Best Time To Visit Yosemite

Hello, there… Greetings from Yosemite National Park!

Yosemite National Park’s beauty and charm are difficult to match. And if you are considering visiting Yosemite National Park but aren’t sure the best time to visit Yosemite?

Don’t worry!

Here, I’m looking forward to assisting you in determining the best time to go to Yosemite for your upcoming holiday!

You can travel whenever it is most convenient for you, based on your personal preferences, if you have flexible travel plans.

The beauty of Yosemite is that the weather is pleasant throughout the year. It shows that a vacation here is a great choice no matter what time of the year it is. Another good news is that Yosemite offers a wide range of exciting activities and breathtaking sights at any time of year.

So, deciding when is the best time to visit Yosemite National Park, consider the weather, what’s open, and the people’s presence, read the blog.

ALERT

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Before planning any trip during the times of COVID-19, please check the most updated travel restrictions, and always observe Visiting Yosemite’s COVID-19 guidelines. Things could change.

Review our travel guide “best time to visit Yosemite” and select the ones that are most relevant to you when selecting when is the best time of year to visit Yosemite.

Okey…Dokey!!

When Is The Best Time Of Year To Go To Yosemite?

Yosemite National Park is exceptional in that it has beautiful weather throughout the year. The following summary explains why coming here at any time of year is a good idea. Another excellent thing about this national park is that there is always something to do and see.

Here is a summary of Yosemite’s best time to visit.

	Best Time Of Year To Visit Yosemite (A Year in Review)
The Best Time Of Year To Visit Yosemite	May and September are the best months to visit Yosemite since the park is accessible yet not too busy.
The Best Time Of Year To Visit Yosemite - Ideal Weather	June and September
Best Time to Visit Yosemite for Hike or Backpack	July and August
Best Time to Visit Yosemite for Skiing & Natural Firefall	Winters
Cheapest Time To Visit Yosemite	October
Best Time to Visit Yosemite for Unique Adventure	February
Best Time To See Waterfalls In Yosemite	May and June
Best Times To Go To Yosemite For Avoiding Crowds	September is an excellent month to visit because the weather is pleasant and there are fewer tourists.
Best Times To Go To Yosemite For camping	Seasonal campgrounds in Yosemite normally open in late May and close in August.

About Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park in California showcases the majesty of the Sierra Nevada Mountains that’s why it is a stunning sight to visit at any time of year.

Yosemite is not merely a large valley, but a shrine to human foresight, granite’s strength, glaciers’ force, life’s persistence, and the High Sierra’s quiet.

Yosemite National Park was established in 1864 and is most renowned for its waterfalls, but it also contains deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient gigantic sequoias, a wide wilderness region, and much more.

Every year, about a million and a half people visit the park in the months of June, July, and August.

Yosemite National Park provides the following activities.

Yosemite’s hundreds of miles of paths are popular for hiking, and thousands of climbers annually summit the domes and peaks.
On parts of the Merced River, rafting is allowed.
To the south of the valley, the Badger Pass Ski Area is a winter activity center.

Yosemite National Park Seasonal Guide

Yosemite National Park is a beautiful year-round destination with a wide range of activities. Every season brings something fresh to learn about. Here’s a seasonal summary of when the best time to visit Yosemite is, based on your priorities.

There are four seasons in Yosemite.

Fall (September To November) As the busy summer visitors begin to disperse, a peaceful calm falls over the Yosemite landscape. And animals and plants begin to prepare for winter.
Yosemite in September is one of the best times to visit because there are fewer visitors and the park is fully accessible. Tuolumne Meadows and Tioga Road are frequently open until November. Autumn in Yosemite is breathtaking. Fall colors, bluebird skies, and extra elbow room to admire the views are just a few of the advantages of vacation during this season. After Labor Day, the crowds thin out substantially, and the midday temps begin to decrease. As a result, September is the best month to visit Yosemite for rock climbing. Even the most powerful waterfalls in Yosemite Valley have dropped to a drip by mid-October. The autumn foliage on the oaks, maples, and dogwoods, on the other hand, is breathtaking.

Fall
(September To November)
As the busy summer visitors begin to disperse, a peaceful calm falls over the Yosemite landscape. And animals and plants begin to prepare for winter.

