Yosemite National Park sits high in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, where weather patterns can shift fast and often. These changes shape everything—waterfalls, road access, even how you plan your whole trip.
Honestly, the best weather for a Yosemite visit usually arrives in late May through early June, and again in September. Daytime temperatures hover between 70°F and 80°F, and the skies tend to stay clear and dry.
Weather really controls almost every part of the Yosemite experience. Winter snow blocks mountain roads and cuts off big chunks of the park. Spring snowmelt turns waterfalls into roaring giants, but by late summer, they dry up. Summer heat makes hiking a sweaty challenge, and winter storms can catch folks off guard or even force them out early.
If you get a handle on Yosemite’s weather patterns, you can pick the right time for your own goals. Want to see waterfalls at their wildest? Prefer hiking in cooler air? Maybe you’re after some snowy adventures. The park’s crazy elevation changes—over 7,000 feet in some spots—create a bunch of different climate zones, and each one acts a bit differently as the months go by.
How Weather Impacts the Best Time to Visit Yosemite
Weather basically decides when you can get to different areas in Yosemite National Park. Temperature swings and precipitation patterns have a direct effect on which roads are open, how safe the trails are, and what kind of experience you’ll have.
Yosemite’s Climate and Seasonal Variations
Yosemite has a Mediterranean climate—dry summers, wet winters. Huge elevation changes split the park into a handful of weather zones.
Yosemite Valley sits at 4,000 feet, so it gets the mildest weather most of the year. Summers can hit 89°F, but winters drop to 29°F at night.
Higher elevations like Glacier Point and Tuolumne Meadows get it rough. Heavy snow falls from November through May, closing roads for up to half the year.
The park’s seasonal patterns feel pretty reliable. Spring means snowmelt and cool breezes. Summer brings warm, dry air perfect for hiking. Fall is crisp and quiet. Winter? Snow everywhere, but not much access.
Weather Statistics by Month
Monthly temperature shifts help you pick the best time to visit Yosemite depending on what you want to do and how much heat or cold you can handle.
| Month | Yosemite Valley High/Low | Glacier Point High/Low | Tuolumne Meadows High/Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| April | 63°F / 38°F | 55°F / 32°F | 50°F / 25°F |
| July | 89°F / 57°F | 71°F / 44°F | 70°F / 35°F |
| October | 71°F / 41°F | 58°F / 34°F | 56°F / 28°F |
| January | 48°F / 29°F | 36°F / 21°F | 40°F / 20°F |
Summer months (June through September) are warmest, but they’re also the most crowded. Late spring and early fall are cooler and less busy—honestly, that’s when I’d go.
Typical Precipitation and Temperature Patterns
Yosemite gets most of its precipitation from November to March. Up high, it’s snow. Down in the valley, it’s rain. This split creates clear wet and dry seasons, and it really affects which parts of the park you can reach.
Winter precipitation piles up as deep snow above 5,000 feet. Tioga Road usually closes from October to late May because of all that snow. Glacier Point Road also shuts down from November to early May.
Summer? Basically no rain at all. It’s perfect for hiking, though there’s always some fire risk. Valley temperatures feel pretty good in the shade, but outside the park in lower elevations, it can sometimes hit 95°F or more.
Spring snowmelt makes Yosemite’s waterfalls roar, especially in late May and June. Trails at higher elevations, though, can stay snow-covered until July.
Seasonal Guide: Visiting Yosemite by Weather
Every season brings its own weather, and that really shapes what you can see and do in Yosemite. Spring means wild waterfalls and fields of flowers. Summer is all about sunshine and open trails. Fall brings cooler air and fewer people. Winter? Snow everywhere, and a whole new vibe.
Spring: Waterfalls and Blooming Meadows
Spring weather is when Yosemite’s waterfalls put on their best show. Snow melts from the high country and sends torrents over the cliffs from March to May.
Temperature and Conditions
Daytime temps in Yosemite Valley hit 65-75°F, while nights can dip to 30-45°F. You’ll want to dress in layers—mornings might be frosty, but afternoons can get pretty warm.
