Best Time of Year to Visit Barossa Valley

Barossa Valley has always been a place that rolls with the seasons. Local farmers winemakers and producers keep a watchful eye on the weather and are in tune with the rhythms of nature. Every season offers something unique, and the best time to go depends on what you want to see and do, and the type of weather you'd prefer to experience.

When is the best time of year to visit Barossa Valley?

Deciding when to visit the Barossa depends on what kind of holiday you want to have. If you want to experience the essence of the region's great outdoors, see grapes on the vine and enjoy balmy evenings at cellar doors, summer is a good season to go. However, summer days can be swelteringly hot which makes it difficult to spend too much time outdoors. It's also the busiest time of year so expect to see more tourists.

The sweet spot is during late spring and early autumn. You'll avoid the big summer crowds and the weather is warm enough to cycle or do the walking trails. Autumn evenings can feel chilly, particularly towards the end of the season, but pop on a jumper and you'll be set to enjoy a night of alfresco wining and dining. Autumn is also harvest time, which means one thing: vintage season! If you're around for the biennial Barossa Vintage Festival, you're in for a real treat. Think nine days of wine, food, art, markets, parades, picnics and community activities throughout the valley.

Winter is cool and wet with the highest annual rainfall. It's also the quietest time of year, so it's perfect for enjoying the region in peace and quiet. It's a beautiful time to enjoy the views as the valley is extra green, and there are plenty of cosy cellar doors where you can warm up with a glass of red (or two) around an open fire.

Average temperatures in Barossa Valley

MONTH	AVERAGE HIGH (°C)
January	30
February	30
March	26
April	22
May	17
June	14
July	14
August	15
September	18
October	22
November	25
December	27

Spring (Sep-Nov)

Best for: picnics, spring flowers, walking

Spring is a wonderful time in Barossa. The vineyards start to come alive after their winter dormancy, fruit trees blossom with colourful flowers and bright yellow covers the canola paddocks. The warmer weather is perfect for outdoor picnics, cellar door lunches and wine tastings. Mornings can still feel quite crisp, so make sure you pack warm layers if you’re heading out early.

Summer (Dec-Feb)

Best for: alfresco dining, cycling, walking

Expect hot days and balmy evenings that are perfect for drinking wine out on cellar door decks. The vineyards are green and plump with grapes and the orchards are full of ripening fruits. Grape harvesting usually begins in autumn, although it can begin at the end of summer depending on the season. It's a busy time in the vineyards and you’ll see plenty of pickers out on the vines and tractors taking boxes of grapes to the wineries.

Average daily temperatures hover around 30 degrees so make sure you pack light clothing, a sun hat and suncream to stay comfortable throughout the day. The temperature can drop in the evening so bring a jumper and long pants to pop on if it gets chilly.

Autumn (March-May)

Best for: Barossa Vintage Festival, autumn foliage colours, cycling, walking

If you love vintage, Autumn is calling your name. The Barossa Vintage Festival is a nine-day celebration of good wine, awesome food, great music and bundles of fun. Once the grape harvest is done and the cooler weather arrives, the vineyards turn a gorgeous golden colour – it’s an amazing time to hike through the surrounding towns and villages with so much autumn scenery to enjoy. The weather in early autumn is still mild and sunny, but make sure you pack a jumper as the evenings are cool, especially nearing winter.

Winter (June-Aug)

Best for: rugging up in the cafes and cellar doors, hiking the hills

If the thought of winter usually makes you feel a bit gloomy, Barossa will bring a smile to your face. Daytime highs average between a mild 12-16°C, but bright and crisp winter days are great for pleasant strolls through the valley. The vines lose their leaves and are pruned in winter, but the paddocks and pastures are lush green thanks to the winter rain. Cool weather is all the more reason to rug up in cosy cellar doors and restaurants and enjoy the region's food and wine.

Click to return to Barossa Valley FAQs