United States, North America
Napa Valley in December
Holiday lights and quiet tasting rooms, with rain likely. Prices are low outside holiday weekends.
The straight answer
December is a quiet, good-value month to visit Napa Valley. Holiday lights and quiet tasting rooms, with rain likely. Prices are low outside holiday weekends.
- Weather
- Cool and rainy, highs near 57F (14C)
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 2 of 5
What December is like in Napa Valley
December is cool and rainy, with highs near 57F (14C) and bare vines. The valley dresses up with holiday lights, and tasting rooms are quiet. Prices are low outside holiday weekends. Some wineries close on Christmas and New Year's Day, and a few smaller ones cut their hours in winter.
December suits couples, holiday shoppers and wine lovers who want relaxed tastings and good deals. It is not the month for green vineyards or patio lunches. For those, come in April or May. If you are visiting over the holidays, book dinners early and check winery hours.
Make the most of December
What is especially good about Napa Valley this month.
Holiday lights
Towns across the valley put up holiday lights, making evening strolls in Yountville and downtown Napa festive.
Quiet tasting rooms
With few visitors, staff have time to talk, and small wineries feel especially personal.
Holiday wine shopping
It is a good time to pick up bottles for gifts and holiday tables.
What to pack for December
- A waterproof jacket and umbrella
- Warm layers for chilly evenings
- Dressier clothes for holiday dinners
- A padded wine carrier for bottles you bring home
Our timing tip
Go in the first half of December for low rates and calm tasting rooms, and check holiday closures before booking.
Book Napa Valley for December.
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- Hotels for December
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Napa ValleyOpens a hotel search for Napa Valley in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Napa ValleyWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Napa ValleyTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Napa Valley for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Things to do in Napa Valley
Winery tastings
Most wineries now require reservations. Plan two or three per day, not five, and book popular estates weeks ahead in harvest season.
Napa Valley Wine Train
Vintage rail cars with lunch or dinner service through the valley, with some packages that include winery stops.
Robert Mondavi Winery
The Oakville estate that helped launch Napa's modern era, a good classic first stop.
Castello di Amorosa
A medieval-style castle winery near Calistoga, fun for groups and families.
Oxbow Public Market
A food hall in downtown Napa with local producers and good casual eating.
Calistoga mud baths and hot springs
A classic Napa afternoon, best after a morning of tastings.
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 December, quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Napa Valley?
December is a quiet, good-value month to visit Napa Valley. Holiday lights and quiet tasting rooms, with rain likely. Prices are low outside holiday weekends.
What is the weather like in Napa Valley in December?
Cool and rainy, highs near 57F (14C).
Is Napa Valley crowded in December?
December is one of the quieter months in Napa Valley; most sights can be done without long waits.
Keep planning Napa Valley.
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Before you book.
Sort these two things first.
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