United States, North America

Napa Valley in August

Harvest begins with sparkling wine grapes late in the month. Wildfire season is a real risk.

GoodHot, highs near 84F (29C), wildfire smoke possible

Mustard flowers between vines, Napa Valley — Napa ValleyPhoto: Ebryden at English Wikipedia, Public domain

The straight answer

August is a good month to visit Napa Valley. Harvest begins with sparkling wine grapes late in the month. Wildfire season is a real risk.

Weather: Hot, highs near 84F (29C), wildfire smoke possible
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 5 of 5

What August is like in Napa Valley

August is hot, with highs near 84F (29C), and the valley starts to buzz as harvest begins. Late in the month, sparkling wine grapes are the first to be picked. Prices hit their peak and crowds are steady. Wildfire season is a real risk from late summer, with the chance of smoke, road closures or power shutoffs in some years.

August suits wine lovers who want an early taste of harvest and summer travelers who can stay flexible. Buy refundable bookings if you can, and check fire and air conditions before you go. For the full harvest scene, come in September, and for better value, try November.

Make the most of August

What is especially good about Napa Valley this month.

Harvest begins

Late in the month, sparkling wine grapes are picked first. You may see crews in the vineyards at dawn.

Early morning balloon flights

Calm summer mornings make sunrise balloon rides over the vineyards a special start to the day.

Oxbow Public Market lunches

A casual food hall lunch in downtown Napa is an easy break from the heat and the tasting schedule.

What to pack for August

Sun protection and light clothes
An N95 mask in case of wildfire smoke
A sweater for early balloon flights
A cooler bag to keep bottles out of the heat

Our timing tip

Choose refundable bookings in August, and check air quality and fire updates the week before your trip.

Book Napa Valley for August.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Napa Valley
Opens a hotel search for Napa Valley in August, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for August
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Vacation rentals in Napa Valley
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Napa Valley
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Napa Valley for August. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in August

Harvest (the crush)

Late August through October

Grapes are picked and pressed. The busiest and most expensive season in the valley.

Things to do in Napa Valley

Full guide

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 →

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 →

Robert Mondavi Winery

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

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Castello di Amorosa

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

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Oxbow Public Market

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

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

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.