Southern California is a perfect vacation spot for a whole host of reasons: mild weather, friendly locals, close proximity to beaches, mountains and deserts, and of course, the now-famous Temecula wine country.

Winery tours are only the beginning of Temecula’s tourism charms, though activities and events vary depending on the time of year you visit. Here are some of the factors to consider before planning your vacation to Temecula:

Weather

Lucky for you, Temecula boasts mild weather year-round, but you can expect some seasonal variations. Precipitation is likely from December through February, and temperatures hover between the mid-80s and mid-90s in late summer. Humidity isn’t an issue in Temecula’s semi-arid climate, and wind activity is usually calm (except for May and June).  If you plan on viewing the rolling vineyards from the air in a hot air balloon, you’ll have plenty of options for a tranquil ride in almost any season.

Activities

Wineries are the main attraction for tourists in Temecula, but there are a number of other activities to enjoy, depending on the season. Any time of year, you can enjoy shopping at Promenade Temecula and the historic shops in Old Town Temecula, and the nearby Pechanga Resort & Casino offers gambling and world-class live entertainment. 

For outdoor enthusiasts, Temecula boasts the gorgeous Vale Lake Resort with opportunities for fishing, hiking, biking and more—a perfect retreat for spring and summer. For hot air balloon rides, an increasingly popular activity in Temecula, summer and autumn promise the best weather conditions. 

Festivals

Temecula hosts plenty of festivals and other events during the summer months, including the Summer Nights concert series. Fall brings corn mazes, haunted trails, and special “Hallowine” parties. In December, you can enjoy ice skating, holiday concerts, and holiday-themed festivals like Temecula Icefest and Holiday Taste of Old Town. In spring, the town hosts its annual Taste of Temecula Valley, which is a great way to introduce your taste buds to all Temecula has to offer.

Crowds

Summer is peak tourist season no matter where you go, so you can expect crowds at wineries, festivals, and shopping centers during the summer months. If you consider yourself a “wine geek” and want exclusive time with experts during a wine tour, consider taking a tour in winter or early spring, when crowds are sparse and tours might include exclusive access to areas that are normally too busy to accommodate visitors during growing and harvesting season.

Hot air balloon rides in Temecula at Compass Balloons

Although some seasons might be more ideal for a hot air balloon ride, Temecula’s mild weather variances mean you’ll be able to enjoy spectacular views no matter when you visit.

At Compass Balloons, we offer sunrise and sunset hot air balloon rides in Temecula, with the option of group rides or private rides with your special someone. For more information or to book your tour of Temecula from above, give us a call at (760) 704-7407.