Best Time to Visit Napa Valley [Month by Month Guide]

Have you been dreaming of spending the weekend in the beautiful and luxurious Napa Valley wine country with friends and loved ones? 

Well, the best time to visit Napa Valley depends on what you want out of your wine country experience. 

We created this detailed travel guide to help you select the best time to go to Napa Valley based on your hopes and dreams for your epic getaway to this wine region. 

We included detailed information on monthly weather conditions and the lowdown of what to expect each season, from festivals to a concert series in the vineyards.

This guide will ensure that you will get the most out of your trip so that you can relax and enjoy sipping on Napa’s world-class wines.

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When is the Best Time to Visit Napa Valley?

The best time to visit Napa Valley is during the fall. The weather is excellent, and this time of year marks the start of the wine harvest and crush season. 

There are tons of harvest parties, events, and tours, but the place can also get quite crowded, and accommodation prices can be sky-high. 

Nonetheless, Fall is still the best time of the year to visit Napa Valley as the vine foliage starts to change color and the daytime temperatures are perfect for sipping red and white wine. 

Spring is also a great alternative, as the grape vines and the valley’s surrounding hills are green and beautiful, and the crowds have not arrived yet. 

Summer can also be very nice for those that love enjoying the perfect weather that comes in the evenings for al fresco dining and sipping wine with friends, but it can be pretty crowded this time of the year.

If you are looking for the cheapest time to visit Napa Valley, then Winter is the best time.

You can expect fewer crowds, better hotel rates and the undivided attention of the staff at wineries and restaurants.

Best Time to Go to Napa Valley – Weather by Month 

Napa Valley in January

• Temperature: High: 55° Low: 35°
• Rain: 8 days
• Crowd Factor: 🍷

January is the best month to visit if you want to save money and avoid huge crowds, and it also happens to be the cheapest time to visit Napa Valley. 

Rainfall is on the high side, and it’s one of the coldest months of the year, with highs reaching only 55°F. 

The sky may be grey most of the month, but the wines remain red, white, and pink and ready to drink. 

You can also enjoy some fun events like the Napa Truffle Festival and Napa Valley Restaurant Week. 

This is also a great time to go on a Napa Valley wine tour if you hate dealing with crowds.

Napa Valley in February

• Temperature: High: 60° Low: 37°
• Rain: 8 days
• Crowd Factor: 🍷🍷

February is another excellent month for decent-priced accommodations and easier reservations at the wineries. 

This is the best month to visit Napa Valley covered with a yellow blanket of wild mustard blooms.  Rainfall is also on the high side, and the daytime highs reach only 60° F. 

Besides the Yountville International Short Film Festival, this month doesn’t have a lot of events, but it usually draws crowds during Valentine’s Day. 

Reservations can be hard to come by at restaurants and hotels over the holiday.

Napa Valley in March

• Temperature: High: 64° Low: 40°
• Rain: 7 days
• Crowd Factor: 🍷🍷🍷

Like in the previous months, you can expect to see some rain, but the days are sunnier and longer, especially after the end of daylight saving which is mid-month. 

This is also the start of spring, so the valley gets busier with the amount of daily visitor climbing as the month progresses. 

In March, the wild mustard blooms start to wane, but the valley’s hillsides are a striking emerald green. 

Outdoor events are starting again, like the Napa Marathon and Yountville Live. 

Napa Valley in April

• Temperature: High: 70° Low: 42°
• Rain: 4 days
• Crowd Factor: 🍷🍷🍷

April is one of the best months to visit Napa Valley for those who want the perfect combination of good weather and fewer crowds. 

Starting this month, the chances of rainfall dwindle, and the daytime temperature averages 70°F. 

Besides the Calistoga Wellness Week, there aren’t any events this month, which keeps the prices and the crowds low. 

April is the heart of the season and represents a time when the Valley’s world-renowned restaurants and farmers’ markets celebrate the best spring produce, including California artichokes and asparagus.

The mild weather also makes it great for exploring Napa by bike like this e-bike tour through the vineyards or escaping the wineries for the day to enjoy hiking the area’s many trails.

Napa Valley in May

• Temperature: High: 78° Low: 48°
• Rain: 2 days
• Crowd Factor: 🍷🍷🍷🍷

Visiting Napa Valley in May has a lot of well-known events like the BottleRock Napa Valley and the start of the Charles Krug Summer Concert Series. 

Those events usually attract huge crowds that clog up many main roads in and out of the valley. 

