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Napa Valley Weather: Napa Valley December Weather
December in the Napa Valley is a magical time. There are festivals, parades, craft sales, and a great community feeling of welcome and warmth. At the annual Calistoga Christmas Bazaar you can sample grandma’s homemade jam, take the kids to see Santa, have some homemade fudge and purchase various handcrafted treasures. In the afternoon take a walk down Lincoln Avenue and visit with the shopkeepers and share a cup of hot chocolate and a Christmas cookie and, when it gets dark, witness Calistoga’s own Tractor Parade. These events all take place on the first Saturday in December. Come and share the Christmas spirit.
In the town of Napa, the average temperature in December is 48 degrees, while the average high is 56 degrees and the average low temperature is 38 degrees. The average rainfall for December is 3.9 inches. Temperatures and rainfall in Yountville and Oakville, several miles north of Napa, would be roughly the same as in Napa.
In December, the average temperature in Calistoga is 47 degrees, the average high is 57, and the average low is 36 degrees. The average rainfall in Calistoga for December is 5.9 inches. These figures reflect a close approximation to those in St. Helena, just eight miles south of Calistoga.
Winter brings rain to the Napa Valley and some chilly temperatures. Usually the days of wet weather are brief, followed by crisp and clear blue skies with a touch of winter sun. By chilly, of course, we are talking by California standards, which means that daytime temperatures usually exceed 50, and often reach into the 60’s. Temperatures rarely go below freezing, and the warmest clothing you will usually need is a sweater and a raincoat.
If you can come to the Napa Valley in the winter, it may become your favorite time to visit the Wine Country, as the traffic is usually the lightest, and many hotels feature excellent discount specials. This is probably the only time of the year where you will probably be ok getting into your favorite restaurant without much advance notice. Naturally, right after Christmas Day, continuing through New Years day, the Valley is quite popular, so plan accordingly—and bring a jacket that can also serve as a raincoat.
Many of the wineries in the Napa Valley hold concerts and events that are truly unique. Clos Pegas winery in Calistoga has an underground amphitheater where a Hand Bell choir or operatic Christmas carolers may enchant you. All you need to do is check the local listings in Calistoga and, when in doubt, ask the locals.
Whatever the weather, come on up! We’re waiting for you!
