December
in the Napa Valley is a magical time. There are festivals, bizarres,
and a great community feeling of welcome and warmth. At the annual
Calistoga Christmas Bizarre 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.
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!
| NAPA VALLEY WEATHER | ||
Photo Credit: The pictures on this page are by Lisa Moore. www.studioponderosa.com