Avoid these dates, and May is relatively less crowded compared to the summer months.  Chances of rain are very low starting this month, and the highs can reach up to 78° F. 

May also marks the start of rosé wine season, which is perfect when the temperatures start rising, and the festivities begin to kick off.

Napa Valley in June

• Temperature: High: 87° Low: 53°
• Rain: 0 days
• Crowd Factor: 🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷

The start of summer marks warmer temperatures and clearer skies, with highs reaching 87° F.

In June, huge crowds start coming to Napa Valley, and many more outdoor events and concerts are happening throughout the valley. 

St. Helena’s and Napa City’s summer concert series begin this month, along with the Napa Valley Jazz Getaway. 

Expect an influx of visitors, higher accommodation prices, and the need for advanced reservations for boutique wineries and restaurants.

This is also the best time to go for a picnic, and this guided tour takes care of all the logistics for you for a worry-free experience.

Napa Valley in July

• Temperature: High: 93° Low: 56°
• Rain: 0 days
• Crowd Factor: 🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷

July is the hottest month of the year and is as crowded as it gets in Napa Valley. 

There’s no chance of rain, and highs reach up to 93° F, which means the days can be overbearingly hot, but the evenings are stunning and perfect for dining or sipping wine al fresco.

This month, many musical events are happening, like the Calistoga Concerts in the Park and Napa Porchfest. 

Festival Napa Valley is held this month, so expect more crowds and higher prices.

Napa Valley in August

• Temperature: High: 92° Low: 55°
• Rain: 0 days
• Crowd Factor: 🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷

August is the last month of the summer season, and this is when the initial preparations for the harvest season begin. 

August brings the doldrums of summer with the continuation of high daytime temperatures and large crowds packing the valley. 

This may be problematic for some, but those that love California summer evenings will be drawn to this laid-back time of year and its lively nights in Downtown Napa.

The summer concert series is still going on, and people are still partying it up while making the most of what’s left of summer. 

On the more relaxed and classy side is Music in the Vineyards, which is a nationally-acclaimed chamber music festival.

Napa Valley in September

• Temperature: High: 88° Low: 53°
• Rain: 1 day
• Crowd Factor: 🍷🍷🍷🍷

Fall is the start of the harvest season and is considered the best time to visit Napa Valley because of the great weather and numerous festivities. 

Besides the many harvest parties that the Napa Valley wineries are hosting, there’s also Calistoga’s Harvest Table. 

This dinner features a 1000-foot communal table that runs down the main street that local restaurants and wineries put on. 

If you’re into golf, the PGA Tour Fortinet Championship is held annually and can be a fun outing if you want a day away from wine tasting. 

Since this is the start of the popular harvest season, prices are really high, and the valley is usually packed with visitors.

If you’re on a budget, consider getting a Priority Wine Pass to save money on your tastings and enjoy other great discounts on your visit.

Napa Valley in October

• Temperature: High: 77° Low: 47°
• Rain: 2 days
• Crowd Factor:  🍷🍷🍷🍷

Still part of Napa’s harvest season, this is one of the busiest months in the area as wineries scramble to finish harvesting grapes, crushing, and starting the fermentation process. 

Is October a good time to visit Napa Valley? The answer is yes. The weather is still great, with clear skies and warm temperatures. 

The harvest parties continue in October, along with grape stomping events that allow you to get in on the action and get your feet juicy. 

If you visit Napa at the start of October, make sure to check out Charles Krug’s Tasting on the Lawn. 

This is Napa Valley’s longest-running harvest tradition, which is an epic party that includes live music, bites from Tre Posti, and plenty of wine tasting.

Napa Valley in November

• Temperature: High: 64° Low: 40°
• Rain: 6 days
• Crowd Factor: 🍷🍷🍷

Harvest season ends, and November comes, bringing higher chances of rainfall and colder weather. 

Harvest festivities are replaced with preparations for the holiday season, starting with events like Holidays in St. Helena, Holidays in Yountville, and Napa’s Christmas Parade. 

The crowds begin to diminish, meaning you can snag great deals on accommodations, so it’s one of the best times to go to Napa. 

This month marks the start of the Cabernet Season when the temperatures are cool enough for sipping a glass of the signature wine of the Napa Valley.

Napa Valley in December

• Temperature: High: 56° Low: 35°
• Rain: 8 days
• Crowd Factor: 🍷🍷

The rainfall continues to increase, and the temperature, along with the crowds, continues to get lower in the valley. 

