Photo Courtesy of Bob McClenahan Photography
Regardless of when you plan to visit, be it next weekend or next fall, Napa Valley is always a good idea. After all, there’s a reason why Napa remains one of the most popular destinations in California, and, believe it or not, wine is just a small part of the equation.
Napa Valley is always a good idea.
From world-class wineries and breathtaking scenery to incredible accommodations, acclaimed restaurants, rejuvenating spas, unique shopping, and more, Napa Valley truly has something for everyone. Plus, with its mild Mediterranean climate, this Northern California wine region boasts plenty of sunny days year-round, making it an ideal destination any time of year.
So when, exactly, is the best time of year to visit Napa Valley? It really depends on the type of experience you want to enjoy, as every season offers a different slice of Wine Country life. To help you plan the perfect getaway, regardless of the time of year, we’ve put together a seasonal guide to visiting Napa Valley.
Fall is always a busy time of year in Wine Country, when the bustling harvest season brings an air of excitement to the Valley. During the months of August, September, and October, winery teams can be seen picking grapes in the vineyards for crush, and some wineries even offer special harvest tours so you can witness the winery production facilities buzzing with action. Even if you’re not here for the wine, it’s hard to deny the appeal of fall in Napa, when the region shines with vibrant autumnal colors of orange, red, gold, and yellow. Add in mild temperatures both day and night and it’s no wonder why harvest is a popular time for visitors (we recommend booking reservations well in advance). Average day highs linger in the high 70s to low 80s, dropping down into the 50s at night, with rarely much precipitation in sight.
Prepare for the cooler months by stocking up on Napa Valley’s premier wine: Cabernet. We’ve put together a list of some of our favorite spots for tasting Cabs in Napa, or, if exclusivity is more your game, check out our top cult wineries in Napa.
Downtown Napa has never been more happening, and we’re all about it. Book a stay at one of downtown’s many hotels and then enjoy all the exciting tasting rooms and hip restaurants within walking distance.
Napa Valley is chock full of wineries with surroundings as stunning as the wines served. When you’re ready to delight all your senses, consider any of these 10 most beautiful wineries.
Mid-November through early January is no doubt a magical time in Napa Valley, when festive winter events and holiday gatherings add to the joy of the season. Starting with Thanksgiving, many restaurants in the area offer special holiday dinners to take advantage of, while wineries host a range of specials on wine and holiday open-houses. Whole towns even go all out this time of year, showcasing bright twinkly lights and special events for kids of all ages. Daytime averages are usually in the high 50s to low 60s, with nighttime temps clocking in the 40s and high 30s. So, while you won’t be in for a “white Christmas” in Napa, rainy days can be more frequent, so don’t forget an umbrella or a rain jacket for those times when the weather forecast calls for rain instead of sun.
Prep for all that holiday entertaining by taking a hands-on cooking class at the CIA at Copia, located in downtown Napa. Afterwards, we recommend stopping into the CIA’s Marketplace to stock up on gifts for the foodies in your life.
During the holiday season, the Napa Valley Wine Train offers festive experiences for kids of all ages—the most popular being the Santa Train, which includes games, hot cocoa, cookies, live entertainment, and more. Adults will also love spending a festive New Year’s Eve aboard the train.
Take a break from holiday shopping with a stop into one of Napa’s wineries with stunning art collections, where the art truly is as impressive as the wine.
Winter, aka “low season,” may be considered the rainy season in Napa, but don’t let that deter you. The months of January, February, and March still offer much to love, thanks to plenty of clear, sunny days, daytime highs in the 50s, and fewer crowds than other times of year. It’s also a good time to take advantage of off-season hotel rates, which can often make an escape to Napa much easier on the budget. Of course, with evening temps dropping down into the 30s in some parts of Napa Valley, you’ll want to bring warm clothes, and preferably find a place to cozy up next to a fire.
Indulge in a pampered stay at one of Napa Valley’s most luxurious hotels without paying peak season rates (yay!), then spend the money saved on an indulgent spa treatment or fancy dinner. What could be better?
Discover the joys of pairing wine with food through an educational (and delicious) experience at a top winery. We’ve curated a list of our favorite winery pairings and the most unique wine pairings to help get you started.
Visit Napa’s more popular wineries—such as PEJU Winery, Pine Ridge Vineyards, and Domaine Carneros—without worrying about summertime crowds. While most still require reservations, you’ll likely have your choice of appointment times.
After the winter rains, spring is a rejuvenating time of year in Napa Valley, when wildflowers adorn the vibrant green hillsides, vineyards start to awaken with the start of bud break, and the overall vibe is relaxed and cheerful as the days get longer. While you still may see some rain in the forecast, most of the time the temperatures are mild and inviting, making wine tasting outdoors a more appealing prospect. It’s also a great time to explore Napa’s outdoorsy side, biking or hiking around before the summertime heat descends upon the Valley. Average highs tend to range in the mid-to-high 60s and start to roll into the mid-70s by May, though evening lows are still pretty chilly, typically in the mid-to-high 40s.
There’s nothing like savoring the sights of Napa on two wheels with a guided bike tour with Getaway Adventures. Or, you could rent a bike to explore the region on your own—the Napa Valley Vine Trail offers two incredible routes.
Live out Earth Day all season long with a visit to some of Napa’s most sustainable wineries. We’d highly suggest following your tasting with a local and seasonal lunch in St. Helena.
Experience the healing benefits of Calistoga’s mud with a treatment at one of Calistoga’s top spas before settling down for a delicious meal at a nearby acclaimed restaurant. Trust us, you’ll be glowing from the inside out.
With dry, sunny days and virtually no rain—there’s rarely a cloud in the sky from sunrise to sunset—it’s no wonder why people flock to Napa Valley during the summer months. Wineries and tasting rooms embrace the nice weather by offering outdoor tastings and vineyard tours, hotel pools can be found bustling with happy guests enjoying the California sunshine, and local farmers’ markets are bursting with summer produce. You’ll find average daytime temperatures in the mid-80s to mid-90s, depending on how far north you are in the valley, with lows ranging in the 50s at night.
We love kicking off the summer season with music and wine at BottleRock Napa Valley, inarguably one of the biggest festivals in Northern California each year.
What could be better than lounging poolside whilst basking in the California sun? Lounging poolside just steps from your hotel room. Here are a few of our favorite hotel pools for inspiration.
Soar high above the valley with a hot air balloon ride with Napa Valley Aloft. If you’re a balloon first-timer, here’s what to know before you go.
Need more info to help you plan an idyllic Wine Country getaway? You can get the latest forecast and further details on monthly temperatures by visiting our Napa Valley weather page. For those who don’t live locally in the San Francisco Bay Area, if you need help deciding which airport to fly into, we’ve got you covered with our Airport Traveler’s Guide to Visiting Napa. You may also want to check out our detailed Napa Valley map to help you get a lay of the land before visiting. And if you haven’t narrowed down your destination in Wine Country between Napa or Sonoma, you can visit our sister site to discover our seasonal guide to visiting Sonoma County.
