Best Time to Visit Hunter Valley | Season to Season Guide
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What is the best time to visit Hunter Valley?
Hunter Valley is the oasis of thousands of food cormorants who visit NSW Australia. So, many visitors ask what the best time to visit Hunter Valley is. That’s why we meant to write this article about the ‘best time to visit Hunter Valley’. As a matter of fact, in each season there are good times to visit. So, it’s hard to specify a definite season as every season takes something different.
The whole Hunter Valley fills with budding vines & blossoming vineyards during the spring. The climate is absolutely pleasant somewhat warm. Summer is ideal for wine tasting & fruit picking. If you enjoy the cooler air & panoramic colours of your surroundings, you can pick autumn. It’s a wise choice for photographers. Winter is also popular among people though it is a colder period. So the season depends on what you go to Hunter Valley for.
Current weather condition – Hunter Valley NSW
Hunter Valley travel seasons
It’s very important to know about the weather status of each season before booking a Hunter Valley day trip. The rainfall of Hunter Valley has been relatively stable past 30 years.
Spring
The spring exists from September to November. The days are warm with an average temperature ranging from 10.3 to 24 C. The winter frosts gradually decrease by the 2nd week of September. November is the warmest time of spring. Hunter Valley gets rain around 61 to 81mm. However, spring gets the lowest rainfall in comparison to other seasons. After years of visiting this beautiful countryside, this is the best time to visit Hunter Valley in our opinion.
2023 Hunter Valley Spring temperatures
Forecasted average spring temperatures for 2021 – High 25C and Low 11C.
Summer
Summer exists from December to February. According to the past 30 years’ studies, the temperature ranges between 17.5 C to 26.3 C. The temperature gradually increases by the latter part of summer. Summer occupies a reliable rainfall that ranges from 74 to 113mm. The heavier rains are common by February.
2021 Hunter Valley Summer temperatures
Forecasted Average summer temperatures for 2021 are 29 Celsius during the peak temperature periods and lowest is the 17C.
Autumn
The overheating of summer is relatively controlled by the autumn in March, April & May. The maximum temperature usually doesn’t exceed 25.2 C. However the minimum temperature is around 10.9 C. Autumn gets a higher rainfall in comparison to summer & it ranges from 101 to 115mm. But there is a slight lack of rainfall by May.
2021 Hunter Valley Autumn temperatures
Hunter Valley’s average temperature for the Autumn 2022 is 25C on the high side and 12 Celsius on the lower side.
Winter
The Winter prevails in June, July & August. The middle part of winter is extremely cold, but the latter part gets relatively warm as the spring is reaching. The frost rate usually increases in late winter & early spring. However, the temperature ranges from 7.1 C to 18.3 C. The first part of winter gets a relatively good rainfall of 120mm, but the middle part gets the least rainfall around 69 mm.
2021 Hunter Valley Winter temperatures
Winter temperatures for 2021 Hunter Valley are 17 Celsius on the high side and 5 Celsius on the lower end.
Hunter Valley Events, Festivals, and Things to Do by Season
Hunter Valley is not just a place for wine tasting but a mania of festivals, concerts, carnivals, & fairs, etc. However, those events differ according to the season.
Autumn festivals
Autumn (March to May) is the best time to visit Hunter Valley for young couples, or if you love outdoor festivals, enjoy the amazing foliage, and cocktails and here are some of the things to do.
Hunter Valley Harvest Festival
The Harvest Festival period is the best time to visit Hunter Valley during autumn. The whole region is full of pruned vines here & there. This festival annually takes place during March & April. Almost every winery, restaurant & guesthouse blossoms with plenties of food, wines, music, & theatres, etc.
Lovedale Long Lunch
This is another impressive event occurring during autumn, usually in May. This is a progressive dining guided by winemakers & veteran chefs of the Lovedale region. It is held on the 3rd weekend of May, from 10 am to 4 pm.
2022 Lovedale Long Lunch
The popular Lovedale Long Lunch event will be held on the 15th and 16th May 2021 from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm. Find more information by visiting the official site – https://www.lovedalelonglunch.com.au/. This year tickets are priced at $124 for the Saturday package, $169 for the weekend package, and $74 for Sunday only.
Easter Activities
Many kids are interested in Hunter Valley Easter celebrations. The kids can earn a lot of Easter eggs from funny Easter games such as Secret Easter Egg Hunt or Giant Egg Hunt. Then altogether can celebrate the victory by tasting the delicious Easter chocolates.
Take a fall foliage drive
Autumn in the Hunter Valley is the best to take advantage of the cooler temperatures and beautiful foliage. So, plan a foliage drive via Hunter Valley to see amazing views of the valley and occasionally hop off a wild kangaroo.
Drink Autumn inspired cocktail
Many travellers go to Hunter Valley thinking to enjoy a glass of wine. But did you think that Hunter Valley offers the best restaurants and cocktail bars? Our favourite is to enjoy a cool Passionfruit Mojito by Goldfish restaurant at the Roche Estate overlooking the vineyards.
Spring, is the best time to visit Hunter Valley
The Spring in the Hunter Valley best suits music lovers as there are a number of music festivals happening every year.
Operas in Vineyards
Many Hunter Valley wineries hold Good Weekend Operas during October. The gates are normally open from 4 pm onwards. The nights are full of great wines, yummy dishes, concerts & harmony of opera. The ceremony becomes more & more magnificent while midnight is reaching. Call 1800 675 875 or visit the 4di Touring web page & book your place right now.
