The Best Time of the Year to Visit Napa Valley

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 visited regions in California, and, believe it or not, wine is only part of the equation.

Napa Valley truly offers something for everyone, thanks to its world-class wineries, stunning scenery, luxe accommodations, Michelin-starred restaurants, restorative spas, arts and culture, unique shopping, and… well, we could go on and on. However, it’s not just the endless array of activities that draws visitors, it’s also the good weather. Napa enjoys a mild, Mediterranean climate with plenty of sunny days throughout the year, making this Northern California wine region not only well-suited for growing grapes, but an ideal destination for visitors any time of year.

The best time of year to visit Napa Valley 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.

Spring

Courtesy of Facebook: Round Pond Estate

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 by 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.

Our Favorite Spring Activities in Napa Valley:

Sip wine and admire the extensive art collection adorning the beautiful grounds of HALL St. Helena
Savor the sights of Napa on two wheels with a guided bike tour through Getaway Adventures
Tour the culinary garden and olive groves of Round Pond Winery before sitting down for a gourmet lunch on the picturesque terrace

Treat yourself to a relaxing spa treatment at one of Napa Valley’s rejuvenating spas

Summer

Courtesy of Bob McClenahan Photography

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.

Our Favorite Summer Activities in Napa Valley:

Enjoy a private wine tasting and picnic experience in your own cabana at Louis M. Martini Winery
Lounge poolside in the sun at one of Napa’s many impressive hotel pools
Soar high above the valley with a hot air balloon ride via Napa Valley Aloft
Savor a gourmet picnic on the sprawling lawn of Vista Collina Resort, or pack your own picnic for an afternoon at Napa Cellars

Fall

Courtesy of Bob McClenahan Photography

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 in 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 (since things fill up quickly, we suggest booking hotel, restaurant, and wine tasting reservations in advance). Average daytime highs linger in the high 70s to low 80s, dropping down into the 50s at night, with rarely much precipitation in sight.

Our Favorite Fall Activities in Napa Valley:

Enjoy a five-course wine and food experience in Calistoga at Brian Arden Winery

Experience the healing benefits of Calistoga’s hot springs during a stay at the Calistoga Spa Hot Springs

Winter Holiday Season

Courtesy of Unsplash | Jason Leung

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 holiday open-houses and offer specials on wine. Even whole towns go all out this time of year, showcasing bright twinkly lights and activities for kids of all ages. Daytime averages are usually in the high 50s to low 60s, with nighttime temps clocking in around the 40s and high 30s. While you may not be in for a “white Christmas,” as it doesn’t snow in this region, rainy days are more frequent, so don’t forget an umbrella or a rain jacket for those days when the weather forecast calls for rain instead of sun.

Our Favorite Holiday Activities in Napa Valley:

Find holiday gifts for all the chefs and hosts in your life with a stop into The Culinary Institute’s Spice Island Marketplace
Stay at one of the many amazing hotels in Yountville to take advantage of the annual Holidays in Yountville celebration (and, of course, the Michellin-starred restaurants)
Hop aboard an open-air trolley for a holiday light tour with Napa Valley Wine Trolley
Prep for all that holiday entertaining by taking a hands-on cooking class at the CIA Copia

Low Season

Courtesy of Visit Calistoga

It 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 get cozy next to a fire.

Our Favorite Off-Season Activities in Napa Valley:

Experience the captivating beauty of Napa County’s mustard fields during mustard flower season
Explore Napa’s historic wineries without worrying about crowds
Indulge in a pampered stay at one of Napa Valley’s most luxurious hotels
Visit the wineries of Calistoga and Napa’s Up Valley via the Calistoga Winter in the Wineries Passport

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.

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Author

WineCountry Staff