Yosemite in September is one of the best times to visit because there are fewer visitors and the park is fully accessible.
Tuolumne Meadows and Tioga Road are frequently open until November.
Autumn in Yosemite is breathtaking. Fall colors, bluebird skies, and extra elbow room to admire the views are just a few of the advantages of vacation during this season.
After Labor Day, the crowds thin out substantially, and the midday temps begin to decrease. As a result, September is the best month to visit Yosemite for rock climbing.
Even the most powerful waterfalls in Yosemite Valley have dropped to a drip by mid-October. The autumn foliage on the oaks, maples, and dogwoods, on the other hand, is breathtaking.

Winter (December To March) Yosemite National Park in the winter can be truly magical! Winter is Yosemite's least popular season in terms of visitors, but the park is stunning with a fresh blanket of snow. In winters, you'll still be able to enjoy spectacular mountain views and a peaceful winter wonderland.
Yosemite Valley and Wawona within the park remain open and accessible by car during the winter. Snowplows open a section of Glacier Point Road from mid-December to early March to provide access to the Yosemite Ski & Snowboard Area. During the winter, Yosemite's crowds thin out somewhat but anticipate things to pick up around the holidays and during the Firefall in February. In the winter, ice skating, snowshoeing, and skiing are just a few of the activities accessible. Hundreds of visitors go to Yosemite Valley during the last two weeks of February in the hopes of seeing the Firefall, one of the park's most spectacular natural wonders.

Winter
(December To March)
Yosemite National Park in the winter can be truly magical!
Winter is Yosemite's least popular season in terms of visitors, but the park is stunning with a fresh blanket of snow.
In winters, you'll still be able to enjoy spectacular mountain views and a peaceful winter wonderland.

Yosemite Valley and Wawona within the park remain open and accessible by car during the winter.
Snowplows open a section of Glacier Point Road from mid-December to early March to provide access to the Yosemite Ski & Snowboard Area.
During the winter, Yosemite's crowds thin out somewhat but anticipate things to pick up around the holidays and during the Firefall in February.
In the winter, ice skating, snowshoeing, and skiing are just a few of the activities accessible.
Hundreds of visitors go to Yosemite Valley during the last two weeks of February in the hopes of seeing the Firefall, one of the park's most spectacular natural wonders.

Spring (April & May) The best time of year to travel to Yosemite national park is in the spring. However, It's a gamble to visit Yosemite in the spring since you never know whether routes will be open. In the park, spring is a period of transition. As the long winter begins to fade away, wildlife emerges, trees begin to bud, and roads and campgrounds begin to open in preparation for the busy summer season.
Due to leftover winter snow, Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road are still closed in early spring (April), limiting access to Tuolumne Meadows and Glacier Point. Although both roads are usually open by late May, significant snow years can keep them closed until June. In May, the wildflowers are in bloom, and the summer hordes have yet to come. The weather is usually pleasant throughout the day but be prepared for frigid nights. Many of the Yosemite Valley's waterfalls are at their most dramatic in the spring, thanks to periodic snowmelt. In the spring, visitors may see Yosemite Falls without having to drive through snow. Because not all of the roads are open yet, crowding is low in the spring. Travel dates no earlier than mid-May are recommended if you want to go trekking or drive to some of the park's higher elevation views and trails.

Spring
(April & May)
The best time of year to travel to Yosemite national park is in the spring.
However, It's a gamble to visit Yosemite in the spring since you never know whether routes will be open.
In the park, spring is a period of transition. As the long winter begins to fade away, wildlife emerges, trees begin to bud, and roads and campgrounds begin to open in preparation for the busy summer season.

Due to leftover winter snow, Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road are still closed in early spring (April), limiting access to Tuolumne Meadows and Glacier Point. Although both roads are usually open by late May, significant snow years can keep them closed until June.
In May, the wildflowers are in bloom, and the summer hordes have yet to come. The weather is usually pleasant throughout the day but be prepared for frigid nights.
Many of the Yosemite Valley's waterfalls are at their most dramatic in the spring, thanks to periodic snowmelt. In the spring, visitors may see Yosemite Falls without having to drive through snow.
Because not all of the roads are open yet, crowding is low in the spring. Travel dates no earlier than mid-May are recommended if you want to go trekking or drive to some of the park's higher elevation views and trails.

