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Best time to visit the Hunter Valley

Best Time to Visit Hunter Valley | Season to Season Guide

Estimated reading time: 11 minutes

Table of Contents

  • What is the best time to visit Hunter Valley?
  • Current weather condition – Hunter Valley NSW
  • Hunter Valley travel seasons
    • Spring
      • 2021 Hunter Valley Spring temperatures
    • Summer
      • 2021 Hunter Valley Summer temperatures
    • Autumn
      • 2021 Hunter Valley Autumn temperatures
    • Winter
      • 2021 Hunter Valley Winter temperatures
  • Hunter Valley Events, Festivals, and things to do by season
    • Autumn festivals
      • Hunter Valley Harvest Festival
      • Lovedale Long Lunch
        • 2021 Lovedale Long Lunch
      • Easter Activities
      • Take a fall foliage drive
      • Drink Autumn inspired cocktail
    • Spring, the best time to visit Hunter Valley
      • Operas in Vineyards
      • Jazz events
      • Wollombi Small Farms Fair
      • Eat roasted Asparagus
    • Summer events
      • Bike around vineyards
      • Hunter Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular
      • Fruit picking & fermenting
    • Enjoy the winter vibes
      • Snow play zones
      • Burning of the Barrel
      • Winter camping and learn survival skills
  • Best Time to Visit Hunter Valley if you consider the cheapest accommodation months

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 ‘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 colors 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 as our opinion.

2021 Hunter Valley Spring temperatures

Forecasted average spring temperatures for 2021 – High 25C and Low 11C.

Hunter Valley music festivals
Photo credits to Beat Mag

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 which 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 overheat 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 average temperature for the Autumn 2021 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 cocktail and here are some of things to do.

Hunter Valley Harvest Festival

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 dine guided by winemakers & veteran chefs of the Lovedale region. It is held on the 3rd weekend of May, from 10 am to 4 pm.

2021 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.

Best time to visit the Hunter Valley
Picture by Arrival Guides

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 the 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 hopping off a wild kangaroo.

Hunter Valley FALL FOLIAGE DRIVE
Image by Lonely planet

Drink Autumn inspired cocktail

Many travelers 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 favorite is to enjoy a cool Passionfruit Mojito by Goldfish restaurant at the Roche Estate overlooking the vineyards.

Spring, the best time to visit Hunter Valley

The Spring in the Hunter Valley best suits for 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 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, Gin master class, wine tasting, local markets, food trucks, and Music. The music by John Morrison’s Swing City band featuring 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

Spring seasons - the best time to visit Hunter Valley
Image from Wollombi Market FB page

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 have a dedicated cycleway if you are concern on safety on these roads. The number of bike hike companies such as Grapemobile, Sutton Estate Electric bike hire, etc. is a benefit of 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 to collect their romantic moments at Lovers’ Corner. Meanwhile, taking a family photo with your favorite Santa would make your Christmas somewhat fantastic. Tea parties, outdoor carousels & watching Santa’s Castle are also other joyous events.

Winter Festivals Hunter Valley
Credits to Hunter Gardens

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 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 usually held in mid of June. The event usually hosted at the Brokenback Mountain range on the Glandore Estate. This bonfire comes with a price (approx. 40 to 120$ pp) and accompanied with wine tasting, artisan cheese, and music.

Burning of the Barrel Hunter Valley festival
Burning the Barrel at Glandore Estate

Winter camping and learn survival skills

Winter is not the best time to camping 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 on the wet conditions and build a fire as a heat reflector to stay warm. Why not train your kids on 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

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 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 plaza537.53353.29320.00357.21
Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort510480393393

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, summer months are the peak in terms of accommodation prices and both resorts jumped their accommodation prices well above the 500$ mark for 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 traveler.

So, why are you still late? Pick the best time to visit Hunter Valley & add some value to your typical wine tasting tour.

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Hunter Valley Wine Tours
NSW accredited point to point tour operator licenses BSP- 414473 and ABN 74109033933
Copyright ©2020 All rights reserved | Owned by Sydney Top Tours

Tour duration – 10 hours

Pick up and drop off – Sydney CBD

Departure from Sydney – 7.30 am

Return to Sydney – 5.30 pm

Inclusions – Wine tasting from 3 premium wineries, chocolate tasting, and bottled water

Exclusions – Lunch, cheese tasting, and distillery visit

Tour itinerary – Visit Tyrell’s wines for tasting and inside winery tour, lunch, visit a chocolate shop, visit McGuigan, and Audrey Wilkinson wineries after lunch. If time permits can visit the cheese shop or Hunter distillery at your own cost.

