Yosemite National Park has some of the most varied and challenging weather around. The park stretches across nearly 1,200 square miles in the Sierra Nevada, with elevations from 2,000 to over 13,000 feet.
This big elevation swing creates microclimates that can shift a lot, even within a few miles. You might find warm, sunny weather down in the valley while snow still clings to the higher peaks.
Most of Yosemite’s precipitation falls between October and May—about 95% of it, actually. If you’re planning a trip, you’ll notice the weather can be full of surprises, with temperatures jumping around and conditions changing fast.
The park sits in a unique spot in the Sierra Nevada, which means it gets everything from dry, Mediterranean-ish weather in the valleys to full-on alpine conditions up high. Granite domes, deep valleys, and jagged peaks all play a part in shaping the wind, rain, and temperature.
It’s a wild mix, honestly—fascinating and sometimes a little unpredictable, whether you’re a visitor or a weather nerd.
Overview of Weather Patterns in Yosemite National Park
Yosemite gets a Mediterranean climate, but the details shift a lot depending on where you are. Winter lows can dip to 26°F, while summer highs might hit 90°F.
Rain mostly falls in the winter, and summers are typically dry as a bone.
Mediterranean Climate Overview
Yosemite’s climate falls under the “Mediterranean warm summer” category, if you’re into the Köppen system (it’s Csb, for the record). That means mild temps and pretty clear seasons when it comes to rain.
Winters bring most of the moisture, while summers stay dry and warm. This rhythm shapes everything from the forests to how you plan your visit.
Temperature characteristics:
- Annual range: 26°F to 90°F
- Lower elevations get mild winters
- Summers are warm and dry
Precipitation patterns:
- Wet season: November through April
- Dry season: May through October
- Most rainfall: December through February
Elevation changes everything. Higher spots get colder and see a lot more snow than the valleys.
Key Seasonal Variations
Every season brings its own twist to Yosemite’s weather. These changes affect road access, wildlife, and even what you’ll want to pack.
Spring (March-May) is when winter starts letting go. Temperatures climb from 59°F up to 73°F. Rain eases off from 5.4 inches to just 1.5 inches as spring rolls on. Waterfalls go wild from all the melting snow.
Summer (June-August) is probably the best bet for most visitors. Temps peak between 73°F and 90°F. Rain pretty much disappears—just 0.2 inches in July and August. You’ll get long days with over 14 hours of daylight.
Fall (September-November) cools things down and brings some color. Temperatures drop from 84°F to 58°F. Rain starts to pick up again, going from 0.7 to 3.9 inches. Days get shorter, but hiking’s still great.
Winter (December-February) can be a challenge. Temps drop to 26°F. Snow piles up—16 inches in the snowiest months. High-elevation roads usually close, so plan ahead.
Yosemite National Park Weather Statistics
Looking at the numbers helps a ton when you’re planning a trip. Yosemite’s weather stats show just how much things swing from one season to the next.
| Month | High Temp (°F) | Low Temp (°F) | Rainfall (inches) | Snowfall (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 47 | 26 | 5.8 | 16.2 |
| April | 65 | 38 | 2.9 | 5.1 |
| July | 90 | 55 | 0.3 | 0.0 |
| October | 71 | 39 | 1.9 | 0.0 |
Daylight hours swing a lot, too. Summer offers up to 14.8 hours, but winter drops down to 9.6 hours. That really changes what you can do each day.
Sunshine duration follows the seasons. May through August, you’ll get about 11 hours of sun a day. In winter, it’s closer to 6 hours. UV index? It peaks at 11 during summer, so bring the sunscreen.
Most of the rain comes between December and March. December usually tops out at 6.5 inches. Summers are nearly bone-dry.
Influence of Geography and Elevation on Weather
Yosemite’s spot in the Sierra Nevada means weather can shift a lot over its 1,200 square miles. Elevation ranges from 2,000 to over 13,000 feet, carving out distinct climate zones that shape everything from snow to sun.
Impact of Sierra Nevada Range
The Sierra Nevada acts like a giant weather wall, shaping Yosemite’s climate. Pacific storms hit the western slopes, and the mountains force the air up, making it dump rain and snow.
