Napa Valley is located in the greater Bay Area of Northern California, about 35 miles from San Francisco. It enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and warm summers. Although Napa is in sunny California, the climate isn't entirely static. Since Napa seasons do vary as the year progresses, it's worthwhile to consider weather when deciding when to go to Napa. The best time to visit Napa Valley will depend on personal preferences: Summer has beautiful weather but is the busiest tourist season; late spring and early fall are also great times to visit.
Visitors to San Francisco or Northern California can easily squeeze in a visit to Napa no matter which season their trip falls in. The high season is between March and November, though the real peak of summer tourism starts after the July 4th weekend. However, the wineries in Napa Valley are open to visitors for tours and tastings almost all year long, with the common exception of the last week of December and the first two weeks of January. More generally, many wineries are closed on Tuesdays. Keep these closures in mind when deciding when to go to Napa. Also, those staying in San Francisco should be aware that Napa seasons can differ greatly from those in city, despite the proximity of two destinations. Napa is warmer, drier, and sunnier, though Napa Valley does sometimes get its own morning fog in summer.
Spring is the beginning of the peak season for Napa Valley, and it's no wonder; it's a beautiful time to enjoy the scenery. In March through May, the land is lush and green from the winter rains, and the weather is starting hint at the warmer months to come. Napa gets busier as the spring months progress, with visitors and locals streaming in to enjoy wine tasting, fine restaurants, hiking trails, campsites, and spas. Prepare for various weather scenarios, from warm afternoons in the high 70s to rainy days in the 50s, but by mid-April, the rainy season ends, and little rain will be seen until mid or late October.
For many people, summer is the best time to visit Napa Valley. It's also the busiest of the Napa seasons for tourism. Hot weather from June through August makes relaxing on a patio with a glass of wine divine, and the valley fills with out-of-towners and local visitors, especially on weekends. The weather is generally hot and dry, with blue and sunny skies. From mid-May through mid-October, rain is rare. Summer daytime temperatures are generally in the 90s, though overnight temperatures cool to the mid-50s to mid-60s.
While summer attracts droves of visitors, many people consider fall the best time to visit Napa Valley, with great weather and fewer tourists compared to summer, as well as beautiful autumn scenery. Napa and San Francisco have both have an Indian summer, a burst of warmer weather in September and October. Daytime temperatures are often in the 80s, and nighttime temperatures in the high 40s to high 50s. September is also a great month for local produce, even better than July and August.
Winter in Napa is, like much of the Bay Area, fairly wet. Cool and wet winter weather scares away most tourists, and the valley is quieter. Of course, Napa winters are cool only by relative California standards, with daytime temperatures largely in the 50s. The different wine-country experience appeals to some, especially on the sporadic dry weekends, though the winter means that popular outdoor activities, such as hot-air balloon rides, aren't always available.
Deciding when to go to Napa is a matter of personal preferences, since weather and crowds vary by season. However, Napa hotels are open year-round, and the variety means that you should have little trouble finding a place to stay, and the valley's many things to do are sure to keep you entertained. Whether you choose to visit during the balmy spring, hot summer, Indian summer fall, or cool winter, each of the Napa seasons has a special allure that makes every visit memorable.
No comments:
Post a Comment