What to wear – Jacket in the cooler months, comfortable footwear, comfortable walking trousers/shorts, camera, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.

*** Inside winery visit – It’s a must to wear covered shoes due to WHS regulations.

Contact details – (+61) 0498507873 or [email protected]

Cancellation policy – 48 hours before departure full refund

Book Now

Tour duration – 9 hours

Pick up and drop off – Sydney CBD

Departure from Sydney – 8.00 am

Return to Sydney – 5.00 pm

Inclusions – Expert guide, Luxury people mover, USB charging on-board, bottled water, hotel pick-up, and drop-off

Exclusions – Wildlife park entry, wine tasting fees, lunch, cheese tasting, and distillery visit

Tour itinerary – Stop at Walkabout Wildlife Park, visit boutique Hunter Valley winery for tasting, lunch, visit a chocolate shop, either visit 2nd winery, cheese shop, or distillery

What to wear – Jacket in the cooler months, comfortable footwear, comfortable walking trousers/shorts, camera, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.

Additional information –

Wine tasting fees – $5 to $10 per person is an average tasting fee for most Hunter Valley wineries. We recommend Gartelmann wines at Lovedale road due to its beautiful cozy atmosphere with outdoor sitting. Other recommended wineries include Kelman Vineyard, Tintila Estate, Hanging Tree Wines, and Pepper Tree winery.

Lunch options – Hunter Valley offers a vast variety of restaurant styles such as casual dining (Goldfish Restaurant at Roche Estate), Pub style dining (Harrigan’s Hunter Valley), or Bistro style (Bistro Molines) suits for your palate and budget. Let the guide knows which restaurant you prefer for lunch.

Cheese tasting – There are 3 famous artisan cheese shops (Hunter Valley Cheese co, Hunter Belle Cheese, and Smelly Cheese Shop).

Beer tasting – The Mighty (formally Potters & Foghorn Brewery), Iron Bark Hill, Hope Valley, and Matilda Brewhouse are your options for beer paddle tasting.

Organic gin and vodka tasting – $5 per person at Hunter Distillery.

Walkabout Park entry – $30 per adult, and $15 for 3 to 15 aged

COVID-19- update for Hunter Valley Wine Tours – booking is essential for all above these venues.

Contact details – (+61) 0498507873 or [email protected]

Cancellation policy – 48 hours before departure full refund

Book Now

 

Tour duration – 9 hours

Pick up and drop off – Sydney CBD or Hunter Valley

Departure from Sydney – 7.30 am or 10.00 am from Hunter Valley 

Return to Sydney – 5.00 pm or drop off Hunter Valley accommodation at 3.30 pm

Inclusions – Expert guide, luxury people mover, USB charging on-board, hotel pick-up, and drop-off and bottled water

Exclusions – Lunch, wine tasting fees, cheese tasting, and distillery visit

Tour itinerary – Visit two boutique Hunter Valley wineries, Lunch, visit a chocolate shop, either visit 3rd winery, cheese shop, or distillery

What to wear – Jacket in the cooler months, comfortable footwear, comfortable walking trousers/shorts, camera, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.

*** If you need to customize the tour and want to do an inside winery visit, it’s a must to wear covered shoes due to WHS regulations. Usually, inside winery tours available at 10.30 am or 12.30 pm (not included in the tour price)

Additional information –

Wine tasting fees – usually, it is $5 to $10 per person in most of the Hunter Valley wineries excluding the premium tasting. The tasting fee will be refunded on a purchase. Our recommended wineries for this tour are Gartelmann wines Lovedale, Tintilla Estate Wines Pokolbin, Kelman Vineyard, Briar Ridge Vineyard, Hanging Tree wines in Mount View, Hanging Tree wines Pokolbin, and Savannah Estate from Mount View. However, you can choose your winery for Hunter Valley wine tasting, and tasting prices may vary.

Lunch options – Twine Restaurant for a modern Australian Twist, Muse Restaurant at Broke Road, Goldfish Bar & Kitchen for a casual lunch, or Blaxland Inn for a pub meal.

Cheese tasting – Cheese tasting at the Hunter Valley Cheese Co and usually cost $7.95 for a Five Cheese Platter PP.

Beer Paddles – can choose beer tasting from either Mighty Hunter Valley or Iron Bark Hill Brewhouse.

Hunter Distillery – This certified Organic distillery offers a unique ‘test-tube’ tasting sessions Gin, Vodka, Liqueurs, and Schnapps for $5 per person.

Bookings are essential under the COVID conditions imposed by the government.

Contact details – (+61) 0498507873 or [email protected]

Cancellation policy – 48 hours before departure full refund

Book Now