Western slopes get drenched as moist air rises and cools down. The east side? It stays much drier because the air descends and warms back up.
Winter storms dump most of their snow up high. Down in the lower areas, it might just rain while the peaks get buried.
The mountains run north-south, so storms often follow the valleys and passes. That creates patterns you can sometimes count on if you’re watching the weather.
Temperature inversions pop up a lot in winter. Cold air settles in the valleys, while warmer air hangs out higher up. Sometimes, there’s a 20-degree difference in just a few miles.
Elevation Zones and Weather Differences
Yosemite’s elevation splits it into three main weather zones, each with its own vibe.
| Elevation Zone | Temperature Drop | Precipitation Type | Growing Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2,000-4,000 feet | Baseline | Rain/light snow | 8-9 months |
| 4,000-8,000 feet | 10-20°F cooler | Mixed rain/snow | 5-6 months |
| Above 8,000 feet | 20-30°F cooler | Mostly snow | 3-4 months |
Lower elevations get that Mediterranean feel—warm, dry summers and mild winters, with just a bit of snow now and then.
Mid-elevations are all over the place. They get plenty of snow but also see it melt fast when spring hits.
High country stays buried in snow for six to eight months. Summer rarely gets above 70°F, and it can freeze any time, even in July.
Distinct Weather in Yosemite Valley
Yosemite Valley, at 4,000 feet, has its own thing going on. The granite walls trap air and really tweak the weather patterns.
Heat island effects kick in during summer. Granite soaks up the sun all day and lets off heat at night, so the valley stays warmer than you’d expect.
Fog rolls in a lot during autumn and winter mornings. Cold air drains down from above and meets the warmer valley air, making thick fog that can stick around for hours.
Wind patterns follow a daily rhythm. When the sun’s up, winds push upslope. At night, cool air slides back down the valley.
The valley gets about 37 inches of precipitation each year. Most of it falls as rain from November to March, but heavy snow can hit during cold snaps.
Thunderstorms pop up more in late spring and early summer. The surrounding peaks help kick off afternoon storms when the conditions are right.
Tioga Pass and Tuolumne Meadows Weather Profiles
Tioga Pass, sitting at 9,943 feet, is where Yosemite’s weather gets serious. It’s one of the harshest spots, with a short season and wild swings.
Snow season can last from October all the way into May or June. Snowfall averages over 300 inches, and drifts can pile up 10-15 feet deep.
Tuolumne Meadows, at 8,600 feet, is a bit milder but still gets tough winters. It’s a textbook example of alpine weather.
Summer temperatures up here run from 70°F during the day to near freezing at night. Even in July, you’ll want to pack a warm jacket.
Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer. These storms can bring lightning, hail, and flash floods to places that seem dry most of the time.
Most precipitation falls as snow. Rain is rare, even in summer, though you might get a quick shower with a passing thunderstorm.
Weather changes happen fast at these heights. A clear morning can turn to snow or storms in just a few hours.
Seasonal Weather Patterns in Yosemite
Yosemite’s wild elevation changes, from 2,000 to over 13,000 feet, make for some dramatic seasonal shifts. Spring means snow’s melting down low but still locked in up high. Summer brings warmth, dry weather, and easy access to most of the park.
Spring Weather Conditions
Spring in Yosemite is a mixed bag, and elevation makes all the difference. March through June is the transition zone—valleys might feel mild, but higher spots are still snowed in.
Weather can flip fast in spring. One minute, it’s sunny and warm; the next, a storm rolls in. Rain and snow stick around, especially above 5,000 feet.
Snow line elevation changes a lot:
- March: Around 5,000 feet
- April: Around 6,000 feet
- May: Around 7,000 feet
- June: 8,000 to 9,000 feet
Creeks can get wild from snowmelt runoff. Trails flood, and snow bridges over creeks aren’t always safe.
Trails stay tough through late spring. Snow hides trail markers, making it easy to get lost. Hikers need GPS, waterproof boots, and something for traction on icy patches.
