Winter in Sonoma County begins with lush green hills and pastures, and ends in bright yellow carpets of mustard blooms in dormant vineyards. Along the stunning Sonoma Coast, local fishing fleets are busy with Dungeness crab season, and the whale migration is on the move. This time of year, winery tasting rooms tend to be quieter, so you might be offered a behind-the-scenes tour or even find your wines being poured by the winemaker.
Winter brings occasional rain and fog to Sonoma County, but mild seasonal temperatures allow you to enjoy exciting (and generally outdoor) annual events like Winter WINEland in January, the Cloverdale Citrus Fair and Parade in February, and the multi-month olive harvest. Sonoma County is a magical place to spend the holiday season, too, with plenty of twinkling lights, celebration, and good cheer.
Find special Sonoma County offers for winter — such as discounts at cozy winter getaway resorts like The Lodge at Bodega Bay — and be sure to check out our free Visitor Guide.
Experience Winter in Sonoma County
Sonoma County transforms into a winter wonderland of rolling green hills, bright yellow mustard blooms in the vineyards, and cozy winery experiences. With fewer crowds, you might score a behind-the-scenes tour or even chat with the winemaker during your tasting.
Experience Holidays in Sonoma County, California
The spirit of the season shines bright across our rolling hills and charming towns in Sonoma County. From twinkling lights to festive markets, Sonoma County transforms into a one-of-a-kind winter wonderland. There’s no better place to celebrate the season. Explore all the ways to make your holidays merry, bright, and full of flavor, Wine Country style
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FAQs
During winter in Sonoma County, daytime temperatures typically range from the mid-40s to low-60s °F, while nights can dip into the 30s, particularly in inland areas (e.g., Alexander Valley, Sonoma Valley and Dry Creek Valley). Coastal towns like Jenner and Bodega Bay tend to stay a bit warmer thanks to the moderating influence of the Pacific Ocean.
In Sonoma County, the valley floors and coastal areas almost never see snow, but the higher elevations in the Mayacamas Mountain range (e.g., Hood Mountain and Sugarloaf Ridge, both in Sonoma Valley) can get a light dusting of snow once or twice during the winter.
Yes! During winter in Sonoma County, the tourist crowds thin out, seasonal rains bring spectacular waterfalls and lush green hills, and the dormant vineyards take on a dramatic beauty. It's the perfect season to settle in by a fireplace at cozy winter getaway resorts, more easily snag reservations at award-winning restaurants, and enjoy coastal adventures and wine tastings at an unhurried pace.
Not yet convinced? See more reasons why winter is a great time to visit Sonoma Wine Country.
December is a great month to visit Sonoma County. Along the Sonoma Coast, you’ll find mild temperatures and opportunities for whale-watching. Popular wineries, breweries, and restaurants get dressed in lights, and you can celebrate the holiday season in Sonoma County with tree lightings and other can’t-miss holiday events.
The answer is yes. Between January and May, the annual north-to-south gray whale migration travels along the Sonoma Coast. Some key Sonoma Coast whale-watching spots include Bodega Head, Stillwater Cove Regional Park, Salt Point State Park, the six public access trails at The Sea Ranch, and Gualala Point Regional Park.
In Sonoma County vineyards, mustard flowers bloom between late-January and late-February, in stunning drifts of yellow and light green. These pungent, sharp-tasting wildflowers are planted in vineyards to naturally suppress weeds and nematodes (microscopic worms that can damage grapevines) and protect hills from erosion during winter rains.
Yes, there are events held all winter long in Sonoma County!
December invites you to celebrate the holiday season with tree lightings and other can’t-miss holiday events. January brings Winter WINEland, one of the year’s biggest winery events, with more than 60 participating wineries. And February events include the four-day Healdsburg Jazz Winter Festival, the annual Great Sonoma Crab and Wine Fest, the Russian River Fungi Fest, and the colorful Cloverdale Citrus Fair, held since 1892. For specific event details, visit our Calendar of Events.
THIS IS WINE COUNTRY.
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