Napa Valley in November: Things to Do, What to Pack & More 2023
Are you thinking about visiting Napa Valley in November?
If so, you have come to the right place. In this ultimate guide, you will learn everything you need to know about visiting Napa Valley in November.
Such as tips on what to pack, the average temperature for the month, top things to do, and one of the best ways to save money wine tasting.
I live in the Bay Area, and we visit wine country A LOT. Trust me, November will not disappoint! The fall is one of my favorite times of year to go to Napa Valley, and I am sure you will love it too.
💰 Want to Save $$ Wine Tasting 🍷
The average cost for a basic wine tasting in Napa Valley is $40 per person. That easily adds up when you visit multiple wineries in a weekend.
If you want to save money on wine tasting and use it elsewhere like towards accommodations, restaurants, and tours- Priority Wine Pass can cut your tasting fees in half! Literally.
They offer 2 for 1 tastings at participating wineries. So you only need one pass per couple! It’s a pretty incredible deal!
* My readers get the Wine Pass at a discounted rate. Make sure to use the coupon code TTWT to get the best deal!
Is November a Good Time to Go to Napa Valley
November is a wonderful time to go to wine country! There are so many unique perks to visiting Napa Valley in November.
For one, you will experience fewer crowds. October in Napa marks the end of the harvest season, so by November things have officially started to slow down into low tourism season in wine country.
You will find that most of the tasting rooms, restaurants, and attractions are generally less crowded, giving you a chance to explore the beauty of the region at a more relaxed pace. And you can snag reservations at the top restaurants and the popular wineries in Napa.
Another great reason to go to Napa Valley in November is cheaper accommodations! Since it is a low tourism season, prices for hotels and VRBOs tend to be cheaper than if you were to visit during the summer months or harvest season.
November is also a great time to see some fall colors. The vineyards and surrounding landscapes are transformed into a vibrant and picturesque tapestry of oranges, yellows, and red fall foliage.
Why November May Not Be the Best Time to Visit Napa Valley
There are not many reasons why you should not visit Napa Valley in November. However, one may be that you will miss out on all of the Harvest Season events and festivals held at the wineries.
Another reason is that you could experience bad weather in November. It is not likely, but it is the start of the rainy season, so you may experience some cloudy days and rain showers. Also, it is not as warm in November in Napa as it is in October or the summer months.
Weather in Napa Valley in November
The weather in Napa in November can be best described as mild and comfortable. Most days are pleasant in the mid 60’s to low 70’s degrees Fahrenheit. The valley then cools off at night with temperatures in the mid-40’s.
November is the start of the rainy season in Napa Valley. However, there is still very little rain, and not as wet as in the winter months.
You can expect a mix of both sunny and cloudy days, but the weather will still be enjoyable for outdoor activities and exploring wine country.
Top Things to Do in Napa Valley in November
1. Plan a Day of Wine Tasting
⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 stars| ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 6 hours | BOOK NOW
As they say “When in Rome” when in Napa you must visit the wineries and do a little (or a lot) of wine tasting! Napa isn’t the easiest to get around, so a great way to go wine tasting and get around Napa Valley is by a wine tour.
This is the tour that I always recommend. I love this 6-Hour Private, Customized Wine Tour of Napa Valley.
Why I think this is one of the best tours you can book:
- Your guide will help you build a unique & tailored wine tasting itinerary
- It can accommodate up to 6 people
- One of the more affordable options of a private wine tour
- Has many incredible 5 reviews
Damon was very educated in Napa Valley wineries. He was punctual, extremely nice and booked all of our appointments in advanced. We highly recommend his company!” – Skye F. (read more reviews)
✅ Check rates & availability for Customized Wine Tour of Napa Valley here
2. Enjoy the Beautiful Outdoors
With November’s pleasant weather, it is the perfect time to enjoy some outdoor activities in Napa Valley.
Explore the gorgeous surrounding area and go on a scenic hike, play a round of golf at the famous Silverado Golf Course, kayak the Napa River, or bike ride through the vineyard-lined roads.
3. Go On a Hot Air Balloon Ride
⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 stars| ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 to 4 hours | BOOK NOW
A hot air balloon ride in Napa Valley is a unique and one of kind experience! Soar above the vibrant fall foliage and lush rolling hills on an adventurous ride through wine country.
Great view and great pilot. We enjoyed it immensely; it was an unforgettable experience! Would highly recommend to friends and family. – Catherine P. (read more reviews)
✅ Check rates & availability for the Napa Hot Air Balloon Ride here
4. Cabernet Season
Cabernet is king in Napa Valley and is the varietal that the region is most known for. From mid-fall to spring, Napa Valley is referred to as Cabernet Season. It is a great time to plan a cozy weekend getaway to wine country.
The excitement and buzz of harvest season has ended and Napa starts to slow down. During these months, the winemakers have more time to spend in the tasting rooms.
This provides you the opportunity to discover more about the vineyards and wine making process from the winemakers themselves.
This time of year you will also see different promotions for wine purchases and club memberships.
5. Relax in a Mud Bath in Calistoga
Treat yourself to a day of relaxation at one of the many spas in Calistoga. The area is renowned for its therapeutic mud baths, natural mineral pools, and luxurious treatments.
6. Wine Barrel Holiday Tree
Start to get into the holiday spirit and snap a photo next to the wine barrel holiday tree in St. Helena.
