Month guide · Napa Valley · United States
Napa Valley in October
What October is really like in Napa Valley: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Pictured: Yountville village, Napa Valley · Photo: California Health and Human Services Agency, Public domain
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Quick answer
October is one of the best months to visit Napa Valley. Expect average highs of 26°C (79°F), lows of 8°C (46°F), about 3 rainy days and roughly 11.1 hours of daylight. Harvest continues and vineyards turn gold and red; still very busy.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 26°C (79°F) / 8°C (46°F)
- Rainy days
- About 3
- Daylight
- About 11.1 hours
- Crowds
- Very busy
- Hotel prices
- Highest
Plan a trip to Napa Valley
Compare flights, places to stay and rental cars, then book with the provider you choose.
Weather in October
October is the 6th-warmest month in Napa Valley: days average 26°C (79°F) against a yearly average high of 23°C (73°F), and nights fall to about 8°C (46°F). Rain falls on roughly 3 of its 31 days. Compared with September (30°C (86°F)), October is cooler; by November highs drop to around 19°C (66°F).
- Sunrise (15 October)
- About 07:18
- Sunset (15 October)
- About 18:31
- Daylight
- About 11.1 hours
Autumn (September–November). Harvest and crush season with golden vineyards; the busiest and most expensive time, and a period when wildfire smoke is possible.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, October rates 5 for crowds (the peak is September at 5) and 5 for hotel prices (highest in September). Book accommodation early: October is one of the pricier months.
Events in October
- Autumn vineyard colour (usually late October to November)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in October
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Neighbourhood · Downtown Napa
Downtown Napa tasting rooms
Dozens of tasting rooms cluster within a few walkable blocks of First Street, Main Street and the Napa River, from boutique producers to big-name labels.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Food
- After dark
- Shopping
- Couples
Castle · Calistoga
Castello di Amorosa
Book a guided tour to see the lower cellars, which are not part of a basic tasting visit.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Expensive
- Architecture
- Rainy day
- Photo spot
- Kids
Historic site · St Helena
Beringer Vineyards
Founded in 1876 by German immigrants Jacob and Frederick Beringer, Beringer is often cited as the oldest continuously operating winery in the Napa Valley.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Expensive
- History
- Architecture
- Food
Historic site · Oakville and Rutherford
Inglenook
Book a tasting with a tour of the château and caves to understand the estate's long history.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Expensive
- History
- Architecture
- Food
- Couples
What to pack
For highs near 26°C (79°F), lows near 8°C (46°F) and 3 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; comfortable walking shoes.
Is October a good time to visit Napa Valley?
One of the best months to visit Napa Valley, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are April–June and September. Compare every month.
Napa Valley in other months
Questions travellers ask
+What time does the sun set in Napa Valley in October?
At about 18:31 local time in mid-October, with sunrise at about 07:18: roughly 11.1 hours of daylight.
+How warm is Napa Valley in October?
Average highs are around 26°C (79°F) and lows around 8°C (46°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Napa Valley in October?
Expect rain on about 3 days of the month, so it is usually dry.