Spring weather doesn’t always play nice. Rain showers pop up a lot, and snow can still fall at higher spots like Glacier Point or Tuolumne Meadows.
Waterfall Peak Season
Yosemite Fall hits its max flow in April and May. You can hear the thunder echoing through the whole valley.
Bridalveil Fall and Nevada Fall also peak during spring. They really show off when the snowmelt is strongest.
Wildflower Blooms
Meadows all over Yosemite explode with color. Lower elevations start blooming in March, but places like Tuolumne Meadows hold off until late spring.
You’ll spot lupine, Indian paintbrush, and poppies lighting up the valley floors and hillsides.
Summer: Warm Weather and Full Accessibility
Summer brings predictable weather to Yosemite. Clear skies and warm air fill the park, which is probably why it’s so packed.
Temperature Patterns
From June through August, Yosemite Valley can get hot—85-100°F during the day. Nights cool off to 45-55°F.
Higher up, it’s much cooler. Tuolumne Meadows tops out at 70-75°F, with chilly nights down to 35-45°F.
Trail and Road Access
Summer opens every road and trail. Tioga Pass usually opens by late May or early June, letting visitors reach the high country.
Half Dome cables go up for the season. El Capitan climbing season also peaks when things are dry.
Glacier Point Road stays open. Badger Pass Ski Area closes for the summer, but hikers flock there when the snow is gone.
Weather Reliability
Rain? Almost none in summer. You can plan hikes or climbs without worrying about storms.
Clear skies make for killer photos and views. Sunrises and sunsets from Glacier Point or Sentinel Dome? Absolutely worth getting up early (or staying out late).
Fall: Mild Temperatures and Fewer Crowds
Fall really is a sweet spot for Yosemite. The weather is comfortable, and it’s just less hectic. September through November might be the best time to go.
Perfect Temperatures
Daytime highs run from 65-85°F in early fall, dropping about 10°F each month. Nights stay mild, from 30-40°F.
Tuolumne Meadows starts closing in October as cold weather creeps back in. It’s smart to check road conditions if you’re heading up high.
Stable Weather Patterns
Fall usually means steady weather. Rain stays low, and most days are clear.
The days get shorter, though. Sunset sneaks up fast, so you need to plan your hikes with daylight in mind.
Seasonal Colors
Yosemite Valley’s deciduous trees pop with color. Oaks, maples, and dogwoods paint the cliffs with gold and red.
Reduced Crowds
With fewer people, parking is easier and trails feel peaceful. Even popular spots like Glacier Point or El Capitan get a little quieter.
Winter: Snowy Landscapes and Quiet Exploration
Winter turns Yosemite into a whole new world. Snow covers everything, and the cold brings different ways to explore.
Cold Weather Conditions
Yosemite Valley stays pretty chilly—highs of 50-55°F, lows of 30-35°F. Snow falls often, making for beautiful scenes but tricky driving.
Up at Tuolumne Meadows, you just can’t get there. Snow closes roads and trails above 6,000 feet.
Limited Access
Tioga Pass shuts down completely in winter. Glacier Point Road closes past the ski area, so you can’t reach some high country viewpoints.
Many trails aren’t passable unless you’ve got snowshoes or cross-country skis.
Winter Activities
Badger Pass Ski Area opens up for skiing and snowboarding. You can rent gear there, too.
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing let you explore snowy meadows and forests. Rangers sometimes lead guided snowshoe walks on weekends.
Peaceful Atmosphere
Winter brings the lowest visitor numbers. Famous spots like Yosemite Fall and El Capitan meadows get quiet—almost meditative, if you ask me.
Monthly Breakdown: Weather-Driven Highlights
Each month has its own weather quirks, and that changes what you’ll find in Yosemite. The park’s wild elevation swings create some pretty big differences in temperature and precipitation, depending on where you go.
May and June: Ideal Waterfall Viewing
May kicks off the best time for waterfall fans. Melting snow from the high country powers the falls at their strongest.
