Are you thinking about visiting Napa Valley, California? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Napa Valley worth visiting?
Yes, it's worth visiting this area for one to four days because of the many great activities. During our first trip to Napa Valley in 2009, we fell in love with its impressive beauty and world famous wines. We've come back several times since then to experience it even more. Napa Valley is filled with beautiful vineyards and rolling hills. The vineyards are at their peak during the fall harvest season, but wineries are open year around. The destination is a favorite with honeymooners, couples, and bachelor or bachelorette parties. There are also award winning restaurants and beautiful hikes in the area.
The vinyards of Napa Valley, California
Reasons to Visit Napa Valley
Food
It's most known for its world-class wine, but Napa Valley is also filled with Michelin starred restaurants and charming local eateries. Whether you're looking for a casual meal or something more upscale, there is no shortage of options. Most places take advantage of local ingredients that are very fresh. Menus change regularly and seasonal ingredients are common. And, of course, you'll find a wide selection of local wines.
Nightlife
In the evening, visitors will enjoy the area's live music scene, theaters, and bars. There are also plenty of wine bars where you can continue to enjoy local wines.
Hiking
There are a number of state parks in the area, and there are also trails that pass by vineyards. Some of the best hiking trails are found in Alston Park, Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, or Las Posadas State Forest.
Shopping
There are many interesting local boutiques in the different towns. You'll find shops selling clothing, jewelry, local items, and gifts. Some of the best shopping is found along First Street in downtown Napa.
Is Napa Valley worth visiting in the Summer?
Summer is the high season for travel in Napa Valley, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This destination is quite touristy, so in the high season it's busier than usual. You'll see larger crowds and longer lines, as well as higher prices. On the other hand, there's plenty to see and do at this time of year because everything is open.
The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 23°C (73°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 31°C (87°F).
The gorgeous scenery this time of year is the main attraction. This is the perfect time to hike around the area and take in the amazing scenery. You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to take a hike and enjoy the evening activities.
Summer Weather in Napa Valley
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 23°C (73°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| August | 22°C (72°F) | 1 mm (0.1 in) |
| September | 21°C (70°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
Is Napa Valley worth visiting in the Autumn?
The high season for travel in Napa Valley is the autumn, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is quite popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect crowds to be large, and prices to be a bit higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 17°C (62°F).
During this season it's fun to experience the gorgeous scenery and the hiking.
Autumn Weather in Napa Valley
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 17°C (62°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| November | 12°C (54°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| December | 8°C (46°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
Is Napa Valley worth visiting in the Winter?
The weather in Napa Valley can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 8°C (46°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
The low season for travel in Napa Valley is during the winter. This destination is quite touristy, but in the low season you'll see fewer crowds and much better prices.
This is a great time of year to taste delicious cuisine and enjoy an evening out.
Winter Weather in Napa Valley
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 8°C (46°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| February | 11°C (51°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| March | 12°C (54°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
Is Napa Valley worth visiting in the Spring?
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Napa Valley. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 13°C (56°F).
A visit this time of year should definitely be on your list, as the natural scenery is just breathtaking. Get out into the wilderness to take in the views, admire nature up close, and enjoy the fresh air. You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops, take in the beautiful scenery, and grab some drinks at a bar.
Spring Weather in Napa Valley
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 13°C (56°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| June | 21°C (69°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Napa Valley
Museums: Napa Valley isn't a place that's filled with a huge number of sights and attractions. Most visitors spend their time visiting vineyards, but there are a couple of local museums and galleries in the area that are worth checking out.
Not As Family-Friendly
While there are some family activities, it's not as child-friendly as other destinations.
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Napa Valley might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Napa Valley here or see if Napa Valley is expensive here.
Related
What is Napa Valley most famous for?
Napa Valley is most famous for its world class wineries and beautiful countryside. People visit this impressive area for its great food. Also, it's known for nightlife, hiking, and shopping. It is often described as scenic, picturesque, and idyllic.
What is the most famous sight in Napa Valley?
The most popular sight in Napa Valley is Louis M. Martini Winery. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Napa Valley on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Louis M. Martini Winery and other attractions here.
How touristy is Napa Valley? Is it a popular area to visit?
Napa Valley is a popular area for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Private Sidecar Winery Tour through Napa Valley: $165
- Napa and Sonoma Wine and Food Experience (Napa pickup): $109
- Half Day Tour: $139
- Windsor Bike 'N Brew Tour: $199
- Wine Blending Experience in Sonoma County: $140
- Behind-the-Scenes Food and Wine E-Bike Tour: $179
- #1 Sonoma Walking Food, Wine & History Tour (Small Groups): $179
- Sonoma Valley Pedal Assist Bike Tour with Lunch: $179
How long should I spend in Napa Valley?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Napa Valley is one to four days. Since Napa Valley has a variety of activities such as dining, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Napa Valley? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Napa Valley?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.