United States, North America
Napa Valley in March
The last of the mustard and bud break starting. Lovely, green, and still relatively calm.
The straight answer
March is a good month to visit Napa Valley. The last of the mustard and bud break starting. Lovely, green, and still relatively calm.
- Weather
- Mild, highs near 66F (19C), showers
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 2 of 5
What March is like in Napa Valley
March is mild and green, with highs near 66F (19C) and passing showers. The last of the mustard still colors the vineyards, and bud break starts as tiny green leaves appear on the vines. Crowds are still fairly light and prices are reasonable, though spring break weekends get busier.
March suits couples and wine lovers who want lovely scenery and easy reservations before spring rates rise. Families on spring break can enjoy Castello di Amorosa and Calistoga's pools on warmer days. If you want reliably dry, warm weather for patio tastings, April and May are safer.
Make the most of March
What is especially good about Napa Valley this month.
Bud break
The vines wake up with bright new leaves, a fun thing to spot on a vineyard walk or tour.
The last of the mustard
Early in the month, yellow mustard still lines many vine rows for photos.
Castello di Amorosa
The medieval-style castle winery near Calistoga is a hit with groups and families on a spring break day.
What to pack for March
- A light rain jacket
- Layers for cool mornings and mild afternoons
- Comfortable walking shoes for vineyard tours
- Sunglasses for bright days after rain
Our timing tip
Plan your trip for early March if the mustard is your priority, and book weekend tastings a week or two ahead.
Book Napa Valley for March.
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- Hotels for March
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Napa ValleyOpens a hotel search for Napa Valley in March, 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 March. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in March
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 March, quick answers
Is March a good time to visit Napa Valley?
March is a good month to visit Napa Valley. The last of the mustard and bud break starting. Lovely, green, and still relatively calm.
What is the weather like in Napa Valley in March?
Mild, highs near 66F (19C), showers.
Is Napa Valley crowded in March?
March is one of the quieter months in Napa Valley; most sights can be done without long waits.
What is happening in Napa Valley in March?
Mustard season (roughly january to march).
Keep planning Napa Valley.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in March
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