NorCal Wine Gal contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

A woman faced away in a green dress walking through vineyards with a backdrop of rugged mountains

Best Time to Visit Napa Valley: Tips for Every Season

ByAlisha Rose

You’ve probably heard people say, “Any time of year is a great time to visit Napa Valley,” and while that’s partly true, some months truly stand out. Wine country is a year-round destination, with each season offering its own perks and unique charm. However, I do believe there is a best time to visit Napa Valley!

As a Bay Area local since 2017, I’ve experienced Napa Valley in every season, and in my opinion, spring—specifically April and May—is the best time to visit. The hillsides are lush and green, blanketed with blooming wildflowers, and the weather is absolutely perfect.

Plus, it’s less crowded than the busier summer and fall months, creating a more relaxed wine-tasting experience.

To help you plan your ideal trip, I’ve put together a seasonal guide to Napa Valley with tips on making the most of your visit, no matter when you choose to go.

Beringer Vineyards in April

Spring in Napa Valley (March, April, & May)

Spring in Napa Valley feels truly magical, which is why it’s my favorite time to visit. The valley is absolutely stunning, with bright yellow fields of wild mustard covering the vineyards through March, followed by bud break, marking the start of a new growing season.

What makes this season even more special is the relaxed atmosphere. With fewer crowds, wine tastings feel more personal and intimate, and compared to summer and Harvest season, you are going to find better rates for accommodations.

Plus, the weather is near perfect, with warm, sunny days in the mid-70s and cool, crisp evenings. Make sure to pack and wear layers, mornings start off very chilly.

Best Things to Do & Events in Napa in the Spring

  • Take photos of the beautiful mustard fields and wildflowers
  • Spring is the best time to soar over Napa’s vineyards on a hot air balloon ride, offering panoramic views of the valley!
  • Enjoy the mild weather by exploring outdoor activies in Napa Valley such as going on a hike at Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, biking the Vine Trail, or kayak the Napa River.
  •  Art, Sip, & Stroll in Yountville, Napa Valley’s largest visual arts event
  • Attend Bottle Rock is a popular music festival held annually over Memorial Day Weekend
  • Run through wine country’s beautiful landscape in the Napa Marathon
View from Domaine Carneros in July

Summer in Napa Valley (June, July, & August)

My favorite part about visiting Napa Valley in the summer is wine tasting amid the lush green vineyards. For breathtaking vineyard views, I recommend wineries like Round Pond Estate and Quintessa, they’re absolutely stunning!

Summer is a popular time to visit Napa Valley, which means higher prices for accommodations and wine tastings that often book up months in advance.

The end of summer also marks the beginning of the harvest season (August through October), when grapes reach their peak ripeness, an exciting time in wine country.

During summer, you can expect warm, sun-soaked days with temperatures ranging from the 80s to 90s, but don’t forget a jacket—nights still cool down into the 50s (check).

Best Things to Do & Events in Napa in the Summer

  • Al fresco dining, one of the best views is at the restuarant Auberge du Soleil 
  • Relax by the pool at the Meritage Resort and Spa
  • Have drinks at Sky & Vine Rooftop Bar at the Archer Hotel
  • Enjoy live music at the various events throughout summer including Napa Valley Chamber Festival (July-August), Napa Porchfest, Napa Valley Jazz Gateway, & Blue Note.
  • Join in on the Harvest Season festivities in August
Rows of lush green vineyards with dark purple grapes on a clear blue sky day

Harvest Season (August, September, & October)

Harvest season in Napa Valley is undeniably one of the most wonderful times of the year in wine country. It’s the culmination of a year’s hard work as grapes are harvested and transformed into wine.

From August through October, the valley is buzzing with crush parties, harvest dinners, and lots of excitement for the grape harvest.

As Napa’s peak travel season, it’s essential to plan ahead, be sure to book your accommodations, wine tastings, and dining reservations well in advance. Many popular wineries book up 2 to 3 months out.

🍷 Wine Gal Tip: If you are having a hard time finding available wine tasting reservations, check Tock. It’s an easy way to mass search available wine tasting reservations and filter by date and time.

