Chateau de Clos de Vougeot with autumn vineyards in Burgundy

July 13, 2026

When to Visit Burgundy: A Month by Month Guide

Burgundy, or Bourgogne as it’s known in French, is one of the most well-known and prestigious wine regions in the world. If you’re planning a Burgundy wine tasting trip, it’s natural to wonder when you should visit.

The region really does have it all; iconic wines and delicious food to pair, castles set in rolling countryside, and miles upon miles of vines. While there’s no single ‘best’ time to visit Burgundy, the calendar here is intimately interwoven with the winemaking process – from budding vines to the final harvest and ageing process. So no matter when you visit, each month and season reveals novel ways of experiencing this fabled French region.

Our guide to the best time to visit has all of our team’s top tips for deciding which season suits your travel style. Read on to discover Burgundy’s weather, annual events and wine experiences throughout the year.

Burgundy Weather Overview

With its continental and oceanic climate, Burgundy’s weather is characterised by warm, sunny summers, cold, damp winters and variable conditions in spring and autumn. The region experiences four distinct seasons, with conditions shifting from month to month.

When to Visit Burgundy by Season

Here’s your guide to where to visit during each of Burgundy’s seasons, what to do and what to expect throughout the months.

Spring in Burgundy (March - May)

Spring in Burgundy brings cool mornings, mild afternoons and temperatures of 10°C in April, rising to 20°C by May. As June approaches, temperatures soar even higher to about 25°C. This is a magical season to visit as the vineyards begin to awaken from their winter slumber, with vibrant verdant shoots making an appearance.

See the countryside as it bursts into colour, enjoy unhurried cellar tastings before the summer heat descends and explore historic wine villages in pleasant temperatures. It’s worth bearing in mind, however, that Burgundy’s weather has become more unpredictable in recent years and occasional spring rainstorms can occur.

Best Things to Do in Burgundy in Spring

Visit the vineyards and wineries
Visit renowned wine villages
Enjoy cellar tours and tastings without the summer crowds
See the vineyards during budburst
Cycle through the vineyards and ride the Voie des Vignes
Go walking and hiking

Burgundy Wine Experiences in Spring

The famous vineyards of the Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits come alive with bright green leaves. Winemakers have more time for in-depth personal tastings outside of harvest season, so spring is a great time for wine lovers to visit and learn more about Burgundy’s terroir and wine-making processes.

Summer in Burgundy (June - August)

The summer months of June and July see temperatures climb to 26°C and above. Warm, sunny weather, long daylight hours and relatively low rainfall make this the best season for enjoying the outdoors. Summer in Burgundy is popular, but less busy than other parts of Europe, making it a lovely area to enjoy long summer evenings in its smaller towns and at vineyard hotels.

During August as the summer heat reaches its peak, some restaurants and businesses close for the holidays, so bear that in mind when planning your Burgundy trip. Occasional summer storms can threaten the region, but they tend to be isolated showers rather than all day showers that can be avoided during an afternoon cellar tour.

Best Things to Do in Burgundy in Summer

Rent an e-bike and cycle sections of the Voie des Vignes, through prestigious wine villages, such as Meursault, Pommard and Puligny-Montrachet
Visit Morvan Regional Natural Park
Swim, kayak and paddleboard at Lac des Settons
Enjoy outdoor lunches and vineyard picnics
Experience cultural events and summer wine festivals
Tour the region on a luxury canal barge

Burgundy Wine Experiences in Summer

Spend long, sunny days indulging in long vineyard lunches, cycling between wine cellars and experiencing Burgundy at its most sociable. Vineyard picnics are a popular summer activity in Burgundy and the season’s cultural calendar is packed with winery activities and outdoor events.

Autumn in Burgundy (September - November)

Vineyards turn striking shades of gold and auburn as autumn arrives in Burgundy. Temperatures tend to hover between a pleasant 12 to 23°C in September, while October brings shorter days, cooler climes and more rainfall.

The region buzzes with activity as the grape harvest starts in September – this is an excellent time for wine lovers and epicureans to indulge in seasonal produce and experience the lively harvest period. Burgundy’s wine culture really shines in autumn, with seasonal wine events following the pace of the harvest.

