Yosemite Weather: Forecasts, Climate, and the Best Time to Visit

By Jocelyn Pion · Data: National Park Service · ← Complete guide Yosemite

Yosemite covers about 1,200 square miles in California's Sierra Nevada, at elevations ranging from 1,970 to 13,100 feet. The park actually experiences several climates at once, depending on whether you're in the valley or up on the ridges. The essentials in one sentence: hot, very dry summers; rainy to snowy winters; and spectacular springs shaped by the snowmelt. More than 95% of the precipitation falls between October and May, making July and August reliable weather-wise, but also the busiest months of the year.

Yosemite Climate Month by Month

The averages below apply to Yosemite Valley (about 3,940 feet above sea level). At Tuolumne Meadows (8,530 feet), temperatures are 11 to 14°F lower, and nights can drop below freezing even in the middle of July.

Three numbers to remember: summer is almost completely dry (0.2 inches in July and just slightly more in August); snow continues to fall across most of the park from November through May; and the April-to-June transition brings the waterfalls to their highest flows of the year, thanks to a combination of rain and snowmelt.

Yosemite Climate by Season

Winter (December to February)

Yosemite Valley gets frequent rain in winter and, during the most active storms, snowfall as well. Snow rarely stays on the valley floor for long, but it covers the ridges and areas above 4,920 feet almost continuously from November through May. Overnight temperatures in the valley regularly fall below 23°F. You can enter the park year-round from the west via the roads into Yosemite (Highways 41, 140, and 120); however, Tioga Pass (Highway 120 from the east) is closed from November through late May or early June, depending on snow conditions.

As for crowds, winter is the quietest season of the year. The waterfalls begin to swell with the first fall rains, and the snow-covered valley offers photographic landscapes you won't see in summer.

Spring (March to May)

Spring is waterfall season. Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Fall, and Vernal Fall reach peak flow in May and June, fed by both rain and rapidly melting snow. Temperatures rise quickly, averaging 73°F in the valley in May. The ground often stays saturated through May, and some valley-floor trails remain muddy or partly flooded, depending on the year.

Tioga Pass stays closed until late May and sometimes until mid-June. If this route is part of your trip, check the official opening date before booking Tuolumne Meadows. Crowds remain far lighter than in summer, especially on weekdays.

Summer (June to August)

Summer is the most reliable season weather-wise: nearly guaranteed blue skies, virtually no precipitation, and temperatures ranging from 55°F in the morning to 91–93°F in the valley during the afternoon. The high-elevation hikes around Tuolumne Meadows (8,530 feet) are finally accessible, but nights there hover around 32°F even in July. Don't underestimate the temperature difference between the valley floor and the ridges.

It's also the park's busiest season. When we visited in July, entrance lines stretched for several miles as early as 8 a.m. Half Dome permits and campsites book up months in advance. Keep an eye on the air quality index (AQI), too: smoke from California wildfires sometimes affects the valley for several days in a row in July and August.

Fall (September to November)

September is often our favorite season in Yosemite: temperatures remain mild (around 82°F during the day), there are fewer visitors than in summer, and the first fall color on the cottonwoods starts brightening the valley in October. Precipitation gradually returns starting that month. By November, the first snow reaches the higher elevations and secondary roads begin to close. If you're planning a trip after mid-November, check road conditions and carry tire chains.

Does Yosemite Get Cold? Records and Extremes

The answer depends entirely on elevation and the time of year. In the valley in midsummer, the thermometer can climb above 100°F during the heat waves that regularly hit California in July and August. In winter, the valley floor frequently drops below 23°F at night, while areas above 6,560 feet are colder still.

Snow covers most of the park from November through May, or about six months of the year outside the valley. Roads that aren't plowed (Glacier Point Road and Tioga Pass) remain closed until spring, so factor that in if these access routes are essential to your trip.

What to Wear by Season

Winter: a warm, waterproof coat, thermal base layers, a hat, and gloves. Waterproof hiking shoes for the valley, where the ground is often soaked. Keep tire chains in your trunk; California regulations may require them on certain park roads.

Spring: layers are key: a light fleece and a waterproof windbreaker. Mornings remain cool (41 to 50°F), while afternoons can climb to 68°F or higher. Gaiters come in handy on trails that are still muddy at higher elevations.

Summer: a T-shirt and lightweight pants for the valley, but always add a layer when you head above 6,560 feet. SPF 50 sunscreen and at least 2 liters of water are nonnegotiable; the Sierra Nevada sun can be deceptive.

Fall: follow the same approach as in spring. Add base layers starting in October: evenings cool off quickly, and the first overnight freezes reach the mountains before the end of the month.

Alerts and Conditions to Watch

Road closures: Tioga Pass (Highway 120 from the east) closes every fall, usually in November, and doesn't reopen until late spring. Glacier Point Road also closes in winter. Check conditions on the official NPS website before you leave; a closed road can throw off your entire itinerary.

High-elevation thunderstorms: rare in the valley but possible on the ridges in the late afternoon during summer. If you're hiking toward Half Dome or other exposed areas, head back down before 2 p.m. as soon as storm clouds start forming. Lightning regularly strikes exposed terrain.

Spring flooding: snowmelt can cause the Merced River to overflow. Some valley campgrounds close temporarily during flood conditions. Stay well back from the banks when this happens.

Wildfires and air quality: from July through October, California wildfires can significantly reduce visibility and air quality in the valley. Check the AQI before you leave, especially if you're sensitive to respiratory problems or traveling with kids.

Frequently Asked Questions