Summer (June to August) Everything is open in Yosemite during the summer, which is fantastic! During the summer, your options are effectively limitless, but they come at a cost and with crowds.
A regular stream of vacationing families travels to the park because of its stunning scenery and typically sunny summer weather. You'll have plenty of hotel and dining alternatives throughout the summer, as well as access to all of the major attractions, tours, activities, and visitor centers. Tuolumne Meadows also provides easy access to Yosemite's High Sierra's magnificent hiking trails. Yosemite Valley, on the other hand, can be overcrowded on many summer weekends, with long queues and traffic congestion accumulating throughout the day.

Summer
(June to August)
Everything is open in Yosemite during the summer, which is fantastic!
During the summer, your options are effectively limitless, but they come at a cost and with crowds.

A regular stream of vacationing families travels to the park because of its stunning scenery and typically sunny summer weather.
You'll have plenty of hotel and dining alternatives throughout the summer, as well as access to all of the major attractions, tours, activities, and visitor centers.
Tuolumne Meadows also provides easy access to Yosemite's High Sierra's magnificent hiking trails.
Yosemite Valley, on the other hand, can be overcrowded on many summer weekends, with long queues and traffic congestion accumulating throughout the day.

Yosemite Climate - Weather Forecast Yosemite

Check out this month-by-month guide to the ideal time to visit Yosemite to get the most out of this city best explored on foot.

July	The Hottest Month
December	The coolest Month
February	The Rainiest Month
August	The Driest Month

Yosemite’s Average Daily Sunshine Hours

Month	Hours
January	9.9
February	10.9
March	12.0
April	13.2
May	14.2
June	14.7
July	14.4
August	13.5
September	12.4
October	11.2
November	10.2
December	9.6

Yosemite Climate – Monthly Weather Forecast

Boston Climate – Monthly Rainfall & Snowfall

1) January

Visiting the park in January has a lot of advantages. If you can visit Yosemite in January, you will have a fantastic time and leave with a new respect for the park’s snow and solitude. In Yosemite, popular winter activities include ice skating, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and tubing.

January Weather In Yosemite

January, like December, is a chilly winter month at Yosemite National Park, California.

Min (°C)	Max (°C)	Min (°F)	Max (°F)
-2	9	29	48

January Events

Photography
Hiking
Cross-country skiing
Downhill skiing
Snowboarding or Snowshoeing

January Events Or Adventure Tours

Guided Backpacking Adventures
Portered Trips
Inn-Based Packages
Camping-Based Hiking Packages
Day Hike Tours

2) February

Because of the popularity of the Firefall, February is the busiest winter month in the park. Horsetail Fall appears to be on fire as a result of this natural phenomena, and visitors come from all over the world to witness it.

Typically, the Firefall occurs in the latter two weeks of February. Be prepared for heavy crowds, traffic, and more expensive hotels if you visit the park during this period.

February Weather In Yosemite

Yosemite’s winters are often chilly and snowy, however bright and pleasant days may occur. The following table shows the average temperature in Yosemite Valley.

Min (°C)	Max (°C)	Min (°F)	Max (°F)
-1	11	30	57

Things To Do In February

Photography
Hiking
Cross-country skiing
Downhill skiing
Snowboarding or Snowshoeing

February Events Or Adventure Tours

Guided Backpacking Adventures
Portered Trips
Inn-Based Packages
Camping-Based Hiking Packages
Day Hike Tours

3) March

The splendor of snow falling on the Valley domes or the enormous sequoias of Mariposa Grove is a major advantage of visiting in March. Yosemite is a photographer’s paradise because of the low, winter lighting. It’s a snowy wonderland, to be sure.

March Weather In Yosemite

Winter in Yosemite Valley (Tuolumne and the high country are closed) is often cold, snowy, or rainy, however, there are some sunny and mild days. The following table shows the average temperature in Yosemite Valley.

Min (°C)	Max (°C)	Min (°F)	Max (°F)
1	14	34	57

March Events Or Adventure Tours

Yosemite Naturalist Walks
Winter Hike in Yosemite Valley
Day Hike: Spring Equinox in Yosemite Valley
Day Hike: Yosemite Valley Geology
Day Hike: Wildflowers on the Merced
Spring Gathering
Art N Shop Pop Up
Sip n’ Sabor Winery Latin Party!

4) April

April in Yosemite is notoriously unreliable, making it one of my least favorite months to visit the park. Temperatures and snow levels aren’t normally conducive to winter activities, but it won’t be warm enough to open the Tioga or Glacier Point Roads or climb many of the park’s lengthier trails until later this month.