Temperature conditions in May average 70°F in the valley, with cool nights around 40°F.
June warms up, and daytime highs reach 80°F. Melting snow and spring rain make this the best time for waterfall photos.
Yosemite Fall peaks in late May and early June. The sound alone is unforgettable.
Bridalveil Fall and Nevada Fall also put on their best shows. Ribbon Fall, one of the continent’s tallest, only flows through June before it dries up.
Weather challenges can pop up, especially late spring storms in May. It’s wise to bring layers and rain gear just in case.
July and August: Hot Days and Peak Crowds
Summer brings the heat to Yosemite Valley. Daytime temps often hit 90°F or more.
Heat management is key for hikers. Getting up early helps you dodge the worst of the sun.
Nights cool off to 50-60°F, which feels great after a hot day.
Waterfall conditions drop off fast. Yosemite Fall shrinks to a trickle by August, sometimes drying up.
Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall keep flowing all year, but not with the same force. If you want dramatic waterfalls, summer might let you down.
Weather advantages do exist—clear skies, barely any rain, and all the roads are open.
Camping and hiking get easier with no rain, but the heat means you’ll want to stick to early mornings or evenings for longer hikes.
September and October: Comfortable, Colorful Visits
Fall brings some of the best hiking weather. September days average 75°F, nights cool to 45°F.
Temperature comfort draws hikers in. By October, highs drop to 65°F, with chilly nights near 35°F.
Seasonal changes start to bring back some water to the falls. Early autumn rains and the first snowfalls help refill them.
Yosemite Fall usually stays dry through September, but it might start flowing in October if snow arrives up high.
Weather variability ramps up in fall. You could get a sunny day followed by a sudden cold snap.
Fall colors peak in mid-October, though Yosemite’s forests are mostly evergreen. Oaks and a few deciduous trees add pops of yellow and orange.
Storms get more common in October. Packing rain gear is a good idea.
November to April: Winter Activities and Low Crowds
Winter flips Yosemite on its head. Snow starts falling at higher elevations in November.
Temperature ranges swing a lot by location. The valley averages 50°F on winter days, but nights can drop below freezing.
Snow conditions shut down Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road from late November through May. That means high elevation areas are off-limits.
Badger Pass Ski Area opens from December through March, depending on snow conditions. You can ski or try cross-country routes here.
Waterfall viewing actually gets better in winter. Snow and rain bring the falls back to life.
Yosemite Fall sometimes freezes up during the coldest spells, making for some unique photos.
Weather challenges are real. You’ll need tire chains for winter driving, and park rangers require everyone to carry them.
Solitude benefits make winter special. Visitor numbers drop to about 30% of summer crowds, so you’ll find peace even at the big-name spots.
Regional Weather Variations in Yosemite
Yosemite’s weather can change wildly between its five main regions, thanks to elevations that go from 2,000 feet all the way up past 13,000. Each area has its own temperature swings, precipitation levels, and seasonal access issues that you’ll want to factor into your plans.
Yosemite Valley: Year-Round Access
Yosemite Valley usually sees steady weather at its 4,000-foot elevation. In summer, you can expect highs around 89°F, while nights cool off to about 57°F.
Granite walls and the tree canopy help the valley stay cooler on those hot days. I always notice how this microclimate keeps things comfortable, even when nearby areas feel way too warm.
Winter brings a chill, with daytime highs near 48°F and nights dipping to 29°F. Snow falls a handful of times each winter, but it almost never sticks around on the valley floor.
Seasonal Temperature Ranges:
- Spring (April): 63°F / 38°F
- Summer (July): 89°F / 57°F
- Fall (October): 71°F / 41°F
- Winter (January): 48°F / 29°F
Most of the valley’s rain comes between November and March. At this elevation, you mostly get rain, but every now and then, a snowstorm will create a dreamy winter scene that usually vanishes in a few days.
Glacier Point: High Elevation Weather
Glacier Point sits way up at 7,214 feet, so it feels much cooler than down in the valley. Summer days barely hit 71°F, and nights can drop to a brisk 44°F.