All that’s left of the vineyards are the bare vines, but the beautiful Christmas lights brighten up Napa. 

It’s the holiday season, so check out the Calistoga Lighted Tractor Parade and hop on one of the Santa Train Jolly Journeys for some festive fun. 

If you’re wondering, is December a good time to visit Napa Valley?

December is still a great time to visit, as you can easily get reservations to the Valley’s world-class restaurants and have a more connected experience tasting at the wineries, as long as you don’t mind the cold weather.

Remember that not all of the Napa Valley wineries are open, and some only have limited hours this time of year.

With that said, Napa is one of the best Christmas destinations in California for couples.

Best Time of the Year to Visit Napa Valley 

Visiting Napa Valley in the Fall (September to November)

Arguably the most popular and busiest time of the year in Napa Valley, fall brings the harvest season with an influx of visitors and steep hotel rates. 

Weather in the fall is excellent, with highs reaching 88°F in the early part of the season and 64°F in late November. 

Hotel prices and wine-tasting visits can be at the highest prices of the year, and the wineries can get really crowded. 

However, this is the best time of the year to visit Napa Valley because of the great parties, events, and activities held during these months. 

If you want to experience what the fall season can offer without the steep prices, you can visit once the harvest season ends and the Cabernet Season begins in November.

Pros of Visiting Napa in the Fall

• Harvest season
  This is one of the best times to go to Napa Valley because of the fun festivities throughout the season. From harvest parties and grape stomping events to picnics and concerts, there’s a lot to do during the harvest season.

• Great weather
  Napa Valley has excellent weather during the fall, with clear skies and cool nights. There’s a low chance of rainfall, and the highs can reach up to 88°F.

• Wide selection of wineries
  Fall time marks the start of the wine-making operations, so you’ll have a lot of wineries and wine-tasting tours to choose from. They can be expensive, but you’ll have access to high-quality wines from some of the world’s best wineries.

Cons of Visiting Napa in the Fall

• One of the busiest times of the year  
  Because fall time is a hectic season, it can get really crowded in wineries, restaurants, and other places in town. 

• Steep prices
  Since fall draws many people, hotel accommodation prices and other bookings are usually pricier, and wine tastings are significantly more expensive. If you’re on a budget, consider getting a Priority Wine Pass to enjoy great discounts on your visit.

• Difficulty in making reservations
  If you don’t book beforehand, this can cause heavy traffic and difficulty getting tickets, tours, and accommodations. We recommend booking at least four to six months before your trip. 

Best Things to do in Napa in the Fall

• Attend a harvest party
  Many wineries hold harvest parties to celebrate the harvest season throughout the fall season. These parties include new wine releases, great food, BBQ events, music, dancing, and much more.

• Join a grape stomping event
  Grape stomping is a great way to have a hands-on harvest experience in Napa Valley. Several wineries hold these events, which usually include wine tasting and meeting the winemakers while learning how they make wine.

• Experience the Napa Valley Film Festival
  This is a great way to discover incredible new independent films paired with legendary wines and fantastic food.  You’ll also be able to interact with several visiting filmmakers and actors at panels, screenings, and festival parties.

Best Napa Valley Wine Tours in the Fall

• If you want to sample some of the best food in Napa along with world-class wines, this small food & wine tour is an excellent option.

• Visiting Napa from San Francisco? This full-day wine trip takes you through the best wineries in Napa and Sonoma with a gourmet lunch stop.

• This wine country tour leaves from San Francisco and takes you to see the famous redwoods in Muir Woods on your way to Napa Valley.

Events in Napa in the Fall 

• Harvest Season (August to October)
• Calistoga’s Harvest Table (September)
• Napa Valley Film Festival (November)

Visiting Napa Valley in the Winter (December to February)

This is Napa Valley’s low season, so you can expect low prices and fewer crowds during this time of year. 

Except for special events like Valentine’s Day, Easter, and Christmas, not many people visit Napa, which means you’ll find terrific deals and special rates during your visit.

The weather is unsurprisingly cold during winter, with highs reaching only 64° F and higher chances of rain. 

But since there aren’t a lot of visitors, you’ll have the restaurant’s and winery staff’s undivided attention, which is a great advantage to visit during the low season. 

Pros of Visiting Napa in the Winter

• Reasonable prices and fewer crowds
  There are fewer crowds in the winter, so prices are lower during this time. You can easily book your hotel and restaurant accommodations, even if booking at the last minute. 