Best Things to Do in Burgundy in Autumn

Cycle and hike in cooler climes than spring or summer
Follow the Route des Grands Crus to visit prestigious wine villages
Experience harvest festivals and events across the region
Enjoy seasonal local produce with fine wine pairings
Book a sunrise hot air balloon ride for bird’s-eye views of the golden vineyards

Burgundy Wine Experiences in Autumn

Autumn is the wine industry’s busiest season, as the harvest begins in September and wine experiences extend into October. Many estates may close tourist visits while they focus on harvesting, so it’s worth keeping this in mind and speaking to our Travel Designers about where to go. Autumn also brings a wealth of seasonal produce and foodie experiences, from truffle hunting to cooking workshops.

Winter in Burgundy (December - February)

Temperatures typically drop to between 2 and 8°C in winter, with the weather characterised by grey skies, frost and occasional rainfall across the hills of the Morvan. Some attractions may close during the quieter months, so it’s worth double checking before you travel.

As harvest season comes to a close, vineyard work continues in the form of vine pruning and the quiet winter rhythm lends itself to museum visits in Beaune and Dijon, cellar tastings and meals in cosy, traditional bistros. November plays host to the long-standing Hospices de Beaune wine auction on the third weekend of the month, one of the region’s most renowned wine events.

Best Things to Do in Burgundy in Winter

Visit the famous Hospices de Beaune – the 15th-century charitable almshouse with its multi-coloured geometric tiled roof
Go historic cellar hopping in Beaune and Chablis
Explore Dijon’s museums
Learn how to make Boeuf Bourguignon at a local cooking class
Experience the Saint Vincent Tournante in January, which celebrates the patron saint of winegrowers

Burgundy Wine Experiences in Winter

Visiting Burgundy during winter means fewer crowds and it’s the perfect time to book cosy cellar tastings, tuck into hearty seasonal dishes and explore the cities’ museums. A must-visit for wine lovers is Cité des Climats et des Vins de Bourgogne, a modern wine and heritage centre dedicated to explaining the region’s vineyards, wines and history. During the months when outdoor vineyard activities are limited, this is the ideal place to deepen your knowledge of Burgundy’s wine culture.

Month-by-Month Guide to Visiting Burgundy

Month	Average Temperature	Rainfall & Conditions	What to Expect
January	0-6°C	Moderate rainfall, occasional frost and snow.	The coldest month, when vineyards will be dormant.
February	1-8°C	Slightly drier than January but still some rainfall.	Cold but the weather is milder than January.
March	4-13°C	Variable weather, with some showers.	Signs of spring appear, temperatures start to rise although nights can be frosty still.
April	6-16°C	Frequent spring showers.	Vineyard budburst begins, the weather can be changeable.
May	10-20°C	Moderate rainfall.	One of the loveliest months to visit Burgundy, with longer days and pleasant temperatures.
June	14-24°C	Occasional rainfall and summer storms.	Warm and sunny, excellent for outdoor activities.
July	16-27°C	Usually one of the driest months.	Warm with possible heatwaves above 30°C - peak tourist season.
August	15-27°C	Generally warm and sunny.	Similar to July, grape ripening accelerates in the vineyards.
September	12-23°C	Occasional rainfall.	Harvest season - one of the best times to visit for wine lovers.
October	8-17°C	Rainfall increases.	Autumn colours in the vineyards, evenings are cooler.
November	4-10°C	Frequent rain and fog.	Chilly and damp, with shorter days.
December	1-7°C	Rain, frost, occasional snow.	Festive atmosphere but colder weather.

Timing Your Trip Around Burgundy’s Events and Festivals

Saint-Vincent Tournante (January)

Held annually on the last weekend of January in honour of Saint Vincent, the patron saint of winegrowers, this event takes place in a different Burgundian wine-growing village each year. Drawing tens of thousands of visitors each year, you can enjoy wine tastings, parades, live music, age-old traditions and vibrantly decorated villages.

Paulée de Printemps de Meursault (March)

Hosted in March at the Château de Meursault, this prestigious banquet is held annually and celebrates the marriage of wine and gastronomy. The event honours exceptional chefs from the region and sees guests bringing their best bottles of wine to share.

Fleurs de Vigne (May)

Taking place each year in Auxerre, on the last weekend of May, this gourmet-focused festival honours the vineyards of Chablis and the Grand Auxerrois. As the vines are beginning to blossom, the celebrations herald the future grape harvest and mark the occasion with wine tastings, local produce pairings and cultural events.

Vineyard and Village Festivals (Spring-Summer)

Throughout May, June and July, many of Burgundy’s renowned wine villages host local fêtes, open-cellar weekends, food festivals and cycling events through the vineyards.