Jazz events
Spring is the best time to enjoy gorgeous outdoor jazz at Tyrrell’s vineyard while having a sip of mellow wines. You have a chance to get close to their native culture & entertain the top jazz acts by James Morrison, a talented Australian Jazz virtuoso. Contact the event organizer via (02) 4933 2439 for more details.
If you are visiting Hunter Valley in mid-April, you shouldn’t miss the Hunter Valley Gin & Jazz Festival on 10th April 2021. The festival comes with a full package that includes G&T tasting, a Gin master class, wine tasting, local markets, food trucks, and Music. The music by John Morrison’s Swing City band features a number of jazz singers including 2010 Musicoz Award winner Jacki Cooper.
Wollombi Small Farms Fair
The Wollombi Farms Fair is annually held on the first weekend of November. However, anyone who has skills in craft-making can join the Scarecrow Competition & Lantern Parade. In addition to art & craft stalls, the Mower Mardi Gras, Zoo Animal Encounter, Endeavour Museum Open Day, Live Music, Cellar Doors, Circus Workshop & Farm Machinery Displays are also available throughout this weekend. For more information, you can contact them via @wollombismallfarmsfair
Eat roasted Asparagus
Many don’t know that Australia produces the best Asparagus. The peak and the best harvest come during the Spring months of September to November. Eating roasted Asparagus is one of our favourites on a visit to Hunter Valley during the Spring. There are award-winning restaurants in Hunter Valley where you can find a meal with roasted Asparagus during the Spring.
Summer events
If you are looking for a grand Christmas cocktail or a New Year celebration Summer (from December to February) is the best time to visit Hunter Valley. Also, good for families with kids if you are planning to visit Hunter Valley. Below are why…
Bike around vineyards
Riding a bike is the best way to explore the beauty of the Hunter Valley leisurely. There are some roads such as Hermitage Road in Hunter Valley that have a dedicated cycleway if you are concerned about safety on these roads. The number of bike hike companies such as Grapemobile, Sutton Estate Electric bike hire, etc. is a benefit if you do not have a bike carrier to take your bike on the summer holiday to Hunter Valley.
Hunter Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular
This magical paradise is illuminated with over 3 million bulbs. It is open for visitors from November to January. The events normally start at 6.30 pm & end at 9.30 pm.
Ferris Wheel is an adventurous carnival that lets a full view of Hunter Valley Gardens at a height of over 25 meters. At the same time, many lovers don’t miss collecting their romantic moments at Lovers’ Corner. Meanwhile, taking a family photo with your favourite Santa would make your Christmas somewhat fantastic. Tea parties, outdoor carousels & watching Santa’s Castle are also other joyous events.
Fruit picking & fermenting
Also, summer is a nice time to have fruit-picking visits in Hunter Valley vineyards. Meanwhile, many visitors love to sink in the fermenters & stomp the handpicked grapes with their feet. It’s really fantastic & funny.
Enjoy the winter vibes
Snow play zones
Winter is the best time to visit the Hunter Valley countryside while having the warm touch of some red wines. There are many play zones in Hunter Valley where not just kids & but adults also can get a fantastic experience altogether. These events are usually held during the winter school holidays so that it’s convenient for your kids. You can ask for more details by calling 02 4998 4000. All the events such as ice skating, mega ice toboggan & building snowman make your winter holiday unforgettable. Also, you can buy warm beverages & snacks to console your play fatigue.
Burning of the Barrel
Many countries celebrate the winter with a bonfire. However, Hunter Valley does it with its style by Burning Wine Barrels and the event called ‘Burning the Barrel’ which is usually held in mid of June. The event is usually hosted at the Brokenback Mountain range on the Glandore Estate. This bonfire comes with a price (approx. 40 to 120$ pp) and is accompanied by wine tasting, artisan cheese, and music.
Winter camping and learning survival skills
Winter is not the best time to camp like warm summer months. But you can try to camp at the Wine Country Tourist Park camper ground at one of the powered tent or slab sites for cheaper as much as $30 per night. It is not only about camping; you can test your survival skills too or train your kids on these. Try to make a fire in wet conditions and build a fire as a heat reflector to stay warm. Why not train your kids to properly fuel your body with a high fat to keep the body warm?
Best Time to Visit Hunter Valley if you consider the cheapest accommodation months
The availability of enough accommodation facilities in hotels, as well as their prices, are very important to decide what is the best time to visit Hunter Valley. Therefore, we have taken two popular and similar category resort hotels to compare the accommodation prices for each season in 2020. Secondly, as the Hunter Valley is a popular destination for couples, we have used prices for 2 adults during our comparison.
| Summer (dec- Feb) | Autumn (March – May) | Winter (June – Aug) | Spring (Sep – Nov) | |
| Crown plaza | 537.53 | 353.29 | 320.00 | 357.21 |
| Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort | 510 | 480 | 393 | 393 |
Overall, we found out winter is the cheapest accommodation you can find in the Hunter Valley. It makes sense, as due to low demand as the surroundings get colder and less you can enjoy this beautiful countryside. As anticipated, the summer months are the peak in terms of accommodation prices and both resorts jumped their accommodation prices well above the 500$ mark for a standard double bedroom without any frills such as breakfast, dinner, etc. Therefore, we hope this comparison of Hunter Valley accommodation prices will help you in terms of deciding the best time to visit Hunter Valley if you are a budget-conscious or experience-driven traveller.
So, why are you still late? Pick the best time to visit Hunter Valley & add some value to your typical Hunter Valley tour.
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