the smoky smell in the air to the warmth and glow of the flames, there's no better place to spend a rainy day.

For an effortless activity with friends, discover a cracking pub with a fireplace in Adelaide’s CBD, the Hills and beyond. They are well-stocked with delicious drops, plus most also boast better than average pub fare

Pretend You’re in Europe in Hahndorf

Spend your day exploring the historic town of Hahndorf, and wining and dining Austrian style at Hahndorf Hill Winery. The boutique vineyard specialises in cool climate wines, from crisp Pinot Grigio to a fresh, dry rosé.

No matter what the weather decides to do, you can take in the spectacular view as you enjoy a seated wine sampling experience at this extra cosy cellar door.

Hahndorf Hill Winery, 38 Pain Road, Hahndorf

Treat Yourself to a High Tea at Cielo

Adelaide's First Tearoom in over 100 years, Cielo is located in the heart of the city in the Adelaide Arcade. Inspired by memories of Chilean Tecito ‘Teatime’ Cielo brings organic handcrafted botanicals and artisanal pastries to create the ultimate high tea experience. There is the 'classic' service, or you can gather the girls and go premium for a special celebration. 

Already tried Cielo and looking for another sweet spot for scones and sandwiches? Discover more high tea spots in Adelaide in our round-up. 

Adelaide Arcade, Shop 31, 112/118 Grenfell Street, Adelaide

Indulge with a Pamper Session at Blue Lagoon Float & Spa

Whether you’re after an hour of bliss or a full day of luxury, visiting a day spa is a relaxing way to unwind when the weather calls for a day indoors.

With its luxe Roman bathhouse-inspired design and extensive menu of therapeutic treatments, Blue Lagoon is the perfect place to do just that.

Book the warm stone massage to relieve stress and tension, the Rose Quartz Infused Spa Facial to nourish and brighten your skin, or try something different and book 30 minutes of uninterrupted flotation therapy in Australia's largest floatarium. 

Hyde Park & Fulham Gardens

Shop Up a Storm Along Rundle Mall

Rain, hail or shine, time spent shopping along Rundle Mall is an essential Adelaide activity. Splash against the pavement in between shops and work up a hearty appetite so you can devour a delicious bowl of pasta at Valentino's 101.

Cheers a successful haul with some happy sipping at neighbouring wine and cocktail bars like Jennie, Icarus Wine Bar and Hains & Co, just around the corner.

Pick out your favourite shops here in preparation for the next rainy day in Adelaide. 

Rundle Mall, Adelaide 

Soak Up Some Culture

With over 45,000 unique works of art, the Art Gallery of South Australia - or AGSA - has enough entertainment for your entire rainy day.

Highlighting radical changes in Australian art after the Second World War, the permanent fixture Rethinking Australian Art is a must-see. For something a little more contemporary, check out the What's On tab on the website - it's regularly refreshed with new events.

With recent exhibitions including Yayoi Kusama's The Spirits of the Pumpkins Descended into the Heavens, Andy Warhol & Photography: A Social Media and Frida & Diego: Love & Revolution, you will find no trouble in immersing within the immaculate exhibitions.

When you've got your art fix, why not head down the road and step back in time at the South Australia Museum?

Home to a range of works and exhibitions boasting both national and international significance, the South Australian Museum is Adelaide’s beating centre of history and culture.

Open 7 days a week, allow ample time to make your way through the 5 floors of exhibitions, beginning from the first signs of life through to modern day creations and Aboriginal history.

North Terrace, Adelaide

Fill Your Bags at Adelaide Central Market

Rain or shine, you simply cannot beat the Adelaide Central Markets- the local trading hall is always a hive of activity. Home to over 70 traders, the market sells everything from fresh flowers to produce, smelly cheese, doughnuts and gin.

Pick up a freshly baked scone for breakfast or lunch, do your weekly grocery shop, fuel yourself with a coffee, or simply walk around and take in the colourful scenery.  

Open Tuesday – Saturday

44-60 Gouger Street, Adelaide

Tuck Yourself Away in The State Library

The best way to escape the doom and gloom of a rainy day is by curling up with a good book, and there's nowhere better to do it than at the striking State Library of South Australia.

Lose track of time as you delve into different worlds and be drawn in by fascinating characters and moments in history, while the rain pattering against the library windows provides soothing repetition. 

North Terrace, Adelaide 

Find Books & Fancy Brews at Bibliotheca Bar and Book Exchange

Fancy a romantic evening hiding away in a dark corner on a rainy evening in Adelaide, whispering sweet nothings? Go ahead and enjoy some fine cocktails in Bibliotheca’s European-style bar, with furnishings that look straight out of a library fit for Beauty and the Beast.

Charming and oozing in chic style, this cosy space is primo escaping-a-downpour fodder. 

1/27 Gresham Street, Adelaide

Now you've got all of your inspiration for fun rainy day activities in Adelaide, find out what to do when the sun is shining. We suggest a lovely local hike, or a day trip to one of these stunning national parks, followed by a hearty meal at one of these fabulous restaurants, of course.