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Napa Valley in July

Hot afternoons up-valley but cool evenings. Taste in the morning and swim or nap in the afternoon.

GoodHot, highs near 84F (29C) in Napa, 90s F in Calistoga
Mustard flowers between vines, Napa Valley
Napa ValleyPhoto: Ebryden at English Wikipedia, Public domain

The straight answer

July is a good month to visit Napa Valley. Hot afternoons up-valley but cool evenings. Taste in the morning and swim or nap in the afternoon.

Weather
Hot, highs near 84F (29C) in Napa, 90s F in Calistoga
Crowds
4 of 5
Prices
4 of 5

What July is like in Napa Valley

July is hot, with highs near 84F (29C) in the town of Napa and into the 90s F around Calistoga. Evenings cool off nicely, though, which makes outdoor dinners a treat. Crowds and prices are high but a notch below harvest season, and all the wineries and tours are running.

July suits summer vacationers who plan around the heat. Taste in the morning, then swim, spa or nap in the afternoon. Families can enjoy Calistoga's pools and the Wine Train. If heat bothers you, pick April, May or November instead, when days are milder.

Make the most of July

What is especially good about Napa Valley this month.

01

Cool summer evenings

The valley cools quickly after sunset, perfect for dinner outside in Yountville or downtown Napa.

02

Morning tastings

Early appointments are calmer, cooler and easier on your palate than hot afternoon ones.

03

Mud baths and pools in Calistoga

A classic Napa afternoon, and a good way to wait out the up-valley heat.

What to pack for July

  • A wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen
  • Light, loose clothing
  • A swimsuit
  • A refillable water bottle to drink between tastings

Our timing tip

Book your first tasting for when wineries open, and save the afternoon for a pool, spa or rest before dinner.

Book Napa Valley for July.

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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 July, quick answers

Is July a good time to visit Napa Valley?

July is a good month to visit Napa Valley. Hot afternoons up-valley but cool evenings. Taste in the morning and swim or nap in the afternoon.

What is the weather like in Napa Valley in July?

Hot, highs near 84F (29C) in Napa, 90s F in Calistoga.

Is Napa Valley crowded in July?

Napa Valley is busy in July, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.

Keep planning Napa Valley.

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

  1. 01Napa Valley in JuneThe month before: Warm, highs near 83F (28C) in Napa, hotter up-valleyGood
  2. 02Napa Valley in AugustThe month after: Hot, highs near 84F (29C), wildfire smoke possibleGood
  3. 03Napa Valley in SeptemberThe next best month: Warm, highs near 84F (29C), cool nightsBest

Also at their best in July

Everywhere in July

Where else is good in July?

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

What kind of trip? Pick any.

Before you book.

Sort these two things first.

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Our top-rated travel gear

Whatever you decide, this is the gear we actually travel with: verified, priced, and ranked. Live price check on each.

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