Visiting Napa in November offers one of the best times to explore wine country. This guide covers seven of the best things to do, November 2026 events, Napa Valley weather, what to wear, and practical tips for planning a late-fall trip.
Is November a Good Time to Visit Napa Valley?
Yes. November is a good time to visit Napa Valley for fall colors, fewer post-harvest crowds, Cabernet tastings, seasonal food events, and the beginning of the holiday season. Average temperatures are around 66°F during the day and 43°F at night, so expect crisp mornings and comfortable afternoons.
Napa Valley in November at a Glance
| What to Know | Napa in November |
|---|---|
| Average high | 66°F |
| Average low | 43°F |
| Rain | About 6 days |
| Fall colors | Often peak in early to mid-November |
| Wine season | Cabernet Season begins |
| Crowds | Generally lighter after harvest |
| Best for | Fall scenery, wine, food events and seasonal celebrations |
7 Best Things to Do in Napa in November
If you’re deciding what to do in Napa during late fall, focus on experiences that make the most of changing vineyards, cooler weather, and a slower pace.
1. See Napa Valley’s Peak Fall Colors
November is one of the best months to see Napa Valley vineyards turn shades of orange, gold, and deep red. Early November is often especially colorful, although wind, rain, and temperatures affect the exact timing each year.
For an easy scenic drive, follow the Silverado Trail between Napa and Calistoga. Go earlier in the day for softer light and less traffic.
2. See Napa’s Fall Vineyards From a Sunrise Hot Air Balloon
A sunrise hot air balloon ride is a memorable way to see Napa Valley as the late-fall vineyards change color. Morning light also creates beautiful views across vineyard rows, rolling hills, and the valley.
Because balloon flights depend on the weather, launch flexibility helps when fog, visibility, or wind conditions vary. Napa Valley Aloft uses multiple launch locations based on conditions. Its Premier Balloon Experience launches from Yountville when conditions permit and includes morning beverages and pastries. November check-in is around 6:30–6:50 a.m., so bring warm layers.
3. Experience Napa Valley’s Cabernet Season
November marks the transition into Napa Valley’s Cabernet Season, which runs from mid-fall through spring. It is a good time for seated tastings, Cabernet-focused experiences, and a more relaxed pace at wineries.
PEJU Winery in Rutherford offers several options, including a $65 Classic Seated Tasting, a $165 Chef’s Tasting Experience Thursday through Sunday, and a $40 Taster’s Trio for a shorter visit. Reservations are recommended for longer experiences.
If you plan a Napa Valley Aloft flight, you can save 10% using code PEJUW25 when booking, making it easy to pair a morning balloon ride with an afternoon tasting in Rutherford.
4. Attend the Howell Mountain Harvest Celebration on November 7
The Howell Mountain Harvest Celebration takes place Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 1–4 p.m. at the Culinary Institute of America at Copia in Napa. The event features more than 30 Howell Mountain wineries and 90-plus wines, along with small bites from CIA chefs and a silent auction. Advance admission is $175, compared with $350 at the door.
5. Experience Napa’s November Wine and Food Events
November’s calendar offers more than traditional wine tastings. On November 14, Round Pond Estate’s Olive Harvest Celebration runs from 1–3 p.m., letting guests see the estate olive mill in operation and sample fresh oils with light bites. Tickets are $75 for non-members. You can also learn more about Napa olive oil tasting.
The same day, ZD Wines’ Harvest Celebration features wine, food, live music, and barrel samples. Don’t try to squeeze several ticketed events into one afternoon; leave enough time to enjoy each stop.
6. Enjoy a Quieter Day of Napa Valley Wine Tasting
November typically brings fewer crowds to many wineries and restaurants, making it easier to build a slower day around two or three tastings.
In Yountville, Hill Family Estate offers a relaxed downtown tasting room with Classic Tastings at $40 per person. Its location makes it easy to pair a tasting with lunch or a walk through town without spending the day driving.
7. Experience Napa Valley’s Holiday Season
Late November brings Napa Valley’s first holiday lights and seasonal celebrations. Holidays in Yountville begin November 22, 2026, with six weeks of lights, events, dining, and shopping. St. Helena also starts its holiday season in late November with its 36-foot Beringer wine-barrel tree and other seasonal activities.