• Cabernet Season
  Cabernet season starts from mid-fall to spring, and this is a great way to celebrate the end of the harvest season and taste the best Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa Valley. You might even be able to interact with winemakers as they are taking a well-deserved break after the harvest season.

• Holiday Season
  Napa Valley has fantastic events during the holiday season, including parades, train rides with Santa, and lighted art festivals.

Cons of Visiting Napa in the Winter

• The weather is cold with higher chances of rainfall
  It’s no surprise that winter comes with cold temperatures and rainfall, which is why it’s the low season in Napa Valley. Harvest has come and gone, and all that’s left are bare vines in the vineyards.
   
• Fewer events compared to other seasons
  Because this is the low season, there are very few winter events except for Christmas and a few culinary events at the start of the year. 

• Most wineries are closed or have limited hours
  Napa Valley has fun events in December, but most wineries are closed or have limited hours. There are still plenty open for several days of wine tasting and tours.

Best Things to do in Napa in the Winter

• Grab the Winter in the Wineries Passport
  The Winter in the Wineries Passport will give you access to 14 wineries in Calistoga, Lake County, Pope Valley, and St. Helena. You’ll also receive complimentary wine tastings, corkage, and discounts.

• Try the hot springs and mud baths
  Beat the cold weather with a trip to Calistoga’s hot springs and mud baths by staying at this renowned mineral springs resort. Since winter is their low season, you might even be able to snag many affordable deals and discounts.

• Hop on a Santa Train Jolly Journeys ride
  The Napa Valley Train has three all-new Jolly Journeys you can choose from during the holiday season, and each one comes with a visit from Santa. This is a great way to get in the holiday spirit.

Best Napa Valley Tours in the Winter

• This small group wine tasting tour features 3 great wineries with a very knowledgeable guide.

• Do you want to visit a castle while tasting world-class wines? This small group tour is perfect for those visiting Napa Valley for the first time.

• This wine country tour leaves from San Francisco and takes you to see the famous redwoods in Muir Woods on your way to Napa Valley.

Events in Napa in the Winter

• Holidays in Yountville (December)
• Napa Truffle Festival (January)
• Napa Valley Restaurant Week (January)

Visiting Napa Valley in the Spring (March to May)

Springtime has mild weather, although it can be quite rainy at the start of the season. 

Temperatures are starting to get warmer, but there are still chances of rainfall so bring layers and umbrellas if you’re visiting Napa during this time. 

Highs can reach up to 78° F, but it can still get quite cold sometimes in March and early April. 

Some may say that Spring is the best time of the year to go to Napa Valley as there are fewer crowds, and prices are also reasonable. 

Since harvest season is quite far, don’t expect to see grapes on the vines yet, but the foliage will be full and green. 

Instead, you’ll be greeted by beautiful flowers like the native wild mustard blooms you’ll see all over the valley. 

Since the weather is relatively mild, many marathons and cycling events are held during these months.

Pros of Visiting Napa in the Spring

• Great weather
  Springtime weather is mild, with highs averaging 78° F and a low of 40° F. This is the perfect time to explore and enjoy the outdoors, whether by hike, bike, or hot air balloon. 
     
• Lesser crowds and reasonable prices
  Because summer vacations haven’t started and harvest season is still months away, few people visit during the spring. Fewer crowds mean you won’t have trouble booking last-minute hotel and restaurant reservations.

• Wild Mustard Season
  Spring is when these beautiful yellow mustard blooms start growing and covering the vineyards. This is a majestic time to visit the valley as the yellow blossoms are in striking contrast to the green hills surrounding the valley. 

Cons of Visiting Napa in the Spring

• Not a lot of outdoor events
  There aren’t a lot of spring events, so if you enjoy the hustle and bustle of summer and fall festivities, the lesser crowds might not be for you.
   
• No grapes on the vines yet
  Harvest season starts in the fall, so don’t expect to see grapes on the vines during this time. However, vineyards will be green and beautiful and are accented by the wild mustard blooms.
   
• Early spring still has high rainfall
  It might be better to come to Napa during late spring if you want clearer skies. However, most wineries offer indoor tastings, so you won’t be getting wet. 

Best Things to do in Napa in the Spring

• Attend a concert or festival
  Although most concerts occur in the summer, there are also music festivals during spring, like the famous BottleRock Music festival. This three-day music, wine, food, and craft brew festival, is the biggest of the year and takes over the area for the weekend. There is also Yountville Live which bills itself as a sophisticated wine and music festival.

