Best Time to Visit Bordeaux & Saint-Émilion:
Wine, Weather, Festivals

Best Time to Visit Bordeaux and Saint Émilion

Bordeaux has a way of pulling you in slowly.

The city wakes up with the smell of bread from corner bakeries and vendors at the Marché des Capucins setting out their displays of oysters and fresh herbs. By midday, glasses of crisp white wine appear alongside plates of seasonal food, and the pace seems to settle into a rhythm that feels easy to join. Evenings mean more time outside; a stop at a wine bar and the kind of golden light that makes the limestone buildings glow. If you time your trip right, you catch Bordeaux and Saint Émilion at their best.

Bordeaux has its own rhythm, and knowing when to go makes all the difference. You can plan around lively festivals and grape harvest celebrations or choose a quieter window when the streets of Saint Émilion feel almost secret.

If you’re planning a 6-night food and wine trip, timing it right also means better rates on stays and easier reservations at sought-after cellars, check out our full itinerary guide for inspiration.

Why Timing Matters for a Bordeaux and Saint Émilion Trip

Visiting Bordeaux (and its darling neighbor Saint Émilion) isn’t just about the wine. The weather and vineyard activity change the vibe entirely. In spring, fields are calm and green. In harvest season, it’s buzzing with pickups and presses. In winter, things quiet down.

Also: price variations and crowd levels shift a lot. Summer is peak and busy (hello long lines). Off-peak months mean lower costs and more breathing room. If you time your trip smart, you’ll hit that sweet spot where you get charm and comfort.

Visiting by Season

Spring: Blooming Vines & Fewer Tourists

March to May is like the soft opening of Bordeaux’s tourist year. Vines wake up, blossoms peek through, and many cellars reopen after winter. The weather is mild (but bring layers!), and the crowds are light. Château tours are more relaxed, and tasting rooms have space for you.

If you love strolling through green vineyards without elbowing your way past others, spring is a lovely choice.

Summer: Festivals & Longer Days

June to August is alive. Warm, sunny, full of outdoor dinners, concerts, festivals. It’s when Bordeaux feels like it’s partying. The long daylight gives you extra hours to explore. The risk: more crowds, more expensive hotels, and hotter afternoons.

But if you thrive in high energy, summer delivers. Best time to visit Saint Émilion during summer? Yes, especially around early June for Saint Émilion’s Spring Festival (Jurade), which includes parades, new wine tastings, and local flair.

Autumn: Harvest Season

This is the golden time. Mid-September through October is when Bordeaux wine harvest season is in full swing. Vines glow in red and gold. Wine events and festivals happen. You can see harvest workers, do grape-picking tours, or simply enjoy the winery buzz.

In Saint Émilion, the Harvest Festival (Fête des Vendanges) is a highlight — tastings, workshops, walks through vineyards. Also, the Harvest Proclamation by the Jurade de Saint Émilion happens in September.

This is arguably the best time to visit Bordeaux if you're a wine lover who wants that immersive experience. Experience harvest season in Saint Émilion.

Winter: Cozy Cellars & Lower Prices

November to February is quiet. Many vineyards slow down; some may even shut for maintenance. But that’s cool if you like cozy, moody, slow travel. Think wine tastings by fireplace, Christmas markets, fewer people, off-season discounts.

Just note: fewer vineyard tours may operate, daylight is short, and rain is more common. But if your goal is introspection—and great deals—winter has its charm.

Bordeaux Weather by Month

Here’s a quick look at Bordeaux weather by month, including averages and what to expect:

• The warm season (above ~24 °C highs) generally runs June to early September.
• The driest stretch is mid-June to mid-September, with August having few wet days.
• Rain peaks in November, meaning that if you’re hoping for dry walks, avoid late fall.

So if you want a vineyard picnic or walking in terraces, aim for May, June, or September when conditions balance warmth, light rain, and fewer crowds.

Wine Tourism Calendar Highlights

To get your wine geek on, here are the big markers in the Bordeaux / Saint Émilion wine calendar:

• En Primeur Week: usually April. Bordeaux châteaux release their new vintage (futures sales). It’s more business than tourist, but offers behind-the-scenes access.
• Fête le Vin: typically in June (Bordeaux wine festival), where the city becomes one giant, wine tasting ground.
• Harvest Festivals / Les Vendanges: September to October. Bordeaux city hosts Bordeaux fête ses vendanges. In Saint Émilion, the Harvest Festival weekend often falls in October.
• Jurade Events in Saint Émilion: Spring Festival (third Sunday in June) and Harvest Proclamation (third Sunday in September).

If your trip overlaps with one of these, it’ll feel like you’re part of the local rhythm; not just a tourist. Explore Médoc, Graves, and Saint Émilion wine regions.

When to Book for the Best Deals

You don’t want to wait until the last minute — here’s how to game your bookings:

• For summer and harvest season, book 3–6 months in advance for hotels, château tastings, private tours. Things fill fast.
• Off-peak (spring, winter): you can sometimes book 1–2 months ahead and still snag good rates.
• For vineyard tastings and château dinners, reach out well in advance, especially in harvest period — mornings are often busiest.
• If you’re booking a package trip (flights + hotel + tour), lock it in early so you can pick your ideal dates.

Finding Your Perfect Bordeaux Moment

Spring in Bordeaux is soft and green, the kind of season where mornings feel crisp and quiet, perfect for lingering over coffee before heading out to the vineyards. Summer turns the city into a lively stage, full of festivals and long golden evenings, though you’ll share it with plenty of other travelers.

Autumn is when the real magic happens with vines turning to gold and cellars buzzing with harvest energy. Winter slows everything down, giving you cozy cellar tastings and peaceful streets at a gentler price. If you crave energy, go in autumn. If you want space to breathe, spring and winter are your friends. And if you’re looking for balance, May, June, or September might just be your sweet spot.

Let’s Craft Your Bordeaux Story

Perfect timing, private château doors opening just for you, glasses waiting on the terrace; we make that happen and more.

Revigorate takes care of the planning so you can focus on savoring the moment, not managing logistics. We’ll align your trip with the season that suits you best, book the right tastings, and make sure every day feels seamless. Your Bordeaux and Saint Émilion journey should feel as curated as a fine wine, and that’s exactly what we do.

Plan your Bordeaux wine vacation with us.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is Bordeaux crowded during harvest?

  Yes, harvest season draws both tourists and wine professionals. But because the energy is part of the experience, many travelers feel it’s worth the buzz.

• When are vineyards open for tastings?

  Most vineyards open tours April through November. In winter some close or reduce hours.

• Can you visit in winter?

  You can. Cellars, restaurants, and certain wineries stay open. It’s a quieter, slower experience. Just don’t expect full harvest activity.

• Is it cheaper to go off-season?

  Definitely. Accommodation, flights, and some tour prices drop in shoulder or winter months.

• What are the rainiest months in Bordeaux?

  November is the wettest. Spring also sees moderate rain. The driest months tend to be July and August.