Wine Country Bikes Trip Advisor Page

Weather & What to Wear

Summer    Spring & Fall      Winter

The climate in Sonoma County is wonderful for cycling most of the year. 

Because of the coastal influence and coastal mountains, there are many micro-climates and weather is very changeable. For this reason we suggest dressing in layers and always bringing extra clothing for the cold and extra water for the heat.

Take a look at the seasons below to get an idea of what type of weather you might expect and some recommendations as to what to wear.

SUMMER (MID MAY-OCTOBER) -

In the summer months the chance of rain is very rare.

Inland, the daytime highs are usually in the 80's and 90's but the nights and mornings cool into the 40’s and 50’s as the coastal fog comes in. 

In the mountains there are areas which can be 10-15 degrees hotter than the valleys- always bring extra water.

On the coast it can be windy, cool and foggy anytime even in mid-summer- always bring a vest or jacket.

Summer Cycling Clothes

For casual riding:

Light long pants and/or shorts (cycling shorts are more comfy!)
Light long sleeve shirt or jacket (for cool mornings)
Short sleeve shirt (with sunblock as needed!)
Cycling Gloves (optional)

For road biking:

Arm Warmers (for the coast & cool mornings)
Knee Warmers (for the coast & cool mornings)
Shorts or Bibs
Summer base layer
Short Sleeve Jersey
Wind Vest or Jacket (for the coast & cool mornings)
Short Finger Gloves

SPRING AND FALL (MARCH, APRIL, MAY AND OCT, NOV) -

On the shoulders of the dry summer and wet winter, the spring and fall promise generally beautiful weather- with a chance of an occasional storm coming through (though the frequency and duration are much less than in the winter months). The daytime temperatures are in the mid 60's and 70's with the evenings and early mornings quite cool in the low 40's.

Spring and Fall Cycling Clothing

For casual riding:

Long pants or tights and shorts (cycling shorts are more comfy!)
Long sleeve jacket (for cool mornings)
Short and/or long sleeve shirt (with sunblock as needed!)
Cycling Gloves (optional)

For Road Biking:

For good weather days:

Arm Warmers (for the coast & cool mornings)
Knee or Leg Warmers (for the coast & cool mornings)
Shorts or Bibs
Base layer
Short Sleeve Jersey
Wind Vest or Jacket (for the coast & cool mornings)
Short Finger Gloves

For poor weather days:

Short Sleeve Jersey & Arm Warmers or Long Sleeve Jersey
Knee or Leg Warmers
Shorts or Bibs
Insulated Base layer
Rain Jacket
Long Finger Gloves
Warm Socks
Toe or Shoe Covers
Insulated Head Band or Cap
Clear or Yellow Glasses

WINTER (NOVEMBER, DECEMBER- MARCH) -

Winter is the rainy season in Northern California.  There is plenty of rain and stormy weather and it’s also notoriously unpredictable and often times wonderful.  You could experience a week of solid cold rain or days of beautiful sunshine and temps in the 60's and 70's.  If you’re planning a trip in the winter we definitely recommend being prepared for all types of weather.

Winter Cycling Clothes

For casual riding:

For good weather days:

Long pants or tights and shorts (cycling shorts are more comfy!)
Long sleeve wind jacket
Warm long sleeve shirt
Cycling Gloves (optional)

For poor weather days:

Waterproof/Resistant Long pants or tights and shorts (cycling shorts are more comfy!)
Rain & Wind Jacket
Warm long sleeve shirt
Long finger gloves
Warm socks & shoes
Insulated headband or cap
Clear or Yellow Glasses

For road biking:

For good weather days:

Arm Warmers (for the coast & cool mornings)
Knee or Leg Warmers (for the coast & cool mornings)
Shorts or Bibs
Base layer
Short Sleeve Jersey
Wind Vest or Jacket (for the coast & cool mornings)
Short Finger Gloves

For poor weather days:

Short Sleeve Jersey & Arm Warmers or Long Sleeve Jersey
Knee or Leg Warmers
Shorts or Bibs
Insulated Base layer
Rain Jacket
Long Finger Gloves
Warm Socks
Toe or Shoe Covers
Insulated Head Band or Cap
Clear or Yellow Glasses