Things To Do During Harvest Season

  • Go grape stomping! V. Sattui, Bouchaine Vineyards, & Grgich Hills hold annual grape stomping events
  • Celebrate the harvest with live music and food at a Harvest Party at one of the many partcipating wineries.
A woman with long dark hair walking face away in lush green vineyards
Vineyards at Round Pond Estate in October

Fall in Napa Valley (September, October, & November)

Between Halloween and Harvest Season, the fall months are jam packed with so many fun events and things to do in Napa Valley.

Such as the Hallo-Wine JaMBash at JaM Cellars, Calistoga’s annual Halloween Parade, and Boochaine Halloween Dance Party at Bouchaine Vineyards.

Besides all of the excitement that surrounds the harvest, the fall also brings a beautiful tapestry of oranges, yellows, and red foliage to the vineyards and surrounding landscapes.

The month of November is my second favorite time to visit Napa Valley. It is the end of a busy harvest season and things have officially started to slow down into low tourism season in wine country.

September and October offer some of the best weather in Napa Valley, with clear skies, warm sunny days, and comfortable temperatures. Evenings and early mornings can be chilly, so pack a light jacket or sweater. By November, daytime highs dip to the mid-60s, but the weather remains pretty pleasant.

Best Things to Do & Events in Napa in the Fall

  • Participate in Harvest Season by attending a dinner or festival
  • Take a drive along the Silverado Trail and see the beautiful fall foliage.
  • Attend a Halloween event: Boochaine Halloween Dance Party, Hallo-Wine JaMBash held at JaM Cellars in downtown Napa, Calistoga’s annual Halloween Parade
  • Blues, Brews & BBQ (October) epic event showcases the Bay Area’s best blues musicians and over 40+ microbrews. Free to visit!
Wild mustard field in February

Winter in Napa Valley (December, January, & February)

The winter months bring the holidays, the Mustard bloom, fewer crowds, and a more relaxed pace to Napa Valley. Cozy up next to a fire place with a glass of cabernet and enjoy the quieter months in wine country.

With fewer tourists, it’s easier to snag reservations at top restaurants and popular wineries, while hotel and shared home prices and tours are often more affordable than during the busy summer or harvest months.

The bare vineyards in the winter create a unique and subdued landscape, offering a different kind of beauty to explore. Mustard fields begin blooming in January, reaching their peak bloom in February, signaling the arrival of spring.

It is rainy season in Napa and can get quite chilly with temperatures ranging from 35 to 55 degrees. You will want to pack sweaters and a rain coat for those rainy days.

Best Things to Do & Events in Napa in the Winter

FAQ: Best Time to Visit Napa Valley

What is the cheapest time to visit Napa?

If you want the best rates for flights and accommodations in Napa Valley, I suggest visiting in January and February. You’ll also find more affordable rates throughout Napa’s offseason, which spans from November to March.

What is the rainy season in Napa?

Napa Valley experiences the most rainfall from November to March, with February typically having the highest number of wet days. Be sure to pack a rain jacket and warm, cozy sweaters for this time of year.

What is the off season in Napa?

You will find fewer crowds, better rates on accommodations, and more availability at wine tastings and dinner reservationd between the months of November to March in Napa Valley.

Is there a bad time to visit Napa Valley?

Napa Valley is a year-round destination, offering something unique in every season. It really just depends on what you are looking for in your trip to wine country. If you think rain will ruin your experience, then do not visit in the winter months.

🙋‍♀️ Need more help planning? Join my FREE Napa Facebook Group!
Where you can get travel tips, personalized advice, help with your itinerary, and more.

Read More Napa Valley Travel Guides

Seasonal Guides

Getting To & Around Napa Valley

Alisha Mansfield is the founder of NorCal Wine Gal. She is a passionate traveler with a deep love for all things wine! She lives in the Bay Area and has spent years touring and tasting her way through beautiful wine country. Her mission is to help you plan an unforgettable trip to Napa Valley!