Best time to go to the Southern Highlands
The Southern Highlands is one of New South Wales' most charming regions — a cool-climate escape just 90 minutes from Sydney known for its English-style villages, cellar doors, lush gardens and rolling countryside. The best time to visit the Southern Highlands is autumn (March to May), when the deciduous trees put on a spectacular show of gold and red, the weather is crisp and the region is at its most picturesque. That said, the Southern Highlands is genuinely lovely year-round. Spring brings blooming gardens and a packed events calendar, summer is mild and perfect for exploring, and winter has a cosy, fireside charm that suits the region's heritage character perfectly.
TL;DR
When is the best time to visit the Southern Highlands?
Visit during the autumn months, from March to May, for beautiful fall foliage that’s rare to see in most parts of Australia.
Weather in the Southern Highlands
The Southern Highlands enjoys a cooler climate than Sydney due to its elevation, making it a pleasant escape from coastal heat in summer (December to February), with temperatures typically in the low-to-mid 20s. Autumn (March to May) offers mild days and cool nights, with stunning foliage across Bowral, Mittagong and Moss Vale.
Winter (June to August) can be cold — temperatures drop to near zero overnight and the occasional frost is common — but the misty mornings and open fires are part of the appeal. Spring (September to November) is warm and colourful, with the famous Tulip Time festival drawing visitors from across the country.
Prices in the Southern Highlands
Prices in the Southern Highlands are fairly stable throughout the year, but a few periods push accommodation rates up. The Tulip Time festival in September is one of the busiest (and priciest) times, with Bowral drawing large crowds and hotels booking out weeks in advance. Autumn foliage season (late April to May) also sees strong demand.
Christmas and January school holidays bring a surge of Sydney weekenders, so expect higher prices. The quietest and most affordable time to visit is typically mid-winter (July), or the quieter shoulder weeks of late February to early March, when prices ease and the region feels more relaxed.
Crowds in the Southern Highlands
The Southern Highlands is busiest during the Tulip Time festival in late September, which draws enormous crowds to Bowral's Corbett Gardens. Autumn foliage weekends in April and May are also popular, as are Christmas and school holiday periods.
Winter weekends attract Sydneysiders looking for cosy retreats, so Friday and Saturday nights in Bowral can book out quickly year-round. Weekdays are significantly quieter at any time of year. If you want to avoid the crowds while still enjoying great weather, consider visiting mid-week in autumn or spring, or heading to the smaller villages like Berrima or Bundanoon rather than the Bowral hub.
Events and festivals in the Southern Highlands
The Southern Highlands has a rich events calendar, with highlights spread throughout the year — from garden festivals in spring to food and wine events in autumn.
-
When is it? March to May
See the beautiful fall colours as they change the Southern Highlands into blankets of yellow, red and gold.
-
When is it? September-October
See the brilliant blooms during the annual tulip festival where more than 80,000 flowers turn Corbett Gardens in Bowral into a rainbow of colour.
-
When is it? October
Centennial Vineyards hosted the inaugural food and wine festival in 2025. TBC if the event is taking place again in 2026.
Travelling to the Southern Highlands in each season
The Southern Highlands shifts beautifully with the seasons — each offering a distinct atmosphere and drawcard. Here's a brief overview of what to expect throughout the year.
Spring
When is it? September to November
Spring (September to November) is one of the most popular times to visit, with gardens bursting into bloom and the famous Tulip Time festival drawing big crowds to Bowral in late September. The weather is mild and sunny, perfect for exploring the villages and cellar doors. Book accommodation well in advance for festival weekends, as prices spike considerably.
Summer
When is it? December to February
Summer (December to February) is a lovely time to visit — warm but not hot, with long days ideal for exploring gardens, historic towns and the surrounding countryside. January school holidays bring more visitors and slightly higher prices. The region makes a refreshing change from the heat of coastal and inland NSW destinations.
Autumn
When is it? March to May
Autumn (March to May) is widely considered the most beautiful time to visit the Southern Highlands. The deciduous trees create a stunning patchwork of gold, orange and red across Bowral and surrounds. Prices are moderate, the weather is crisp and comfortable, and the region has a special quality during this season. Don't miss the foliage along Bong Bong Street in Bowral.
Winter
When is it? June to August
Winter (June to August) is cold, quiet and wonderfully atmospheric. Mist settles in the valleys, open fires roar in heritage hotels and the region feels genuinely unhurried. It's one of the quieter seasons for visitors, which means better availability and slightly lower accommodation prices. Pack warm layers and embrace the slow pace.
Overall, when is the best value time to visit the Southern Highlands?
For the best balance of great conditions and reasonable prices, consider visiting the Southern Highlands in late autumn (May) or late winter (August). In May, the foliage is still stunning — perhaps even at its most vivid — and the busiest weekends have passed. August is quiet, accommodation is affordable and the region has a peaceful charm that's hard to beat. Both periods let you experience the Southern Highlands at its most authentic without the premium pricing of festival season or school holidays. Mid-week stays in any season are another smart way to save, as weekend surcharges can add considerably to the cost of a getaway in this popular region.
50k+
people in the Southern Highlands
Area
in New South Wales