• Ride a hot air balloon
  Springtime is the best time to ride a hot air balloon because you’ll be able to see the beautiful yellow fields of mustard blooms, lush green mountain ranges, and the wineries in Napa Valley. This wine country hot-air balloon ride is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you should have on your bucket list.

• Go on a picnic
  This is a great time to enjoy the outdoors, especially later in the season. You can assemble your own picnic by shopping at Oxbow Market or join a small guided tour that includes a picnic lunch.

Best Napa Valley Tours in the Spring

• If you like to enjoy Napa Valley’s scenery while being active, this half-day e-bike tour is a fun way to visit the wineries.

• Why not get the best of both worlds with this intimate full-day tour to Napa and Sonoma? You’ll get to visit boutique wineries, including a gourmet lunch stop.

• Do you want to visit a castle while tasting world-class wines? This small group tour is perfect for those visiting Napa Valley for the first time.

Events in Napa in the Spring

• Napa Valley Marathon (March)
• Yountville Live (March)
• BottleRock Napa Valley (May)

Visiting Napa Valley in the Summer (June to August)

Napa Valley’s summer weather is hot by day and is perfect in the evenings, with clear skies for almost the entire season. It can get as high as 93° F and has a very low chance of rain. 

This is the time of the year when many outdoor events like concerts and music festivals attract large crowds.

Expect the prices to be high, and the area crowded, especially with well-known restaurants and wineries. Expect hotel prices and wine-tasting tours to be very expensive and reservations hard to come by. 

If you’re planning on visiting Napa in the summer, book four to six months beforehand because it can be challenging to find accommodations, especially during popular events.

❗ Save money on your tastings, including other great discounts on hotel stays and private tastings by picking up the Priority Wine Pass.

Pros of Visiting Napa in the Summer

• Great sunny days and warm weather
  Summers in Napa are accompanied by clear skies and warm weather, which can be perfect for picnics and other outdoor activities when you need to ensure it won’t rain. The best part of the summer season is the evening when it cools down just enough to dine on a patio or relax with a glass of wine overlooking the Napa River.

• Plenty of concerts and outdoor events available
  Because of the great weather, there is no shortage of concerts, outdoor events, and activities you can do during summer.

• Lots of opportunities to meet people
  If you don’t mind the huge crowds that Napa Valley attracts during summertime, this is a great time to meet and interact with many people with similar interests. You can chat it up with festival goers or make new friends at one of the many hip and sophisticated wine bars in Downtown Napa.

Cons of Visiting Napa in the Summer

• Steep prices and crowded
  Many people flock here to attend outdoor concerts and festivals and explore different wineries during summer. This high demand means that prices for activities and accommodations are some of the highest of the year.
  
• Difficult to make reservations
  Make sure to book all of your reservations in advance during summertime. If you don’t book earlier, you might have difficulty finding great accommodations or restaurant reservations.

• The weather can get very hot
  It can get hot in Napa, with highs reaching over 100° F. But what’s great about the weather here is it gets colder during the evenings, with lows reaching 53° F.

Best Things to do in Napa in the Summer

• Have a picnic at a winery
  This is one of the best times to picnic at Napa Valley because of the clear skies and warm weather. There are plenty of wineries that allow you to bring your own picnic for free, but there are also plenty that offers gourmet picnic experiences like this one if you book in advance.

• Check out the valley’s hiking trails
  Besides the fantastic wineries, Napa Valley has scenic hiking trails and state parks that you can explore that are good for all skill levels. Summer is the best time to trek here as rainfall is very low, the weather is warm but not humid, and the skies are almost always clear.
  
• Attend an outdoor concert
  Clear summer skies and warm weather in Napa bring about many music festivals and outdoor concerts like the Summer Concert Series, Jazz Getaway, Calistoga Concerts in the Park, Festival Napa Valley, and Napa Porchfest. 

Best Napa Valley Wine Tours in the Summer

• If visiting small intimate wineries is more of your style, then this guided wine tour with picnic lunch is the best option.

• Do you consider yourself a foodie? Then you would love this walking food & wine tour in Yountville, where you can sample the food from world-renowned restaurants, and taste exceptional wines with a very informative guide.

• Imagine riding through the picturesque Napa Valley vineyards and stopping to taste wines from boutique wineries. Then this half-day e-bike tour is for you.

