Early winter · Weather & things to do
Napa in December
This is the coldest month in Napa: highs average 54°F (12°C) and lows 37°F (3°C), with about 6.4 in (163 mm) of rain.
With a comfort score of 59/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by rain.
- Avg high
- 54°F (12°C)
- Avg low
- 37°F (3°C)
- Rain
- 6.4 in (163 mm)
- Humidity
- 82%
- Cloud cover
- 57%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 20 min
- Comfort score
- 59/100 · Fair
What December feels like
Cool days top out near 54°F (12°C), better for brisk walks than lingering outside.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 37°F (3°C).
Rain is a real factor, with about 6.4 in (163 mm) across the month.
Only about 9 h 20 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are April – June and September – November.
- Start of the wettest three-month stretch (December – February), which brings about 16.0 in (406 mm) in total.
- Shortest days of the year, about 9 h 20 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 88/100 in November to 59/100.
- Our California Wine Country route recommends Apr – Oct, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- Insulated jackethighs only 54°F
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoes6.4 in of rain on average
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Napa in December
Wet days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
Oxbow Public Market
Indoor market with oysters, tacos, cheese and coffee by the Napa River.
Why now A sit-down stop to wait out showers in a month with 6.4 in of rain.
Mustards Grill
Highway 29 roadhouse serving wine-country comfort food since 1983.
Why now Easy to slot in when December's rain moves in.
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars
Home of the Cabernet that won the 1976 Judgment of Paris.
Why now Keeps part of the day dry on wetter December days.
Napa Valley Wine Train
Restored vintage railcars serving multi-course meals on a 36-mile round trip.
Domaine Carneros
Chateau-style sparkling wine house with a terrace over the vineyards.
Nearby in December
- Sonoma in December~18 mi · highs 57°F, 6.4 in rain · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Healdsburg in December~33 mi · highs 56°F, 8.5 in rain · 1°C (2°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Old Sacramento Waterfront in December~42 mi · highs 57°F, 4.6 in rain · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, drier
- San Francisco in December~51 mi · highs 56°F, 5.4 in rain · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, drier
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Napa in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Napa?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 59/100, held back mainly by rain. The best months are April – June and September – November. Expect highs of 54°F (12°C) and 6.4 in (163 mm) of rain. Our California Wine Country route recommends Apr – Oct, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Napa in December?
Average highs are 54°F (12°C) and average lows 37°F (3°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Napa in December?
Yes: about 6.4 in (163 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 27.1 in (689 mm).
What should I pack for Napa in December?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 54°F), rain jacket and waterproof shoes (6.4 in of rain on average) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Planning Napa in December?
Share this December plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.