The tree consists of 109 wine barrels stacked to 32 feet. The lighting of the tree is held at the end of the month with Santa, live music, and more.
7. Shopping Downtown
Stroll through the charming and quaint downtown areas in Napa Valley. Napa, St. Helena, Yountville, and Calistoga all offer a downtown area that is lined with boutique shops, cafes, restaurants, and art galleries. It is a great spot for some shopping and unique finds for gifts and souvenirs.
8. Go On a Scenic Drive
Enjoy the fall foliage and the vineyard-draped landscapes by taking a drive along the Silverado Trail or the Napa Valley Highway for some gorgeous views.
🤑 Save Money on Wine Tastings
Even during shoulder season, Napa Valley can be an expensive location to visit. One of the questions I often get about Napa Valley is how to save money on wine tastings. Fortunately, there is Priority Wine Pass.
The wine pass gets you discounts and perks at participating wineries on the West Coast, and it is not just for Napa Valley. The pass covers a wide range of wineries in different regions including Paso Robles, Monterey, Washington, Oregon, and more!
Take advantage of their famous 2 for 1 wine tasting deals where you only need one pass per couple and many other discounts at participating wineries, it is the best way to save money on wine tasting.
They are partnered with a ton of wineries and tours, well over 100 in Napa & Sonoma alone. So you are bound to find a winery that fits your wine tasting itinerary.
🍷 My readers get the wine pass at a discounted rate! You can snag your Priority Wine Pass here
If you want more information on the Priority Wine Pass, check out my post on it here
Events in Napa Valley in November
Cabernet Classic
In 2023, the third annual Cabernet Classic will be held on November 3-5 at the Meritage Resort & Spa. Enjoy a weekend of tasting the very best cabernets from around the world with expert sommeliers.
Also at the three-day event, there will be gourmet lunches and dinners, fun activities like a sip and stomp, and 100’s of wines.
Thanksgiving on the Napa Valley Wine Train
If you plan on being in Napa for Thanksgiving, you can book your holiday dinner on the Napa Valley Wine Train instead of cooking this year.
The Napa Wine Train is a unique and fun thing to do in Napa Valley. Hop aboard the famous vintage wine train for a 3.5 hour journey through wine country. As you take in the beautiful views, you will feast on a delicious multiple-course Thanksgiving-inspired dinner.
Napa Valley Film Festival
The Napa Valley Film Festival is an annual event that takes place every November in wine country. Held at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) at Copia, the festival showcases a diverse selection of new and compelling films.
The film festival also highlights the region’s culinary excellence and wine culture, offering wine tastings and delicious gourmet food.
Other Events in Napa Valley in November 2023:
- St. Helena tree lighting: November 23rd, 5-6:30 pm
- Calistoga Food & Wine Event: November 18th
What to Wear to Napa Valley in November
Napa Valley attire is all about looking your best, but also being comfortable and relaxed. My go-to Napa outfit is usually a long flowy dress with a sweater or jacket. Or towards the end of November, I would wear some cute pants and a top.
If you are visiting Napa in November, you will need to wear or bring with you an extra layer. The days are typically sunny and warm. However, the early mornings and nights tend to be chilly.
Also visiting in November there is the possibility for rain. I don’t think you need to pack a raincoat or umbrella, but maybe a jacket with a hood would be a good idea.
Here are a few fall staples you can’t forget when packing for wine country.
- Layered Clothing: Since the temperatures vary throughout the day, it’s a good idea to wear layers. Start with a light sweater or long-sleeve shirt, and bring a jacket in case it rains or for chilly nights.
- Pants and Jeans: A pair of cute pants are perfect for wine tasting in wine country. Jeans are okay to wear wine tasting in Napa Valley. I would just wear a nicer pair that does not have many holes or distressing.
- Dresses & Skirts: Depending on the weather, I think you can still get away with wearing a dress or skirt to the wineries. As long as you bring a jacket or sweater you should be comfortable.
- Footwear: Choose closed-toe shoes that are comfortable for walking. Flats, boots, loafers, or cute sneakers are great options.
- Accessories: Don’t forget to bring accessories like scarves and hats, mainly just for fun and fashion.
FAQ: Napa Valley in November
Napa Valley in November tends to be cooler compared to the summer months. However, I would not consider it to be cold—the average high temperature during a day in November ranges between 60°F to 70°F.
Temperatures drop in the evening and early mornings to around 40°F to 50°F. So make sure to pack layers with you so you can stay comfortable throughout the day.
Napa in November is one of the best places to experience the fall foliage. You can expect rolling hills of vineyards adorned with the warm colors of autumn.
Napa in November is a slower month for events since it is the first month after Harvest Season. It is a great time to plan a wine country getaway if you want to avoid crowds.
Towards the end of the month, kickstarts the holiday season in Napa Valley. So there are tree lighting, the wine barrel holiday tree, and Santa sightings!
In Conclusion: Napa Valley in November
Napa Valley in November is a wonderful time to visit if you want a slower-paced wine country with lower costs and fewer crowds. It also is a great time to visit if you are looking to experience fall colors in California.
Now that you have decided you are going to visit Napa, it is time for the fun part of planning your trip. If it is your first time visiting, you may be wondering how many days should I spend in Napa Valley, how to get around Napa, how to get to get Napa, (tip I don’t recommend Uber) and what wineries to visit.
For all of my Napa tips and guides, you can check out my Napa page here.
