Best time to visit Napa Valley
First the question is why have you decided to come to Napa Valley. Usually the stated reason is the wine, but we think it's the romance and ambiance that Napa Valley has to offer couples and friends. There are a zillion reasons to visit Napa Valley any time of year but here are some considerations for the Winter, Spring, Veraison - Summer & Harvest seasons in Napa:
Spring time in Napa Valley (March, April & May)
Personally, I think March is the most beautiful time of year in Napa Valley. All of the trees are blooming with pink and white blossoms and the yellow mustard is sprinkled all over the Napa Valley. It's just gorgeous here in the spring. The weather is it's most erratic at this time of year when packing can be a pain. It can be a warm as 80 degrees one week and as cold as 40 degrees the next or raining in between. In any case, it's still gorgeous just a little goofy for planning on what to wear. As for the hotel and bed & breakfast room rates they are still low until the middle of April at around 30% less than high season.
Veraison - Summer time in Napa (June, July & August)
So much fun and a lot to do during this time of year. Veraison (a French term) is when the grapes are "full grown" and changing color on the vines. The restaurants and wine bars are hopping, the Chef's Market is in full swing. The Farmer's Market at the Oxbow will launch this year to much hullabaloo. The weather is, at it's lowest around 70 degrees but through much of the summer in weekly stints it can be as high as 105 in late July. Except for exceptionally hot days, it will cool off at night to the high 60s. In June, sometimes the morning fog won't burn off until noon. But last year we barely had any, so we could get lucky again this year. Hotel and Bed & Breakfast room rates are at their highest or almost at this time of year. The weather is fabulous and fun for wine tasting however, try to drink the red wines before it gets too hot.
Napa Valley Harvest time (September, October & November)
We tend to get Indian-summers here where it can be in the 90s in November. September can get really hot and into the 90s almost the entire month. In September and October as the grapes are harvested, you can smell the grapes as you drive throughout the Napa Valley - it's incredible. The restaurants in Napa Valley are amazing to start with but they all offer the most fabulous specials because they use locally grown produce that will knock your socks off - eat well at this time of year (starve yourself the month of August). This is HIGH-high season, room rates and room availability is slim and none. We suggest booking your rooms at least 8-10 weeks in advance for this time of year. However, after November 15 the room rates drop nearly 30% so keep that in mind as well.
Winter time in Napa (December, January & February)
It gets dark around 5 pm, its cold by California standards at around 40-55 degrees throughout the day and early evening. Sweaters and jackets are recommended. It tends to rain a lot in January and some in February, very little in December. But the most important reason to come to Napa Valley during these months is the awesome hotel and bed & breakfast room rate prices that are sometimes as much as 40% lower than high season. The wineries, hotels, bed & breakfasts, restaurants will treat you like VIPs because you are supporting them during the low season - thank you! It is beautiful during this time of year because all of the early spring grasses come up and brighten up the whole valley despite the vines being bare and black. Also the Napa Valley Mustard Festival is in full swing by February and there is no shortage of events, things to do and winery release parties nearly every weekend!
No matter what, Napa Valley is a gorgeous place to visit that offers all the senses something to delight in. Napa Valley is an incredibly romantic place to spend time together and wine helps any little spark right along...it can happen here!
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