Festival International d’Opéra Baroque (July)

Throughout July, Beaune hosts this international festival in historic venues around the town. One of the most prestigious baroque music festivals in Europe, music lovers travel from far and wide to enjoy exceptional performances in iconic settings.

Grape Harvest (Vendages) (September - October)

September signals the start of harvest season in Burgundy, as the vineyards begin to bustle with activity and villages celebrate by hosting special tastings and harvest menus. Since this is a busy working period some vineyards may limit public access, however plenty of other wine-themed events are held to mark the occasion.

On the third weekend of October, Nuits-Saint-Georges plays host to the Fête du Vin Bourru, with tastings of freshly pressed grape juice (still lightly fermenting) alongside local food and music. Chablis hosts its Fête des Vins in October, a lively celebration during which the village’s famous Chardonnays are the star of the show, alongside regional food.

Les Trois Glorieuses & Hospices de Beaune Wine Auction (November)

Perhaps the most famous event in Burgundy’s wine calendar, the Hospices de Beaune Wine Auction dates back to 1859. Drawing wine lovers from across the world, the famed charity wine auction also includes tastings, dinners and celebrations throughout Beaune.

La Paulée de Meursault (November)

Held during the same weekend as Les Trois Glorieuses, this legendary wine feast brings together winemakers and wine lovers for a communal meal and wine sharing, marking the end of the harvest season.

Christmas Markets (December)

As Christmas draws closer, Dijon, Beaune and other Burgundian towns host festive markets in December, featuring plenty of mulled wine, seasonal entertainment and festive food.

Overview of When to Visit Burgundy

Season	Weather	What to Expect	Highlights
Spring (March to May)	Mild (10–20°C) with occasional rain	Vineyards turning green, wildflowers in bloom and fewer crowds than summer.	Scenic drives, wine tasting, photography, quieter travel.
Summer (June to August)	Warm to hot (20–30°C+)	Long sunny days, outdoor dining, festivals, bustling towns and vineyards.	Vineyard tours, cycling, festivals, al fresco dining.
Autumn (September to October)	Pleasant (10–25°C), cooling later in the season	Spectacular vineyard colours, grape harvest ("vendanges"), food and wine events.	Harvest experiences, gourmet travel, photography.
Winter (November to February)	Cold (0–10°C), occasional frost	Peaceful atmosphere, Christmas markets, cosy wine cellars, fewer tourists.	Budget travel, festive markets, indoor wine tasting, historic sightseeing.

When is the Best Time to Visit Burgundy?

For warm weather: June to September
For wine harvest experiences: September and early October
For fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures: May, June and September
For Christmas markets and winter atmosphere: December

Find Your Best Season to Visit

Whether you're seeking the vibrant atmosphere of the harvest or a quieter, more exclusive tasting experience, our Travel Designers can thoughtfully curate an itinerary aligned with your interests, preferred pace and the sub-regions in Burgundy you'd most like to discover.

Design my trip

FAQs About When to Visit Burgundy

What is the best month to visit Burgundy?

While the best month to visit Burgundy depends a lot on your desired itinerary, but May and September are generally considered two of the best months to visit the iconic wine region.

May is a great time to enjoy outdoor activities in pleasant weather and see the vineyards beginning to bloom, before the summer crowds descend. September is the start of harvest season in Burgundy, so this is the perfect time for wine lovers to experience the vineyards at their most lively.

When is the harvest season in Burgundy?

Harvest season in Burgundy typically runs from late August to mid-September. Warmer summers can push the start date earlier and grape picking usually lasts for two to three weeks. Typically, Chardonnay grapes are harvested first, followed by Pinot Noir.

When is the best time to visit Burgundy’s vineyards?

The best time to visit Burgundy’s vineyards is September and October, during which the grape harvest (the vendanges) will be taking place. See the vineyards bustling with activity and turning autumnal shades of gold and orange, and take part in harvest-focused events. However, many winemakers do prioritise the harvest during this period, so be sure to book well in advance.

Spring (especially May and June) is also a lovely time to visit Burgundy’s vineyards, as they awaken after winter and the mustard flowers bloom. Ahead of the harvest season, producers also have more time for unhurried wine tastings and vineyard tours.

Is Burgundy worth visiting in winter?

Yes, Burgundy is worth visiting in winter if you prefer intimate wine tastings, cosy dining and no tourist crowds. Although the vineyards will be dormant, you can enjoy cellar tours in Beaune, museum visits in Dijon and learn how to cook local dishes, such as boeuf bourguignon – the perfect hearty meal to enjoy with a glass of Burgundy Red.

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