If your trip overlaps Thanksgiving week, leave some evening time open to walk through Yountville or St. Helena instead of scheduling every hour around wineries.
Napa Valley Events in November 2026 at a Glance
| Date | Event | Location / Details |
|---|---|---|
| Nov. 4 | Sip & Support | Clif Family Winery |
| Nov. 6–8 | Forager Table | Joseph Phelps Vineyards |
| Nov. 7 | Howell Mountain Harvest Celebration | CIA at Copia; 1–4 p.m.; $175 advance |
| Nov. 13 | White Truffle Dinner | Darioush |
| Nov. 14 | Olive Harvest Celebration | Round Pond Estate; 1–3 p.m.; $75 non-members |
| Nov. 14 | Harvest Celebration | ZD Wines, Rutherford |
| Nov. 14 | Meet the Winemaker: A Barrel Sample & Tasting with Michelle Shafrir | Miner Family Winery; $65 non-member |
| Nov. 19 | Third Thursdays | Markham Vineyards |
| Nov. 22 | Holidays in Yountville begins | Yountville |
Reserve ticketed events early, especially around November 7 and November 14. Event dates, availability, and pricing can change, so confirm details directly with the venue before building your itinerary.
What Is Napa Valley Weather Like in November?
Napa Valley weather in November is cool and generally comfortable during the day, with colder mornings and evenings and a greater chance of rain than earlier in fall.
What Is the Napa Valley Temperature in November?
The average November temperature is approximately 66°F for the daytime high and 43°F for the nighttime low. It can feel considerably colder before sunrise, especially if you’re starting the day outdoors.
Because temperatures change throughout the day, dress in layers rather than relying on one heavy coat.
What Should You Wear in Napa in November?
Wear a sweater or light jacket, comfortable shoes, and a rain-resistant outer layer when showers are possible. Jeans, boots, sweaters, and nice casual clothing work well for most winery visits.
Comfortable footwear is useful for winery tours that include gravel, gardens, or uneven vineyard surfaces. Keep an extra layer in the car if your plans continue into dinner.
How to Plan a Napa Valley Trip in November
Plan your itinerary around geography as much as individual wineries. Group wine tastings with other things to do in Yountville and nearby Rutherford, or dedicate a separate day to exploring St. Helena and Calistoga, rather than repeatedly driving the length of the valley.
Book special events, balloon flights, and priority tastings in advance, particularly over Thanksgiving weekend. Leave flexibility for rain or changing balloon conditions, and avoid scheduling your first winery appointment too close to the end of a sunrise flight.
FAQs About Visiting Napa in November
What Are the Best Things to Do in Napa Valley in November?
Popular things to do in Napa Valley in November include seeing fall vineyard colors, taking a sunrise balloon ride, tasting Cabernet Sauvignon, attending wine and food events, and enjoying the start of holiday celebrations. Early November is particularly attractive for foliage, while late November brings more holiday events.
Is November Still Harvest Season in Napa Valley?
November is generally the end of the harvest, not the peak harvest season. Some later-ripening red grapes, including Cabernet Sauvignon, can continue into early November, but most major harvest parties take place in September and October.
Are Napa Wineries Open in November?
Yes, most Napa Valley wineries stay open in November, though hours and holiday schedules vary. Reservations are still recommended for popular wineries and specialized food-and-wine experiences.
Does It Rain in Napa Valley in November?
Yes, rain becomes more likely in November as Napa Valley moves toward its winter rainy season. Bring a rain layer and keep some indoor tasting or dining options in your itinerary.
Are There Any Current Promo Codes for Napa Valley Hot Air Balloon Rides?
Napa Valley Aloft offers discounts for children, military guests, and seniors. You can get discounts through its lodging and winery partners. You can also save 10–20% on seasonal room rates at The Estate Yountville, based on dates and availability, after booking a flight.
For current offers, check directly with Napa Valley Aloft before booking, since seasonal packages and partner discounts can change.
