Winter isn’t the “slow season” in Napa Valley in a bad way; think of it as more of the “smart” season. Outside of the holidays, December through February brings a quieter rhythm, fewer crowds at tasting rooms and restaurants, and hotel rates that are easier on the budget than summer or fall harvest months. There’s never really a bad time to do Napa, but savvy travelers claim this is the best time to visit Napa Valley.

While the weather leans cool and occasionally rainy, this climate makes indoor tastings and fireside restaurant meals feel genuinely satisfying and downright cozy. In short: if you want a Napa escape that feels a bit more relaxed and focused on experience over spectacle, winter delivers.

Winter Weather in Napa Valley

Napa in winter is cool, misty, and made for big reds and knit sweaters. Expect daytime highs in the upper 50s to low 60s Fahrenheit and lows around 39 – 42°F in December through February. This is California’s rainy season, so think “soft gray skies and drizzle,” not blizzards and ice.

You’ll want a warm, water‑resistant layer for vineyard walks and downtown strolls, plus boots or sneakers you don’t mind getting a little muddy. At tasting rooms, the vibe flips: roaring fireplaces, heat lamps on covered terraces, cozy seating, and that little thrill of being toasty with a glass of Cabernet while the rain taps the windows.

Photo Op Tip: when the rain breaks, green hills and rolling mustard fields are beautiful backdrops for photography or a scenic drive. To help with planning and packing, check out our tips on What to Wear in Wine Country.

Planning Tips: How to Do Winter Right

Winter rewards people who plan just enough to be strategic—but stay flexible. Use these moves to actually enjoy Napa rather than rush through it.

Take Your Time

Fewer visitors means you can book coveted tastings and winery tours without scrambling. Explore wineries here.

While you’ll often be able to walk into tasting rooms and restaurants in winter, it’s still smart to reserve any “must‑do” wineries, iconic dinners, or splurge experiences in advance. For inspiration, be sure to check out our curated list of WC Experiences.

Lean into Value

Listen to the locals. They will tell you that a visit in winter is the best way to get “peak Napa” without paying peak‑Napa prices.

Check out the Calistoga Winter in the Wineries wine passport, which offers multiple wine tastings at a discount through March 1. For just $80, you’ll get tastings at nearly two dozen wineries (we’re talking over $800 worth of tastings alone!), plus hotel offers and complimentary corkage fees at select restaurants.

January brings Restaurant Month, one of the best times to dine in Napa. Participating eateries serve prix-fixe menus at a reasonable price, each spotlighting the best local produce and wine pairings.

What to Wear

Expect a mix of cool rain and clear days. Umbrellas and layers keep you comfortable on vineyard strolls, while stylish outfits make dinners in Napa or St. Helena more enjoyable.

Things to Do in Winter

Cozy Up with Wine

Indoor tastings feel like the star of the show in winter, with tasting rooms focused on comfort and conversation. There are excellent winter-ready wineries with heated patios and fire pits where pouring flights feels particularly right. If a cave tasting is what you’re after, don’t miss our roundup of The Best Cave Tastings & Experiences in Napa Valley.

Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride

Early mornings offer crisp air and long visibility, perfect for balloon flights over vineyards capped with mist or clouds. Not only can you expect fewer crowds and a quieter calm over the region, but a champagne breakfast after landing makes for a perfect start to a winter day. Be sure to read our Hot Air Balloon Ride Tips before you book.

Ride the Napa Valley Wine Train

This is one of winter’s easiest wins. The Napa Valley Wine Train glides past rolling vineyards and early mustard blooms from late January through March, pairing valley views with a seated, multi-course lunch. The best part? You’ll be warm (and well-fed!) in the comforts of your elegant train car, regardless of the weather. Get to know the Wine Train here.

Shop Downtown Napa

Boutiques, galleries, and tasting rooms downtown are easier to visit in winter, with less foot traffic and more time to browse. You’ll find well-known stops like Anthropologie and Free People, alongside local shops such as Makers Market, all clustered around First Street and the riverfront. Want more downtown inspiration? Read our Downtown Napa Things to do Guide.

Spa and Wellness Retreats

Warm up between tastings with some R&R. Calistoga’s mineral springs and mud baths feel restorative when temperatures drop, but you’ll find plenty of worthwhile spas throughout Napa Valley, depending on what type of treatments and environment you’re after.

Scenic Drives and Outdoor Walks

Green hills, vineyard views, and calming winter light make classic Napa Valley drives that much nicer. Short hikes around the valley or bike rides on crisp days are worthy of being on your agenda. When the weather cooperates, don’t miss the Napa Valley Vine Trail, a scenic (and car-free!) cycling and walking path that runs alongside Highway 29.

Winter Events in Napa Valley

Winter brings a lighter calendar, but a few standout events are worth planning around. The aforementioned Calistoga Winter in the Wineries comes first. Grab this wine passport for tasting perks and winery offers across the north end of the valley.

From mid-January through February, the Napa Lighted Art Festival turns downtown streets and buildings into a free, walkable nighttime art show with illuminated installations and projections. January is also Napa Valley Restaurant Month, when many local spots roll out special menus and seasonal pricing, making it a smart time to plan dinners across the region’s inviting towns.

Where to Stay: Perfect Winter Home Bases

You don’t just want a bed in winter—you want a hideaway that feels like part of the trip. Look for fireplaces, inviting lobbies, and easy access to tasting rooms and restaurants so you can park the car and forget about it. From Napa to Calistoga, here are just a few of our favorite winter-worthy getaways:

• Carneros Resort and Spa
• The Meritage Resort and Spa
• Lavender A Four Sisters Inn
• Alila Napa Valley
• Meadowood Napa Valley
• Calistoga Spa Hot Springs

And be sure to check out our special Lodging Deals with select properties throughout Napa Valley, featuring discounted rates, hotel credits, and offerings like free wine and late checkout.