When should I go to Hunter Valley?

Discover the best time you should got to Hunter Valley on your trip to the region.

The Hunter Valley is about a three hour trip from Sydney, filled with vineyards, picturesque roads, and five star restaurants. The Hunter Valley is one of Australia’s major wine regions and has always been a hub for the finer things in life.

As you’re planning to make a trip out to the wine region, there’s always the question of when you should come visit. Even through all year round is a great time to visit Hunter Valley, here’s a list of the prime times and reasons on when you should visit.

For Pristine Weather

From March to May, the Hunter Valley region celebrates the autumn. It is by is the best season to visit the Valley, with temperatures pleasant and very little rain. It is after the harvest period, with the entire landscape painted in shades of orange, yellow, green, and brown. So, get out your camera and snap some shots of the region at its most colourful time.
Spring is another favourite for visitors of the region as it gets the lowest amount of rainfall and with mild weather. Summer has delightfully warm weather, though there is an increase rain in February. As expected with winter, it does get cold, and it’s expected to rain.

For a Cheap Stay

If you want to go all out on your Hunter Valley holiday, it can cost you an arm and a leg during peak season. Accommodation, restaurants, and tours can become more expensive during peak periods, which is why traveling during the offseason can give you these benefits for cheaper.
You may not be going in the season you want to visit, but you will still have a fantastic trip for half the cost! During the months of June to August, travellers are unlikely to visit the Valley, leading to cheaper flights, hotel prices, and tours.

For a Winery Hopping Day

For a day (or weekend) of winery hopping from one exceptional winery to the next, summertime is your best time to go. Between December to February is the harvest time for vineyards in the Hunter Valley, making it the perfect season to go on wine tasting tours. This time of year, is also vibrant with activities, with festivals and events cramming the calendar. It is a busy period for the Hunter Valley, with school holidays and sunny days bringing a herd of travellers to the greenery.
Prices typically go up during this season, but it can be worth it for the great weather and delicious range of wineries.

For a Cosy Weekend

During the colder months between June and August, the Hunter Valley transforms into a winter wonderland. Fog and mist snake through the valley, and fires are lit in every winery and restaurant. The region tries to warm up, offering spa treatments, winter festivals, and seasonal menus showcasing hearty meals that pair perfectly with the region’s award-winning red wines.
Folks can enjoy the crisp cold mornings by trekking through the fresh green bushland before cozying up by the fireplace and enjoying a day of reading, exploring, and sipping on a delicious drop of wine. This time of travel is perfect for a romantic weekend, as it’s typically quieter, perfect for a dreamy setting amidst the wine region.

What to do in the Hunter Valley

No matter when you visit, here are some must things you should do during your visit.

• Wine tastings

  The biggest reason people from all over visit Hunter Valley is to taste the wines. The region is known for the best semillon, filled with intense, refreshing flavours.
  The best way to do Hunter Valley wine tastings is on a tour. This allows you to fully enjoy tasting the wines without worrying about sobering up to drive to the next winery.

• Festivals

  The Hunter Valley welcomes all kinds of festivals from music to markets and other events. A Day On the Green is a concert series with local and international artists that takes place across Hunter Valley and other regions in Australia.
  To celebrate wine, food, and entertainment, the Hunter Valley Harvest Festival does exactly that. This festival is a three-month-long celebration with live music, wine tastings, delicious food, and much more.

• Hunter Valley Gardens

All year round, it’s worth checking out the Hunter Valley Gardens as different plants and flowers bloom in the seasons. You’ll want up to four hours to explore the Gardens and to check out the Shopping Village.
The Gardens are also known for the Christmas Lights Spectacular and other major school holiday events. Check the website to see when these events take place throughout the year.

Ideally, you will want to try to spend around two or three days in Hunter Valley. This will give you enough time to really get to know the wine region, see the picturesque scenery, taste the food, and try the amazing wines. If you can’t set aside a few days, one day is also just as good to see parts of the valley and taste the wines.

Related article: Where is Hunter Valley?