United States, North America
Napa Valley in February
Mustard season in full color and easy winery appointments. Pack for rain.
The straight answer
February is a quiet, good-value month to visit Napa Valley. Mustard season in full color and easy winery appointments. Pack for rain.
- Weather
- Cool and wet, highs near 61F (16C)
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 1 of 5
What February is like in Napa Valley
February is cool and wet, with highs near 61F (16C), but it is also mustard season at its best. The valley floor glows yellow between the bare vines, and on sunny days after a storm the hills turn bright green. Hotel prices stay low, crowds are light and winery appointments are easy to get.
February suits couples, photographers and wine lovers who do not mind a few rainy days. It makes a great Valentine's getaway if you book early. Families will find fewer things to do, so they may prefer spring. For warm weather and patio tastings, April and May are better.
Make the most of February
What is especially good about Napa Valley this month.
Mustard in full color
Bright yellow mustard between the dormant vine rows is the most photogenic quiet-season sight in Napa.
Winter value
Low hotel rates and quiet tasting rooms make it easy to splurge on a special dinner.
Oxbow Public Market
The downtown Napa food hall is a good rainy-day stop for lunch and local producers.
What to pack for February
- A rain jacket and waterproof shoes
- A warm sweater for chilly tasting rooms
- A camera for the mustard fields
- An umbrella for walks between tasting rooms
Our timing tip
Chase the mustard on the first sunny morning after a rain, when the yellow and green are at their brightest.
Book Napa Valley for February.
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- Hotels for February
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Napa ValleyOpens a hotel search for Napa Valley in February, 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 February. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in February
Mustard season
Roughly January to March
Wild mustard blooms bright yellow between the dormant vine rows, the most photogenic quiet-season sight.
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 February, quick answers
Is February a good time to visit Napa Valley?
February is a quiet, good-value month to visit Napa Valley. Mustard season in full color and easy winery appointments. Pack for rain.
What is the weather like in Napa Valley in February?
Cool and wet, highs near 61F (16C).
Is Napa Valley crowded in February?
February is one of the quieter months in Napa Valley; most sights can be done without long waits.
What is happening in Napa Valley in February?
Mustard season (roughly january to march).
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