You’ve heard the rumors. People say January in wine country is just a wash of gray skies and muddy boots. Honestly, they’re missing out. While everyone else is fighting for a reservation in October, Napa in mid-January becomes this quiet, green, surprisingly warm sanctuary that feels like a local secret.
Right now, if you’re looking at the napa ca 10 day weather forecast, you’re seeing something pretty spectacular for the "dead of winter." As of Saturday, January 17, 2026, the valley is sitting in a sweet spot of mild temperatures that would make an East Coaster weep with joy. We’re talking about highs reaching 67°F and lows that barely tickle the 37°F mark.
It’s basically "Cabernet Season"—that perfect time where the air is crisp enough to justify a fireplace but warm enough to walk the downtown riverfront without shivering.
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The Current Vibe: 10 Days of Napa Sky
The forecast for the next week and a half is, frankly, better than anyone expected. We are currently coming off a clear night with a chilly 36°F start, but don't let that fool you. The humidity is high at 97%, which means the valley is likely draped in that iconic, cinematic morning mist that makes the dormant vineyards look like a painting.
Here is the actual breakdown of what’s hitting the ground over the next 10 days in Napa:
- Saturday, Jan 17: We’re starting with mostly cloudy skies and a high of 65°F. There’s a tiny 10% chance of a sprinkle, but it’s mostly just "moody" weather.
- Sunday, Jan 18: This is the winner. Partly sunny and hitting 67°F. If you’ve been wanting to do a terrace tasting, this is your window.
- Monday, Jan 19: Pure sun. High of 65°F and a low of 38°F. Clear as a bell.
- The Mid-Week Stretch (Jan 20–22): Things stay consistent with highs between 62°F and 64°F. We’re seeing partly sunny conditions with almost no rain—just a 5% to 10% chance here and there.
- The Shift (Jan 23–26): By Friday and into the following Monday, the clouds thicken up. Highs drop slightly into the high 50s, and we might see some light rain by the 26th.
Basically, the first half of this 10-day window is a gift. If you’re here for the Napa Truffle Festival or just a random getaway, you’ve hit the weather jackpot.
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Why the "Rainy Season" is a Total Myth
Okay, it's not a total myth—January is statistically one of the wettest months—but the napa ca 10 day weather forecast proves that "rainy" in Northern California doesn't mean "monsoon."
Usually, the rain comes in soft, manageable pulses. You get a few days of drizzle that turns the hills that "Sound of Music" green, and then the sun breaks through and everything smells like wet earth and oak. Locals actually prefer this. The dust of the harvest is gone. The vineyards are resting.
If you see a 20% chance of rain on Friday, January 23rd, don't cancel your plans. In Napa, that often means a 20-minute shower followed by a rainbow over the Stags Leap District.
Surviving the 30-Degree Swing
Here is what people actually get wrong about packing. You look at a high of 67°F and think, "Oh, light sweater weather."
Wrong.
Napa has a massive diurnal shift. On Monday, Jan 19, you’ll experience a nearly 30-degree difference between lunch and dinner. You’ll be in a t-shirt at 2:00 PM and reaching for a heavy wool coat by 6:00 PM.
Also, remember the caves. Even if it's a beautiful 65°F outside on Saturday, a wine cave is a constant 55°F to 60°F. It feels like a refrigerator if you’re just wearing a silk blouse. Bring the layers. Seriously. A cashmere wrap or a medium-weight jacket isn't just a fashion choice; it's a survival tool.
What to Actually Do With This Forecast
Since the napa ca 10 day weather forecast is looking so clear for the next few days, you should pivot your itinerary.
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- Sunday is for the Air: With a high of 67°F and light winds from the southeast at only 3 mph, Sunday, Jan 18, is a perfect morning for a hot air balloon ride. Cooler winter air is denser, which actually helps the balloons fly better and provides much clearer views of the Sierras in the distance.
- Monday is for the Trails: It’s going to be sunny and 65°F. Go hike Alston Park or the Oat Hill Mine Trail. In the summer, these trails are brutal heat traps. In January, they are lush, cool, and the views of the valley floor are unparalleled.
- Late Week is for the Wine Train: When the clouds start rolling back in on Friday the 23rd, that’s your cue to book a seat on the Napa Valley Wine Train. You get the views of the misty vineyards while staying bone-dry with a glass of glass of something red and heavy.
Practical Next Steps
Check the humidity levels before you head out each morning. With current levels at 97%, the roads can be slick even without rain due to heavy dew and fog.
If you’re visiting toward the end of this 10-day cycle (Jan 24–26), keep an eye on the southwest winds. They are expected to pick up to about 5 mph, which, combined with the 42°F lows, will make it feel significantly colder than the thermometer says.
Pack a pair of waterproof boots—not just for the rain, but for the "mustard" in the vineyards. The yellow mustard flowers are starting to bloom, and if you want that perfect photo among the vines, you're going to have to navigate some damp, soft soil.