Events in Napa in the Summer

• Festival Napa Valley (July)
• Napa Porchfest (July)
• Music in the Vineyards (August)

Best Time to Go to Napa Valley by Activity

Best Time of the Year for Napa Valley Wine Tours 

The best time of the year for wine tours is during fall because it marks the start of the harvest season. 

Besides the many harvest parties, picnics, and grape stomping events you can go to, there are also plenty of tours you can book. 

Make sure to book as early as possible as this season attracts many people who want to experience crush and its festivities.

Best Time to Visit Napa Valley to Avoid Crowds 

The best time to travel to Napa Valley to avoid crowds is during winter. 

Because of the cold weather and higher chances of rainfall, there are lesser crowds during this time, with only a few exceptions. 

Avoid going here during special events like Valentine’s or Christmas because it can get crowded during these holidays. 

Best time to Visit Napa Valley for Good Weather 

The best time to visit Napa Valley for good weather is during the spring. 

Flowers are starting to bloom, rainfall is beginning to dwindle, and the days are getting warmer and sunnier. 

There are fewer crowds, and lower prices, and this is the perfect time to go on a hot air balloon ride or visit the wineries for a semi-private tasting.

Getting to Napa Valley

Four airports are close to Napa Valley, with the closest being Sonoma County Airport, which is only 56 minutes away. This airport only has a handful of airlines that serve a limited amount of routes. 

We recommend flying into a major airport like SFO, SMF, or OAK, especially if you are flying cross-country or internationally.

✈️ For the best flight deals, use Skyscanner to browse various airlines and prices.

Closest Airports to Napa Valley

• Sonoma County Airport (STS) – 56 minutes, 49 miles
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – 1 hour, 60 miles
• Oakland International Airport (OAK) – 54 minutes, 53 miles
• Sacramento International Airport (SMF) – 1 hour, 64 miles

Getting Around Napa Valley

The best way to get around Napa Valley is by car. Since you’re most likely going wine tasting, having a designated driver or a DD is a must.

Another option is to hire a private driver who can drive your car so everyone in your party can taste wines and not have to worry. 

Uber or Lyft is available, although not the most reliable, especially if you have to be at your wine tasting appointments on time.

You can find great deals on RentalCars.com if you need to rent a car, especially if you’re picking it up from a major airport.

If you’re traveling with a group, then doing a private wine tour might be the best option since you will have the flexibility and you can easily split the cost amongst yourselves.

Good to Know for Visiting Napa Valley

• Book your wine tastings in advance

Don’t expect to just show up to a winery and be taken care of. This is especially important when you’re traveling with a group of 4 or more and during the peak season.

Plan on visiting two to three wineries allowing about an hour to an hour and a half per stop.

• Tasting Fees

Wine tasting fees range anywhere from $20-$40 and can even go up to $200 or more, depending on the offerings. You are not expected to buy a bottle of wine, but if you do, some wineries will waive your tasting fee. 

• Get the Priority Wine Pass

A visit to Napa Valley can get expensive that’s why getting this wine pass is a great option to get some discounts on hotels, tastings, and even bike rentals.

They even have a complimentary concierge service that helps you pick the wineries where you can get 2-for-1 tastings. Some discounts are even applicable for up to 4 people, which helps in saving you money. 

Napa Valley at a Glance 

• How to Get There: The nearest airport to Napa Valley is Sonoma County Airport, but San Francisco (SFO) and Sacramento (SMF) airports will have more airline options. For the best flight deals, use Skyscanner to browse various airlines and prices.

• How to Get Around: The best way to get around Napa Valley is by car. Use Rentalcars.com to score the best deals on rental cars.

• Where to Stay: For the most convenient location, stay at 1801 First Luxury Inn (which comes with a hot tub!) and Bel Abri Napa Valley Inn for a mid-range budget.

• Best Napa Valley Wine Tour: This small group wine tasting tour is a great option for visiting multiple wineries in the region. And this tour for wine lovers if you’re visiting from San Francisco.

• Don’t Forget: Get a Priority Wine Pass to get access to discounts, reserve tastings, and more.

FAQs: When is the Best Time to go to Napa Valley?

What is the best time of the year to go to Napa?

The best time of the year to go to Napa Valley is during the fall season, as there are many fantastic events you can check out, and it is the start of the harvest season. However, it can get crowded and pricey during this time, so make sure to book your hotel and other reservations in advance.