Heavy snow shuts down Glacier Point Road from November into early May. Snow piles up several feet deep, so you’ll need special gear if you want to get up there before spring.
Winter temperatures often plunge below freezing. In January, highs reach just 36°F, and lows sink to 21°F. These icy conditions stick around for months and make getting there a real challenge.
The elevation difference means temperatures often run 15-20 degrees colder than in Yosemite Valley. If you’re visiting in summer, don’t forget warm clothes, because it can get chilly fast once the sun goes down.
Weather Challenges:
- Road closures last 5-6 months every year
- Nights cool off suddenly
- Snow lingers through spring
- Winter access usually means skiing or hiking
Tioga Road & Tuolumne Meadows: Subalpine Conditions
Tuolumne Meadows sits at 8,600 feet, so you’ll get true alpine weather up there. Even in summer, highs only reach 70°F, and nights can get downright cold, sometimes dropping to 35°F.
Tioga Road typically shuts down from October through late May after heavy snows. It’s one of California’s highest passes, and winter storms close it off for months.
Even in summer, you might wake up to frost after a clear night. The growing season is super short—just four months—so wildflowers and hiking are really only possible for a limited window.
Winter gets extreme, with temps dropping to 20°F and deep snow sometimes sticking around into June. It can feel like you’re in the far north, not just the Sierra.
Key Weather Features:
- Shortest open season in the park
- Frequent frost warnings, even in summer
- Snow can fall year-round at the highest spots
- Big temperature swings from day to night
Wawona & Mariposa Grove: Weather and Accessibility
Wawona, also at 4,000 feet, gets weather similar to areas outside the park. Summers hit 88°F, and nights stay warm at about 54°F.
This region gets less shelter from granite walls, so outside weather rolls right in. Hot air from the Central Valley sometimes makes summer heat waves feel pretty brutal.
Winter brings highs of 52°F and lows of 28°F, with the occasional snowstorm. Most of the time, precipitation falls as rain, but higher spots near Wawona get a few snowfalls each winter.
Mariposa Grove stays open all year, but shuttle buses stop running in winter. You can still walk in, but be ready for icy trails and roads.
Top Weather-Dependent Activities and Attractions
Yosemite’s weather really shapes what you can do—everything from hiking and waterfalls to winter sports and wildlife watching. Temperature, rain, and snow decide when certain trails open and which activities are actually safe.
Hiking, Climbing, and Trail Accessibility
Trail conditions swing wildly with the seasons and weather. June through August is prime time for high-elevation hikes, and you’ll find most major trails open.
Half Dome permits matter most in dry months. The cables usually go up from late May through October, but snow can delay things. Slippery granite in wet weather is no joke.
Spring snowmelt leaves trails above 8,000 feet icy and dangerous. North-facing slopes keep their snow into June, so you’ll want microspikes or crampons.
El Capitan climbing seasons hinge on temperature and rain. Fall and spring are best, with mild temps. Summer heat can make climbing miserable or even risky.
Winter storms force high-elevation trails to close for months. When Tioga Pass Road shuts, you lose access to a ton of backcountry trailheads. Only the valley floor trails stay reliably open all year.
Rock climbing gets tricky with changing weather. Wet granite turns slick, and morning frost can add extra hazards in the colder months.
Waterfalls and Scenic Vistas
Spring snowmelt from April through June brings peak waterfall season. Yosemite Falls is at its best then. If you visit later, you might just see a trickle—or nothing at all.
Snowpack up high controls how strong the waterfalls are. Big winter snow means epic spring flows, but drought years can leave even the main falls pretty disappointing.
Daily temperatures make a difference too. Warm afternoons boost snowmelt, so waterfalls get stronger. Cold snaps can slow things down, even in spring.
Scenic viewpoints depend on road access and weather. Glacier Point Road closes in winter, so you’ll miss those overlooks. Tioga Pass only opens in summer, letting you reach the high-elevation vistas.
