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Napa Valley in April

Green vineyards, spring flowers, and comfortable days. A great value month before summer rates.

BestPleasant, highs near 71F (22C), mostly dry
Mustard flowers between vines, Napa Valley
Napa ValleyPhoto: Ebryden at English Wikipedia, Public domain

The straight answer

April is one of the best months of the year to visit Napa Valley. Green vineyards, spring flowers, and comfortable days. A great value month before summer rates.

Weather
Pleasant, highs near 71F (22C), mostly dry
Crowds
3 of 5
Prices
3 of 5

What April is like in Napa Valley

April is one of Napa's best months. Highs are near 71F (22C), days are mostly dry and the vineyards are fresh and green, with spring flowers along the roads and gardens. Crowds are moderate and prices sit below summer and harvest levels, so it is a great value for the weather you get.

April suits couples, friend groups and first-time visitors who want pretty scenery and comfortable tasting weather. Families can mix in the Wine Train and Oxbow Public Market. If harvest energy is what you want, come in September or October instead, and be ready to pay more.

Make the most of April

What is especially good about Napa Valley this month.

01

Green vineyards and spring flowers

The vines leaf out and gardens bloom, making winery grounds especially pretty.

02

Patio tastings return

Warm, dry afternoons mean outdoor tastings are back, without summer's heat.

03

Sunrise balloon rides

Calm spring mornings are lovely for a hot air balloon flight over the green valley.

What to pack for April

  • Light layers for cool mornings and warm afternoons
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen for patio tastings
  • A light jacket for evenings
  • Comfortable shoes for garden and vineyard walks

Our timing tip

Stay Sunday through Thursday in April for lower rates and calm tasting rooms, and book balloon flights for your first morning.

Book Napa Valley for April.

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Things to do in Napa Valley

Full guide
01

Winery tastings

Most wineries now require reservations. Plan two or three per day, not five, and book popular estates weeks ahead in harvest season.

Tickets and tours →

02

Napa Valley Wine Train

Vintage rail cars with lunch or dinner service through the valley, with some packages that include winery stops.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

03

Robert Mondavi Winery

The Oakville estate that helped launch Napa's modern era, a good classic first stop.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

04

Castello di Amorosa

A medieval-style castle winery near Calistoga, fun for groups and families.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

05

Oxbow Public Market

A food hall in downtown Napa with local producers and good casual eating.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

06

Calistoga mud baths and hot springs

A classic Napa afternoon, best after a morning of tastings.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

  • Visit midweek. Weekend traffic on Highway 29 and weekend tasting room crowds are far heavier, and rates drop Sunday through Thursday.
  • Use the Silverado Trail instead of Highway 29 to move up and down the valley with less traffic.
  • Choose spring or November over peak harvest for easier reservations and lower rates.
  • Book your most-wanted winery first, then build the day around it; morning slots are calmer and your palate is fresher.

Know before you go

  • Most Napa wineries now operate by appointment only. Walk-ins are limited, especially on weekends and during harvest.
  • Wildfire season, typically late summer into fall, has disrupted the valley in several recent years with smoke, road closures, and power shutoffs. Check conditions before you go.
  • The valley is open year-round. Winter brings quieter tasting rooms, and a few smaller wineries reduce hours.
  • Some wineries close on major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

Napa Valley in April, quick answers

Is April a good time to visit Napa Valley?

April is one of the best months of the year to visit Napa Valley. Green vineyards, spring flowers, and comfortable days. A great value month before summer rates.

What is the weather like in Napa Valley in April?

Pleasant, highs near 71F (22C), mostly dry.

Is Napa Valley crowded in April?

Crowds in Napa Valley are moderate in April; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.

Keep planning Napa Valley.

The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.

  1. 01Napa Valley in MarchThe month before: Mild, highs near 66F (19C), showersGood
  2. 02Napa Valley in MayThe month after: Warm, highs near 77F (25C), dryBest
  3. 03The full Napa Valley yearEvery month, graded12 months

Also at their best in April

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Where else is good in April?

Tell us when you can go and what kind of trip you want. We rank every place we cover for that exact month.

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