What months are vineyards green in Kelowna?
What Months Are Vineyards Green in Kelowna?
Kelowna vineyards are generally green from late April through early October, with the lushest and most vibrant green typically occurring from late May through September. The exact timing varies somewhat from year to year depending on spring temperatures, weather, and when harvest begins.
If you’re visiting Kelowna specifically to see green vineyards, June through September is an excellent time to visit. If you visit in late September or October, you’ll trade some of the summer green for the spectacular colours and activity of harvest season.
What the Vineyards Look Like Throughout the Year
- April — Bud break begins as the vines wake up from winter. Small green buds and shoots start appearing, but the vineyards can still look quite bare early in the month.
- May — The vineyards become noticeably greener as leaves and shoots develop. By late May, the landscape is beginning to look like the wine country visitors expect.
- June–August — This is the heart of the green vineyard season. The vines are fully leafed out and the vineyards are lush and vibrant, making this an excellent time for vineyard views and photography.
- September — Vineyards generally remain green while the grapes ripen. As harvest approaches, you may see grapes being picked and more activity around the wineries. Later in September, some leaves may begin changing colour.
- October — The vineyards gradually change from green to yellow, gold, orange, and red as the season progresses. Harvest activity can make October particularly interesting, even though the vineyards are no longer at their summer greenest.
- November–March — The vines are dormant and largely bare. The vineyard landscape looks very different from summer, although wineries can still offer indoor experiences at locations that operate during the winter.
When Is the Best Time to See Green Vineyards?
Late May through September is the best period for lush green vineyard views. June, July, and August offer the fullest green canopies, while May provides fresh spring growth and fewer summer crowds.
Late September and early October are my personal favourite time to guide tours. The vineyards may be starting to change colour, but you also get the excitement of harvest, grapes coming into the wineries, and the beautiful fall scenery around the Okanagan Valley.
Red Dog Wine Tours operates from early May through the end of October, covering both the lush green vineyard season and the spectacular harvest and fall-colour season. Our popular West Kelowna Afternoon Wine Tour visits four wineries at a relaxed pace, giving you plenty of opportunity to enjoy the vineyards, lake views, and tasting rooms.
It’s also worth remembering that summer and early fall are wildfire season in British Columbia. Wildfire activity or smoke can occasionally affect visibility and outdoor conditions in the Okanagan. Tours may still operate when conditions are suitable, but safety and winery operations always come first.
As of 2026, if your priority is seeing the Okanagan at its greenest, plan for June through September. For green vineyards combined with harvest activity and fall colour, consider late September or early October.
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People also asked: Can I still do a wine tour in Kelowna during wildfire season or when there is smoke in the air?
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