April Weather In Yosemite

The following table shows the average temperature in Yosemite Valley in April.

Min (°C)	Max (°C)	Min (°F)	Max (°F)
3	17	38	63

April Events Or Adventure Tours

GCT Presents The Café Mocha Murders
Annual Oakhurst Woodcarvers Rendezvous
In the Footsteps of Ansel Adams
Kids Art Classes
Live on the Lawn Outdoor Concert with Dakota Crossing
Annual Raymond Parade
Live Music Sundays with Marie Wilson
SJW Spring Concert Series with That Little Band
Pines Village Easter Arts & Craft Fair
Tesoro Viejo Farmer’s Market

5) May

The most significant advantage of visiting in May is witnessing the park’s rebirth after a very long winter. Wildflowers begin blossoming in lower elevation meadows around mid-May.

Yosemite’s wildflowers include evening primrose, western azalea, and seep-spring monkeyflower, to name a few. In mid-to late May, redbud and dogwood trees bloom as well. It’s an especially lovely and hopeful time to be in the park.

May Weather In Yosemite

The following table shows the average temperature in Yosemite Valley in May.

Min (°C)	Max (°C)	Min (°F)	Max (°F)
7	21	45	71

May Events Or Adventure Tours

Cellar Bar Smashburger Thursdays
Pines Village Arts & Craft Fair
GCT Presents Shrek the Musical
Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch
GCT Presents Shrek the Musical
Summer Vibes – Live Music Nightly
Yosemite Wedding Festival & Fair

6) June

Yosemite in June is very stunning. The waterfalls are gushing and the flowers are in full bloom. The best reason to visit in June is that much of the snow has gone, making numerous trails accessible.

Another advantage of visiting at this time of year is that Tioga Road and Glacier Point are open to vehicle traffic.

The most significant disadvantage of visiting in June is the crowds. From April to June, park attendance doubles, and the throngs only get bigger as the summer continues.

June Weather In Yosemite

The following table shows the average temperature in Yosemite Valley in June.

Min (°C)	Max (°C)	Min (°F)	Max (°F)
11	27	51	81

Things To Do In June

Hiking
Backpacking
Bus Tour
Biking

June Events Or Adventure Tour

Live Music Sundays with Marie Wilson
Charcoal Drawing Art Class with Jeff Hemming & the Yosemite Conservancy
Painting & Poetry Art Class with Joa Suorez & the Yosemite Conservancy
Bass Lake Yosemite Triathlon and Bass Lake 5K
Acrylic Painting Art Class with the Yosemite Conservancy

7) July

Yosemite in July is extremely stunning. July is often Yosemite’s busiest month, so make sure you have a strategy for managing the crowds and finding parking! For the summer season, visitor centers, ranger programs, shuttles, restaurants, stores, and activities should all be open.

The park is filled with flora and species, and wildlife is out frolicking and enjoying the warm weather.

July Weather In Yosemite

The following table shows the average temperature in Yosemite Valley in July.

Min (°C)	Max (°C)	Min (°F)	Max (°F)
14	32	57	89

Things To Do In July

Day Hiking
Backpacking
Bus Tour
Biking
Camping Trip
Whitewater Rafting

July Events Or Adventure Tours

2022 Light Up The Sky Bass Lake Fireworks & Boat Parade
4th of July BBQ
Nature Journaling Walks with Lori Spielman & the Yosemite Conservancy
Ales and Trails Pack Supported Trekking with SYMG
GCT Presents Someone Saved My Baby, Ruth! or… Foil That Villain!

8) August

August is another incredibly busy month in Yosemite, so make sure you have a strategy in place for locating parking and navigating the crowds.

Large thunderstorms are prevalent in the mountains during the summer, so keep an eye on the weather forecast and start trekking early if you’re visiting during this time.

Another advantage of going at this time of year

Is that all of the trails are open, allowing you to choose from hundreds of miles of the route.

August Weather In Yosemite

The following table shows the average temperature in Yosemite Valley in August.