Morning fog sometimes hides landmarks like Half Dome and El Capitan. For clear views and great photos, dry weather is your friend.
Winter Sports and Snow Activities
Badger Pass Ski Area only opens when there’s enough snow. The season usually runs December to March, but it all depends on the weather. Natural snowfall decides how good the skiing is and how long the season lasts.
Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing need at least a foot of snow in the valley and nearby areas. Less than that, and it’s just not worth it.
Temperature has a big impact on snow quality. Cold, dry weather creates perfect powder. Warmer days leave you with heavy, wet snow that’s tough to ski on.
Ice skating at Curry Village depends on freezing temps. If it warms up, the rink has to close until things freeze again.
After a snowstorm, Yosemite turns magical for photography. Fresh snow changes the whole look of the place.
Wildlife and Wildflower Viewing
Bear activity shifts with weather and food. Bears usually wake up in March or April, depending on how rough the winter was. They’re most active when it’s warm and dry and food is easy to find.
Wildflower blooms totally depend on winter rain and spring temps. The best displays show up from April through June, but only if the weather cooperates. Drought years mean fewer flowers.
Bird migration times link up with the seasons and weather. Birds start showing up in March, and fall migrations stretch into October. If temperatures swing, migration schedules can shift too.
You’ll spot more deer and wildlife when the weather’s mild. Animals hide out during storms or extreme heat and cold. Early mornings and late afternoons are best for seeing them if the weather’s steady.
High-elevation wildflowers only show up when roads are open. If Tioga Pass is still closed, you’ll have to wait until mid-summer for those alpine blooms.
Planning Tips for Your Weather-Optimized Yosemite Trip
If you want to plan smart around Yosemite’s weather, pay attention to seasonal gear needs, when to book, and how weather affects access and crowds. When you visit really changes prices and availability everywhere in the park.
What to Pack for Varying Conditions
Spring visitors should bring waterproof jackets and solid hiking boots—trails get muddy. Temperatures can swing 40 degrees from day to night, so layers like fleece or down jackets are a must for evenings.
If you’re heading there in summer, pack sun protection and lightweight clothes. The valley can reach 100°F. Don’t forget:
- A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
- SPF 30+ sunscreen
- Bug spray for mosquitoes
- A light rain jacket for those surprise afternoon storms
Fall means you’ll need layers you can add or shed. Mornings start at 35°F, but afternoons warm up to 70°F. Waterproof boots help, especially since October can get rainy.
Winter takes serious prep. Snow chains are required on most roads. Bring thermal underwear, insulated boots, and heavy coats for freezing temps.
Accommodation and Access by Season
From May through September, you can get to the whole park, since all the roads are open. Reservations are tightest in these months, so you’ll want to book lodging up to a year in advance for summer.
Tioga Road closes from November through May because of snow. That means no access to the high country or Tuolumne Meadows. Glacier Point Road also shuts down past the ski area.
Winter lodging is limited, but you’ve got options. The Ahwahnee and Yosemite Valley Lodge stay open year-round. Camping shrinks to just a few valley sites in winter.
Spring access changes every year, depending on snowpack. Road openings depend on the weather, not set dates. Always check current road conditions before you go.
Crowds, Costs, and Timing Considerations
Peak season runs from June through August. About 75% of all visitors show up during these months.
Parking lots usually fill up by 9 AM on weekends. You’ll probably get stuck in traffic on the valley roads if you visit in peak season.
Cost variations hit hard depending on when you go. Summer lodging prices can easily double compared to winter.
Camping reservations open exactly five months ahead. People snap up the most popular summer dates within minutes.
Optimal timing is all about balancing weather and crowds. Late May and early September usually bring nice weather, but you won’t deal with as many people.
Weekdays almost always feel less crowded than weekends, no matter the time of year.
Weather delays can mess with your plans, especially in winter. Storms sometimes shut down roads for days.
Summer thunderstorms don’t usually block access, but they might disrupt hiking or climbing at higher elevations.