My husband and I would like to take a vacation to Napa/Sonoma. The best time for our respective work schedules would be in April, but I hear that that's the "rainy season" there. Does anyone know if it normally rains every day----or just if there is a higher-than-normal chance of rain during that time? In other words--is it really just not a good time to go? Or, not too bad?

Oh I love it down there in the spring. Since leaving the Bay Area and moving to the desert I just LOVE those green hills..just beautiful. The "rainy" season varies from year to year, just like any other place. At worst, it can just pour rain for several days, at best, no rain at all. Take some warm clothes and umbrellas and have a good time.

Hi! The first time I went was in April and it never rained. It can get pretty cool, though! Check weather.com before you leave. We're returning this April for a week, skipping Napa which we don't care for and doing Sonoma and Mendocino. The only downside is that there is little foliage on the vines- leaves are just breaking through, so the vineyards don't look like much. No fruit on the vines. The good part is that it's a low tourist time, especially through the week, and you often have the whole tasting room to yourselves. We've met a lot of owners this way. Traffic is sparse in Sonoma, even if it is raining, it's easy to drive around to Wineries. I believe Lake Sonoma's patio is covered if you want to picnic there with some outstanding views.

We've had some good bike rides in NV in April.
But as in life in general and in Kauai, weather is NEVER guaranteed.

Yes, Kal, but when you're sipping great wine in beautiful wineries, what's a little monsoon anyway? Prettiest rainbows I've ever seen were in Russian River Valley in November after a storm. There were double rainbows over fields of orange, gold and crimson vines. Gorgeous!

The rainy seaspm is 'usually' pretty well over by April. If it does rain it won't be every day and it won't be downpours. And, there is nothing like the GREEN in the valleys at that time of year. I agree with the poster who says Sonoma/Mendocino over Napa. Napa has beoome a crowded Dislneyland-of-the-vine" kind of place.

April is, generally, the tail end of the rainy season. Even in the middle of the rainy season it doesn't rain every day. There are plenty of bright sunny days, cool weather, though.

Ahem, to continue. In April the grass will still be green, the flowers in bloom. summer fog season is at least a month away, and the winter rains are pretty much over. No guarantees, but in general I think April is the best time of year to visit coastal California. There's less chance of rain in September, but the grasses are all dried out

It is a beautiful time of year here- but can be high allergy season. One of the worst places in the US for them. Bring your meds if you suffer. You'll thank me!

LL,
"Sipping"???

Wazz'dat?