United States, North America

Napa Valley in January

The quietest month, with the lowest hotel rates and restaurant deals. Mustard begins to bloom between the vines.

Quiet valueCool and rainy, highs near 57F (14C)

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

The straight answer

January is a quiet, good-value month to visit Napa Valley. The quietest month, with the lowest hotel rates and restaurant deals. Mustard begins to bloom between the vines.

Weather: Cool and rainy, highs near 57F (14C)
Crowds: 1 of 5
Prices: 1 of 5

What January is like in Napa Valley

January is Napa's quietest month. Highs are near 57F (14C), rain comes and goes, and the vines are bare and dormant. Hotel rates are the lowest of the year, and many restaurants run deals. Tasting rooms are calm, so you can often get appointments at places that are hard to book in fall. Bright yellow mustard begins to bloom between the vine rows.

January suits couples and wine lovers who care more about the tasting than the scenery, and anyone looking for a cozy, affordable getaway. It is not the month for patio lunches or harvest buzz. For warm, green vineyards, come in April or May, and for harvest, September or October.

Make the most of January

What is especially good about Napa Valley this month.

The first mustard blooms

Wild mustard starts to flower between dormant vines, the first splash of color in the quiet season.

Easy winery appointments

Popular estates that fill up weeks ahead in fall often have space on short notice in January.

Calistoga hot springs on a cold day

A warm soak or mud bath in Calistoga feels best on a chilly, rainy afternoon.

What to pack for January

A waterproof jacket and an umbrella
Warm layers for cool mornings and evenings
Shoes that can handle damp vineyard paths
A cooler bag for bottles you buy

Our timing tip

Book midweek stays for the deepest hotel discounts, and plan two or three tastings a day with a spa stop in between.

Book Napa Valley for January.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Napa Valley
Opens a hotel search for Napa Valley in January, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for January
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
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 January. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in January

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

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.

Napa Valley in January, quick answers

Is January a good time to visit Napa Valley?

January is a quiet, good-value month to visit Napa Valley. The quietest month, with the lowest hotel rates and restaurant deals. Mustard begins to bloom between the vines.

What is the weather like in Napa Valley in January?

Cool and rainy, highs near 57F (14C).

Is Napa Valley crowded in January?

January is one of the quieter months in Napa Valley; most sights can be done without long waits.

What is happening in Napa Valley in January?

Mustard season (roughly january to march).