Best Time to Visit Yosemite National Park - Ideal Seasons and Months of the Year
Overview of Yosemite National Park
Inside this article:
Yosemite happens to be not only America’s oldest national park but also one of its most iconic ones. Home to the larger-than-life sequoia trees, tall granite cliffs, and gushing waterfalls, this park receives over 4 million tourists every year. While spring and summer are the best times to visit Yosemite National Park, there is no time of the year when the park does not attract adventurers.
Why It’s Important to Know the Best Time to Visit Yosemite National Park
The weather in Yosemite National Park varies substantially as seasons change. While summer is ideal for hiking, the mercury also rises rapidly, and while winter makes its landscapes a vision to behold, accessibility can be a concern. A few major roads may also close down when it snows. The peak months of spring and summer bring in the biggest crowds, meaning the availability of accommodations may go down and prices up. Also, activities such as hiking and rock climbing are replaced by snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, etc., during the winter months. All these variations in weather, crowd, accessibility, and activity conditions deeply impact your experience at Yosemite. So, before you plan your trip to this park, figure out the best time of year to visit Yosemite National Park based on your interests, preferences, and budget.
Visiting Yosemite National Park: A Month-by-Month Breakdown
A detailed, month-by-month breakdown of the best time to go to Yosemite National Park follows. If you’re still in the process of planning a trip to Yosemite, you will find out about all the important factors that affect your experience: weather conditions, crowds, accessibility, best activities, accommodation availability, and prices. But if you’ve already planned your trip, this month-by-month breakdown still helps you learn what to expect from your Yosemite trip.
Visiting Yosemite National Park In January
Season: Winter
Minimum Temperature: 29°F (-2°C)
Maximum Temperature: 48°F (9°C)
Key Points:
January is the quietest month in the park, and most tourists have returned. You can get great deals on prices and accommodations.
Weather-wise, January can have very cold nights and pleasant warm days, so be prepared with layered clothing, including light inner clothing and warm outerwear, such as a puffy jacket.
During this month, you can enjoy a host of activities: downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, and tubing.
You can also hike in the lower altitudes of the park without any special equipment.
The peaks and the cliffs are clad with snow, making it a visual delight, especially for photography and sightseeing enthusiasts.
The Tioga Road that runs through Yosemite is closed at this time, so winter routes and bypass routes must be taken to avoid icy paths.
Tire chains are required while you can drive in a private vehicle during winter.
Visiting Yosemite National Park in February
Season: Winter
Minimum Temperature: 28°F (-2°C)
Maximum Temperature: 55°F (28°C)
Key Points:
A relatively quiet month with no throngs of tourists and travelers. February can be a great time if you’re traveling on a budget.
In February, Yosemite witnesses frequent snowfall and intermittent sunshine for only up to 6 hours a day. Proper clothing and gear are recommended.
Most of the major trails are snow-covered but accessible for hiking. Tricky trails, especially, are only recommended for expert-level hikers.
Backpacking during February isn’t a great option since the snow is at least a foot tall and trail markers disappear.
Popular activities include ice skating, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, snowshoe hiking, and stargazing.
Tioga Road stays closed until spring, thus blocking access to the Tuolumne Meadows area. The road leading to Glacier Point is closed during the winter.
If visiting during February, you’re advised to take Highway 140 (All Weather Road), the safest route to the park.
Visiting Yosemite National Park in March
Season: Winter
Minimum Temperature: 33°F (0.5°C)
Maximum Temperature: 58°F (14°C)
Key Points:
Crowds are still fewer, offering better options for those traveling on a budget.
Though March does not receive as much snow as it does during the rest of the winter months, the temperatures can still be freezing and paths icy.
Snow is intermittent, and rain is persistent for a few days of the month.
The crowds are still scanty, and most winter activities are open, making it the best time to visit Yosemite National Park before winter ends.
Most days are cloudy and hazy, with intermittent sunshine only on a few days.
Quite a few trails are open for hiking, excluding the Upper Yosemite Falls trail.
Winter activities from beginner to advanced level are in full operation till mid-March before spring begins. You can go winter sightseeing, snowshoe hiking, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing.
You can also visit the park's museums and visitor centers during the day or stargaze in the night sky.
Visiting Yosemite National Park in April
Season: Spring
Minimum Temperature: 38°F (3°C)
Maximum Temperature: 63°F (17°C)
Key Points:
With the spring bringing its colors to the park, and not so many tourists thronging the place just yet, April is the best time to visit Yosemite National Park. However, prices may start going up.
Though rain and snow are possible, the overall weather is fair. Do keep tire chains handy in case it snows.
It is the best time to witness low-elevation wildflowers and wildlife such as bears and peregrine falcons.
Hopping from one waterfall to another as they gush in full glory is a rather popular activity.
April is also the best time to explore the Mariposa Grove and admire the legendary sequoia trees.
As the weather clears, rock climbing on the granite cliffs becomes one of the main attractions of the park.
Visiting Yosemite National Park in May
Season: Spring
Minimum Temperature: 39°F (4°C)
Maximum Temperature: 71°F (22°C)
Key Points:
As the tourist season begins in May, crowds start pouring in, necessitating pre-booking accommodations and activities. May is still one the best times to visit Yosemite before the peak months of July and August.
The weather gets more pleasant with warm days and chilly nights (and early mornings).
Low elevation areas, such as Wawona, become ideal for hikes that reward you with views of waterfalls, cliffs, wildflowers and the wildlife native to this park.
You can also go rock climbing and biking, or board a steam train for a 1-hour history tour or a 3-hour entertainment tour.
Going horseback riding is another great option to explore the park.
You can also stop by the visitor center to learn facts about the park or enroll in a workshop or art call run by the Yosemite Conservancy.