Summer Climate Features
Summer is the most reliable season in Yosemite. July through October brings warm, dry weather, with barely any rain.
Temperatures swing depending on where you are. Yosemite Valley can hit 100°F on the hottest days, but nights cool off fast. Tuolumne Meadows, up at 8,600 feet, usually hangs out in the 70s during the day and drops near freezing at night.
Daily weather usually goes like this:
- Morning: Clear and calm
- Afternoon: Thunderstorms brew up high
- Evening: Storms fade, skies clear up
Thunderstorms can hit out of nowhere, bringing heavy rain, lightning, hail, and gusty winds. They don’t last long, though.
Water gets scarcer as summer wears on. Small creeks can dry up by late summer. The Merced and Tuolumne Rivers stick around, though.
Fire risk climbs during summer, and smoke can make the air rough for a week or more at a time.
Autumn and Winter Weather Characteristics
Autumn is a sweet spot—cooler temps, clear skies, and fewer crowds. Winter, on the other hand, turns Yosemite into a snow globe, with big changes between the valley and the high country.
Autumn Temperature Trends
September through November is some of the nicest weather you’ll find in Yosemite. In the valley, daytime highs start in the low 80s in September and slide down to the mid-50s by November.
September still feels a bit like summer. Highs reach 83°F, and nights cool to 51°F. Perfect for hiking or climbing.
October brings that crisp, classic fall air. Highs hover around 71°F, lows near 41°F. You’ll want to dress in layers—mornings can be frosty, but afternoons warm up.
November means winter’s knocking. Daytime highs drop to 56°F, with nights at 33°F. The high country might see its first snow, while the valley stays mostly clear.
Up at Tuolumne Meadows, September highs hit only 65°F, and by October, nights are already freezing.
Winter Snowfall and Precipitation
Winter turns Yosemite National Park into a snow-covered wilderness from December through March. The park gets about 95% of its yearly precipitation between October and May, with most of it falling as snow in the higher elevations.
Valley snowfall really varies. Some winters dump heavy snow on the valley floor, but other years, it’s mostly rain with just a dusting or two.
Conditions in the high country are a whole different story. Areas above 7,000 feet, like Tioga Pass, stay buried under deep snow from November through May.
Snow depths up there often pile up to several feet. It’s a lot.
| Month | Valley Precipitation | High Country Precipitation |
|---|---|---|
| December | 5.6 inches | 4.6 inches |
| January | 7.0 inches | 6.2 inches |
| February | 6.5 inches | 4.0 inches |
Temperature patterns really show off the Sierra Nevada’s influence. Valley lows can drop to 28–30°F, while high elevations often dip below zero.
Winter storms usually last 2–4 days and sometimes dump a few feet of snow in a hurry. Road closures happen a lot, especially on mountain passes heading into the high country.
Extreme Weather Events and Climate Trends
Yosemite National Park faces more temperature extremes and shifting precipitation patterns these days. The Sierra Nevada gets hit with frequent droughts and intense storms, which just makes the wildfire situation worse across the whole region.
Temperature Extremes and Snowpack
Rising temperatures are speeding up snowpack decline throughout the Sierra Nevada. Winter lows have gone up a lot, with some spots warming several degrees in recent decades.
Yosemite Valley now gets almost three extra frost-free months compared to the past. That’s a pretty dramatic extension of the growing season.
Up high, the changes are even more obvious. Snow melts earlier each spring, which cuts summer water supplies for streams and wildlife.
Temperature swings between day and night still get pretty wild. But nighttime minimums have climbed faster than daytime highs, which messes with the natural cooling cycles that a lot of species need.
Glacial ice keeps retreating at a faster pace. The park’s last glaciers could vanish within decades, taking away even more late-season water.
Precipitation Anomalies
Storms have gotten more intense, even though the total yearly precipitation hasn’t changed much. The Sierra Nevada now sees more extreme rainfall events, which can lead to flooding and erosion.
Drought cycles hit harder and last longer. Dry spells put extra stress on plants and create risky fire conditions throughout Yosemite’s forests.
Winter precipitation is shifting—there’s more rain and less snow at mid-elevations now. That change messes with spring runoff and cuts down on snowpack storage.