Min (°C)	Max (°C)	Min (°F)	Max (°F)
14	32	57	89

August Events Or Adventure Tours

Nature Journaling Walks with Lori Spielman & the Yosemite Conservancy
Live Music Sundays with Scott Patrick
Mosaics in Yosemite Art Class with Denise Davidson and the Yosemite Conservancy
Pen and Ink Art Class with Daniel Masterson & the Yosemite Conservancy
Watercolor Art Class with Luis Juarez & the Yosemite Conservancy

9) September

Yosemite National Park does not see a significant slowdown in September, as many other national parks do. The park is alive with flora and fauna, as wildlife is out and about enjoying the last of the warm weather.

In terms of what’s available and traffic levels, September in Yosemite is still considered part of the summer, so plan ahead and expect excellent weather for exploring.

Another advantage of going at this time of year

is that all of the trails are open, allowing you to choose from hundreds of miles of the route.

September Weather In Yosemite

The following table shows the average temperature in Yosemite Valley in September.

Min (°C)	Max (°C)	Min (°F)	Max (°F)
11	28	51	83

September Events Or Adventure Tours

South Shore Car & Boat Show
GCT Presents Silent Sky
Live on the Lawn Outdoor Concert with Max Headroom – ’80s Tribute Band
Free Admission Day in Yosemite National Park for National Public Lands Day!
Annual Smokey Bear Run/Walk, 10K and 2-mile Fun Run

10) October

As the park prepares for the oncoming winter, October signals the start of another transition season. Snowstorms are possible, which could result in road closures.

While the majority of the trees in Yosemite are evergreen, the maples, oaks, and dogwoods put on a spectacular show in mid-October.

The campgrounds and lodges along the Tioga and Glacier Point roads begin to close, and Yosemite Valley becomes the area to visit in the Autumn once more.

October Weather In Yosemite

The following table shows the average temperature in Yosemite Valley in October.

Min (°C)	Max (°C)	Min (°F)	Max (°F)
5	22	41	71

October Events Or Adventure Tours

Oakhurst Fall Festival
Mountain Gardening Series
SGBC Oktoberfest
Live on the Lawn Outdoor Concert with Stealing Nicks
Annual Bass Lake Fall Festival & Halloween Carnival

11) November

Is November a good time to visit Yosemite? There will be plenty of chances to enjoy the park without having to share it with anyone else.

November in Yosemite is notoriously unreliable, making it one of my least favorite months to visit the park.

Another advantage is that many trails in Hetch Hetchy and Wawona are still available, as are many routes in the Valley at lower elevations.

November Weather In Yosemite

The following table shows the average temperature in Yosemite Valley in

Min (°C)	Max (°C)	Min (°F)	Max (°F)
0	13	33	56

November Events Or Adventure Tours

Free Admission Day in Yosemite National Park for Veterans Day!
Live Music Sundays with Scott Patrick
Thanksgiving Day Dinner Feast
Bass Lake Village Jingle Bash
Annual Bass Lake Christmas Tree Lighting & Parade of Lights

12) December

December in Yosemite is a fantastic way to spend the holiday season if you’re searching for a pleasant Christmas break.

The splendor of snow falling on the Valley domes or the enormous sequoias of Mariposa Grove is another major advantage of visiting in December.

Expect snow, stunning views, and a plethora of exciting winter activities!

It’s a snowy wonderland, to be sure. In addition, the dim illumination of winter allows for excellent photographs.

December Weather In Yosemite

Min (°C)	Max (°C)	Min (°F)	Max (°F)
-2	8	28	46

December Events

Christmas Day Brunch
New Year’s Eve Village Bash & Ball Drop
New Year’s Eve Party with Fireworks at Bass Lake

FAQs - Know Everything Before Traveling Yosemite National Park

When Is The Worst Time To Visit Yosemite?

There is no worse time to visit Yosemite. It depends on your preference. And If you don’t like crowds, avoid going during the summer months of July and August, when the number of visitors can be five or six times higher than during the tranquil winter months (except for the holidays, when numbers spike). The park’s busiest months will be June and September.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Yosemite For Photography?

Winter is considered by many photographers to be the greatest time to photograph Yosemite. Fresh snow, dramatic light, waterfalls, and fewer tourists are all possibilities in January and March.

Takeaway - Yosemite National Park Best Time To Visit

Throughout the year, Yosemite National Park offers a diverse range of activities and weather. When it comes to picking the best time to visit Yosemite, you have complete control.

On the other hand, each season has its special combination of attractions. In this travel guide, we’ve explained each season, month, and event. As a consequence, deciding on the best option and carefully organizing your vacation will be straightforward.

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