January in the Yolo Countryside: A Season to Slow Down

January in the Yolo Countryside invites a slower pace. After the bustle of the holidays, the landscape settles into something calm and grounding. The hills turn green, the air feels crisp, and the countryside quietly comes back to life.

This is the season to take the long way, roll the windows down, and simply enjoy where you are. It’s also the perfect time to start planning a visit—because almond blossom season is just around the corner.

Winter Walks & Fresh Air After the Rain

January is great time to get outside in the Yolo Countryside—especially on sunny days following winter rains. The air feels crisp and clean, the scents of wet earth and grasses linger, and the hills glow an almost unreal shade of green. Everything feels fresh, quiet, and alive.

A favorite spot for a winter walk is Putah Creek Wildlife Area, where a peaceful trail winds along the creek. It’s an easy, scenic walk that offers views of flowing water, open landscape, and seasonal wildlife—perfect for soaking in the beauty of the countryside at a slower pace.

For more ideas on where to hike, wander, and explore, visit our Explore Outdoors section to discover additional trails and open spaces throughout the Yolo Countryside.

Citrus Season in the Yolo Countryside

January is also citrus harvest season in the Yolo Countryside, adding another reason to visit during this slower, more flavorful time of year. Oranges, mandarins, and other winter citrus are at their peak—bright, fresh, and full of sunshine.

A favorite stop during citrus season is Morgan’s of California, a family-owned farm that has been operating for over 70 years in the sunny Northern California foothills. Known for their commitment to quality, Morgan’s crafts dried fruit, nuts, candies, and gourmet caramel corn using carefully selected ingredients.

Their country store is a destination all its own, stocked with nostalgic treats and gourmet goods that make perfect gifts—or snacks for the drive home. Visiting during citrus season offers a chance to experience another side of the Yolo Countryside’s agricultural rhythm, where winter harvests are just as meaningful as spring blooms.

The First Signs of Spring

Almond blossom season marks the very first awakening of spring in the Yolo Countryside. Soon, orchards across the region will be washed in soft whites and pale pinks as almond trees bloom, creating one of the most beautiful natural displays of the year.

Yolo County boasts several prime locations to immerse yourself in the beauty of almond blossoms:

Winters: Known for its charming downtown and surrounding orchards, Winters provides picturesque views and local eateries to enhance your visit.

Capay Valley: This scenic area not only showcases almond blossoms, but also hosts the annual Capay Valley Almond Festival, celebrating the bloom with local festivities.

Woodland: A short drive from Sacramento, Woodland offers expansive orchards that become a sea of blossoms during this season.

A Tradition Rooted in Community

The almond has long been central to life in the Yolo Countryside. For more than a century, the region has gathered to honor the almond harvest and celebrate the blossoms that come before it. That tradition continues today through community celebrations and seasonal gatherings held throughout the countryside.

The Esparto Chamber of Commerce will once again host a two-day Almond Festival celebration February 2026, continuing a long-standing tradition that brings together agriculture, history, and community pride.

Across the region, other towns also take part in the season. This year, the Guinda Grange and Rumsey Hall will be cornerstone gathering place for the festival. They’ll be host food, farm, and artisan vendors, live music, and family-friendly activities. Rumsey Hall’s annual silent auction is a longtime favorite, highlighting local artists and makers while supporting the community.

Orchards, Views, and Local Experiences

Almond blossom season is also a time to explore the countryside itself. From family-run orchards to hilltop venues overlooking blooming trees, visitors can meet farmers, sample local products, and enjoy experiences that reflect the region’s deep connection to the land.

Live music, tastings, cooking demonstrations, and wide-open views come together to create moments that feel distinctly Yolo.

Start Planning Your Visit

Almond blossom season is brief, which makes it all the more special. January is your invitation to plan ahead—whether for a weekend drive exploring small towns, or a quiet moment beneath the blossoms.

Be sure to check back to our website soon for a curated list of almond blossom events taking place throughout the Yolo Countryside. You can also sign up for emails in the footer below to get alerted once the event details have been released.

Learn about places to Stay in the Yolo Countryside here.

However you choose to experience it, this season offers a beautiful reminder that spring begins softly, one blossom at a time.