Visiting Yosemite National Park in June
Season: Summer
Minimum Temperature: 46°F (8°C)
Maximum Temperature: 81°F (27°C)
Key Points:
Temperatures rise, but so do crowds and prices. Days are warm but nights and early mornings can be chilly.
The wildflowers also bloom on higher elevations, making it quite the visual delight.
Popular activities in June include hiking, rock climbing, biking, and horseback riding.
The park also runs multiple Ranger-led programs, specializing in exploring the park with a historical view.
Also, a great time to explore the sequoia groves and waterfalls (that are on full display at this time of the year).
Visiting Yosemite National Park in July
Season: Summer
Minimum Temperature: 51°F (11°C)
Maximum Temperature: 89°F (32°C)
Key Points:
July (and August) are the most crowded months of the year. While July may be the best month of the year to visit Yosemite National Park activity-wise, it isn’t the best time for those who prefer solitude or lower prices.
Temperatures rise further, thus adding even more options to the list of things to do in Yosemite.
High country roads open in July, opening higher trails. You can go hiking (especially the Mist Trail), rock climbing, or even sign up for Ranger walks.
You can go kayaking and rafting, or simply relax by the more serene rivers. Be aware of the current, as it can still be fast.
Since the weather is warm and the season is high, using sun protection, staying hydrated, and starting early are highly recommended.
Visiting Yosemite National Park in August
Season: Summer
Minimum Temperature: 50°F (10°C)
Maximum Temperature: 88°F (31°C)
Key Points:
August has the warmest temperatures and sunniest days of the year. Evenings and mornings are cool.
It is the perfect month for hiking high-elevation and shady trails and biking.
August also brings ample opportunities for stargazing and even witnessing meteor showers.
At the Yosemite History Center, you can also participate in guided activities and ranger-led programs such as rock climbing lessons, art lessons, astronomy programs, horseback riding, train rides, and tours.
Visiting Yosemite National Park in September
Season: Summer/Fall
Minimum Temperature: 44°F (7°C)
Maximum Temperature: 82°F (28°C)
Key Points:
This transition month cools down the temperatures a bit, but still has all the summer activities to offer, making it Yosemite National Park’s best time to visit.
September makes Yosemite a hiker’s paradise, with all high country trails open for hikers.
As the snow has receded, trails such as the Mist Trail, Sentinel Dome, Grizzly Giant Loop, Cathedral Lakes Trail, etc., become easier to tread because of smaller waterfalls.
Activities such as biking, horseback riding, rock climbing, swimming, sightseeing, wildlife viewing, fishing, steam train ride, and Ranger/Junior Ranger programs are highly popular during September.
Visiting Yosemite National Park in October
Season: Fall
Minimum Temperature: 35°F (2°C)
Maximum Temperature: 71°F (22°C)
Key Points:
The crowds are gone in October, making Yosemite a serene setting once again.
Daytime temperatures are warm, making it great for rock climbing. But nights get colder, making it unsuitable for camping.
October also receives the first proper rains and snowstorms of the fall season. However, heat waves can also occur, making the weather unpredictable.
Though roads are mostly clear, carry tire chains if there’s a snowstorm.
After you’ve checked the weather forecast for the day, you can still go hiking, biking, horseback riding, rock climbing, steam train riding, and join any of the Ranger programs.
You can even become a junior ranger or take an art class.
Yosemite Visitor Center, Yosemite Exploration Center, and Yosemite Museum are also open for visit.
The hues of the fall present the most mesmerising picture of the Yosemite landscape for photography enthusiasts to capture.
Visiting Yosemite National Park in November
Season: Fall
Minimum Temperature: 28°F (-2°C)
Maximum Temperature: 56°F (13°C)
Key Points:
The crowds dissipate even more, giving the park an intimate charm.
The temperatures fall slightly more, making days warm but evenings, nights, and mornings cold. Layered clothing is advised.
November is the best time of year to visit Yosemite National Park’s Glacier Point, Tuolumne Meadows, and Mariposa Grove before they close for the winter.
Before the winter hits, you can still enjoy most activities, such as hiking, biking, rock climbing, and horse riding.
Visiting Yosemite National Park in December
Season: Winter
Minimum Temperature: 26°F (-3°C)
Maximum Temperature: 47°F (8°C)
Key Points:
It's the perfect time to celebrate the holiday season in the park's calm, serene, snow-laden landscapes.
There is frequent snow and snowstorms, leading to snow accumulation on roads and even the closure of roads. You’re advised to stay equipped with tire chains.
While hiking and sightseeing are still popular activities, new winter activities such as sledding, snow play, snowboarding, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and outdoor ice skating take center stage.
Why should you book your Yosemite National Park trip with AdventureTripr?
Booking your Yosemite National Park adventure with AdventureTripr means that you get an expertly curated, affordable, and seamless experience. We rely on local experts to ensure an immersive and well-balanced experience. With us, you get seasoned advice not only on the best time to visit Yosemite National Park but also on how to make the most of your time there. Let us handle everything else so you can focus on just having fun.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Question 1: Will altitude sickness be a problem?
Answer 1: You are not likely to experience altitude sickness in the low-elevation areas (the most popular areas). However, if you’re hiking at high elevations such as Glacier Point, Tuolumne Meadows, and Tioga Pass, you should acclimate before hiking.
Question 2: Can I take my kids to Yosemite National Park?
Answer 2: Yosemite National Park is family-friendly, with Junior Ranger programs especially designed for kids. Your children will enjoy sightseeing, nature walks, steam train rides, and history tours.
Question 3: What should I pack if visiting the park during the winter?
Answer 3: Pack insulated layers, waterproof jacket, gloves, hat, thermal socks, snow boots, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, snacks, water bottle, camera, and tire chains if driving.
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