Season by season
Spring (March–May). Bud break in the vineyards, green hills and mild days. Fewer visitors and easier reservations.
Summer (June–August). Hot, dry afternoons — often above 30°C (86°F) in Napa — with cool mornings and evenings. Busy at weekends.
Harvest (late August–October). Grapes are picked and crushed, the vines turn gold and red, and the valleys are at their liveliest. Book everything well ahead.
Winter (November–February). “Cabernet season”: rain, bare vines, log fires and the lowest prices. Wild mustard turns the vineyards yellow from late January.
Month-by-month
| Month | Avg. high | Avg. low | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14°C / 57°F | 4°C / 39°F | Quiet |
| February | 17°C / 63°F | 5°C / 41°F | Moderate |
| March | 19°C / 66°F | 6°C / 43°F | Moderate |
| April | 22°C / 72°F | 7°C / 45°F | Busy |
| May | 25°C / 77°F | 10°C / 50°F | Busy |
| June | 28°C / 82°F | 12°C / 54°F | Busy |
| July | 30°C / 86°F | 13°C / 55°F | Busy |
| August | 30°C / 86°F | 13°C / 55°F | Peak |
| September | 29°C / 84°F | 12°C / 54°F | Peak |
| October | 25°C / 77°F | 9°C / 48°F | Peak |
| November | 18°C / 64°F | 6°C / 43°F | Moderate |
| December | 14°C / 57°F | 4°C / 39°F | Moderate |
Temperatures are rounded long-term averages for the main visitor area; real days vary, and mountains and deserts swing much more between day and night.
Events & festivals
- Late January–March: Mustard flowers bloom between the vines
- March: Barrel-tasting weekends in northern Sonoma County
- Late May: BottleRock music festival, Napa
- June: Charity wine auction weekend in Napa Valley
- Late August–October: Grape harvest and crush
- Late November–December: Holiday lights and seasonal Wine Train departures
Tip: if you want harvest colour without harvest prices, come on a weekday in late October or early November, when the leaves have turned and the crowds have gone.