The timing of storms is less predictable. Late-season storms sometimes bring surprise snow or rain, which can disrupt wildlife breeding and throw off visitor plans.
Yosemite’s Mediterranean climate still dominates, but the variability is way up.
Wildfire and Drought Influences
Wildfires are more frequent and intense in Yosemite and the rest of the Sierra Nevada. Long droughts set the stage for big fires that burn hotter and move faster.
Trees are more vulnerable now. Drought stress makes them easier targets for insects and disease.
Smoke impacts the park more often during summer. Bad air quality can block out the views and cause health issues for both visitors and wildlife.
Fire seasons aren’t just a summer thing anymore. Spring fires can start earlier, and fall fires sometimes keep burning late into the year.
Ecosystems take longer to recover after severe fires and droughts. Some places might not return to forest at all, and could shift to grassland or shrubland for good.
Factors Influencing Yosemite’s Weather
A few major climate patterns and environmental shifts shape Yosemite’s weather. Pacific Ocean cycles drive the seasons, while rising global temps change long-term trends across the Sierra Nevada.
El Niño and La Niña Impacts
El Niño and La Niña cycles in the Pacific Ocean really shake up Yosemite’s weather. These events pop up every couple of years—sometimes two, sometimes seven—and they can totally flip the script on precipitation and temperature.
El Niño Effects:
- Brings warmer, wetter winters to the Sierra Nevada
- Increases snowfall at higher elevations
- Creates more frequent winter storms
- Raises valley temperatures by 2–4 degrees
La Niña Effects:
- Produces drier, colder conditions
- Reduces snowpack accumulation
- Extends drought periods
- Increases wildfire risk during summer months
During El Niño years, heavy precipitation fills reservoirs and makes waterfalls pretty spectacular. All that extra moisture gives plants a boost and helps keep fire danger down.
La Niña does the opposite. Less precipitation drops water levels in streams and waterfalls, and dry years crank up the risk for wildfires.
The strength of these cycles can really swing. A strong El Niño might triple normal precipitation, while a rough La Niña could cut rainfall by half or more.
Climate Change Effects
Rising temperatures are changing Yosemite’s weather faster than ever. The park has warmed about 1.6°F per century since 1895, and the last few decades have seen things speed up even more.
Temperature Changes:
- Nighttime lows have increased by 7.6°F since 1915
- Growing season is now 88 days longer without frost
- More days above 90°F are on the horizon
Precipitation Patterns:
- Snow melts earlier in spring
- Less snowpack at lower elevations
- Storms are more intense but happen less often
- Extreme weather events are more likely
Water availability is taking a hit. Earlier snowmelt means summer streams run lower, and wildlife habitats are at risk. Higher temps also pull more water out of lakes and rivers through evaporation.
Wildfires are getting more common and more severe because of the heat. Longer dry seasons leave more vegetation ready to burn. Drought-stressed trees are easier for insects to attack, which just makes things worse.
Scientists think temperatures could jump another 6.7–10.3°F by 2100 if emissions don’t drop. That kind of warming would really change Yosemite’s ecosystem—and probably the whole visitor experience, too.
Weather Forecasting Resources
Accurate weather forecasting helps you prepare for Yosemite National Park’s unpredictable conditions. Different sources cover a range of elevations and regions inside the park.
National Weather Service issues official forecasts and severe weather warnings. Their mountain forecasts break down predictions for temperature, precipitation, and wind at different elevations.
Park Service Weather Updates share real-time conditions from weather stations scattered around Yosemite. You’ll find current temperatures, visibility, and road conditions at key spots.
Specialized Mountain Weather Services dive into forecasts for backcountry areas. These services also give avalanche risk assessments during winter, which can be a real lifesaver.
Weather monitoring stations gather data at several elevations across the park. Yosemite Valley, Tuolumne Meadows, and Wawona each keep up continuous weather records.
It’s smart to check a few sources before heading out. Mountain weather shifts fast because of elevation and local terrain quirks. You might find big differences between the valley floor and the high country, sometimes even within the same afternoon.