What is the best month to go to Napa Valley?

September is the best month to visit Napa Valley if you don’t mind the heavy crowds.

It’s the start of the harvest season, so there are plenty of events and harvest parties. If you want to avoid the crowds, November is a great alternative, but keep in mind that you’ll miss the harvest season.

What is the cheapest time to go to Napa Valley?

The cheapest time to visit Napa Valley is in January when the weather is chilly and there is the most rain of the year. Smaller crowds mean prices are lower, and reservations can be booked last minute. 

When is the best time to go to Napa Valley for wine tasting?

The best time to go wine tasting in Napa Valley is in the Fall during the harvest celebrations.

Weather is fairly mild during the Fall, and vineyards will be showing off their Autumn colors.

For a less crowded visit, head to Napa Valley in November when things quiet down and winery tasting appointments are easier to book.

When is the best time to visit Napa and Sonoma?

The best and most festive time of year to visit Napa and Sonoma is during the annual crush and harvest celebrations which take place in the early Fall.

There are lots of harvest parties and celebrations, and the energy picks up at tasting rooms across the valley.

The early fall also offers some of the best weather of the year, with warm days and perfect evening temperatures for going out to Napa’s many amazing restaurants and wine bars.

When is the best time to visit San Francisco and Napa Valley?

The best time to visit San Francisco and Napa Valley is in the early Fall when the fog has lifted for the season in the city, and the festivities are heating up in the wine country.

The weather in both destinations is near perfect during the early fall, with plenty of sunny days in San Francisco and highs around 80° F in Napa.

Tourist numbers start to dip in San Francisco during the Fall, while the crowds will be larger in the Napa Valley for the grape harvest festivities.

What is the rainy season in Napa?

The rainy season in Napa starts in December and continues through March with an average of eight days of rain per month.

January gets the most rain at an average of 4.38 inches, while March is the lowest of the rainy season at 2.5 inches.

The rainy season is a great time to visit the Napa Valley as accommodations will be at seasonally low prices, while tasting room and restaurant reservations will be easy to come by.

Is March a good time to visit Napa Valley?

March is a wonderful time to visit the Napa Valley as the crowds are at a minimum and reservations for tastings are easy to book.

Accommodation prices are also at a seasonal low, which makes it the perfect time to splurge on a special room that might normally be too expensive.

The valley starts to warm up in March and the rainfall average for the month is only 2.5 inches.

Is April a good time to visit Napa Valley?

Yes, April is one of the best months of the year to visit the Napa Valley as it won’t be very crowded.

The weather in April is near perfect most of the month, and the spring rains transform the surrounding hills with green natural grasses and wildflower blooms.

Hotel prices will still be on the low side, and restaurant reservations will be easier to score at Napa’s top dining destinations.

Is October a good time to visit Napa Valley?

October is one of the best months to visit the Napa Valley, as it marks the end of the harvest season.

This is a festive time of year in the valley as wine makers will be hosting celebrations in honor of the completion of the grape growing season.

October also showcases the best weather of the year with high temperatures averaging around 74° F with only two days of rain.

Is November a good time to visit Napa Valley?

Yes, November is a good time to visit the Napa Valley as the tourist season has started to wind down, and hotel prices will start to dip in price.

November is also known as the start of Cabernet Sauvignon season, as the winery and vineyard workers take a well deserved rest and enjoy this full bodied wine with the cooler weather.

The late Fall is also a perfect time to book that special reservation at one of the more exclusive restaurants or wineries that are normally hard to book during the tourist season.

Is December a good time to visit Napa Valley?

Yes, December is a good time to visit Napa Valley, but the weather will be fairly cold with eight days of rain during the month.

There is no bad time to visit the Napa Valley as there are plenty of warm indoor activities to enjoy from wine tasting to shopping for gourmet products at the Oxbow Market.

The cold weather makes it a perfect time to enjoy a good soak and get pampered at one of the natural hot springs in Callistoga. 

Wrap-Up: Best Time to Visit Napa Valley

Choosing the best time to visit Napa Valley is easier once you’ve determined what you want out of your trip to Napa. 

You can then select the best time of year to visit based on these preferences. Some people like Napa when it’s quiet and they feel like they can have the place to themselves. 

Others want to sip wine at festivals and watch live performances, even if it means prices will be higher. There is no wrong time to visit Napa Valley, but there is a perfect time for you for that ultimate wine country adventure.