Planning a trip to Yosemite National Park? Knowing the weather by month can help you choose the right time to visit, pack the right clothes, and plan hikes and sightseeing without surprises.
Yosemite has very different weather throughout the year. Summer is usually warm and dry in Yosemite Valley, while winter brings cold temperatures and significant snow to higher elevations. Spring and fall can offer comfortable days, but conditions can change quickly, especially in the mountains.
This Yosemite National Park weather by month guide explains what to expect throughout the year, including temperatures, rain and snow, road conditions, and what each season is like.
Yosemite National Park Weather at a Glance
Yosemite’s weather depends heavily on elevation and location. Yosemite Valley, Tuolumne Meadows, Glacier Point, and other parts of the park can have noticeably different conditions on the same day.
| Month | Typical Weather | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| January | Cold, snowy | Winter conditions, snow at higher elevations |
| February | Cold, snowy | Snow and occasional storms |
| March | Cool to mild | Snow at elevation, early spring in the valley |
| April | Mild, wet | Spring weather and possible snow at higher elevations |
| May | Mild to warm | Waterfalls are often impressive |
| June | Warm | Good hiking weather in many areas |
| July | Warm to hot | Dry weather and busy conditions |
| August | Warm to hot | Mostly dry, pleasant mornings |
| September | Warm days, cool nights | Less crowded than peak summer |
| October | Mild to cool | Fall colors begin, changing conditions |
| November | Cool to cold | Rain or snow becomes more common |
| December | Cold, snowy | Winter conditions return |
Temperatures and conditions vary by elevation and can change from year to year.
January: Cold and Snowy
January is one of the coldest months in Yosemite National Park. Yosemite Valley can have freezing nights and cool days, while higher elevations are generally covered in snow.
Snowstorms can affect roads and trails, and some high-elevation areas are inaccessible during winter.
If you visit Yosemite in January, bring warm layers, waterproof footwear, and winter clothing. Check current road and weather conditions before driving into the park.
January weather: Cold, snowy and winter-like.
February: Winter Conditions Continue
February is still firmly part of Yosemite’s winter season. Cold temperatures and snow are common, particularly at higher elevations.
Yosemite Valley may receive snow during storms, creating beautiful winter scenery. However, winter weather can also make travel more difficult.
February can be a peaceful time to experience Yosemite if you are prepared for winter conditions.
February weather: Cold with frequent snow at higher elevations.
March: Early Signs of Spring
March brings a gradual change in weather, but winter is not necessarily over.
Yosemite Valley can begin experiencing milder days, while higher elevations remain cold and snowy. Rain and snow are both possible depending on elevation and the weather pattern.
Water levels in Yosemite’s rivers and waterfalls also begin responding to melting snow and spring precipitation.
March weather: Cool and changeable, with snow still common at elevation.
April: Spring Weather
April is a transition month in Yosemite. The valley can feel pleasantly mild during the day, but nights remain cool.
Rain is possible, and snow can still affect higher elevations. Conditions on mountain roads and trails can be very different from those in Yosemite Valley.
If you are planning spring hikes, check trail and road conditions before setting out.
April weather: Mild in the valley, cooler and potentially snowy at higher elevations.
May: Mild Days and Waterfalls
May is one of the most exciting months to visit Yosemite, especially if you want to see waterfalls.
As temperatures rise and snow melts, waterfalls can become particularly impressive. Days in Yosemite Valley are often comfortable for sightseeing and hiking, although rain and cooler weather are still possible.
Higher elevations may continue to have snow, so not every trail or road will necessarily be accessible.
May weather: Mild to warm with a mix of sunshine and spring precipitation.
June: Warm and Pleasant
June generally brings warmer and drier weather to Yosemite Valley.
Many visitors choose June for hiking because daytime temperatures are usually comfortable, although mornings and evenings can still be cool.
At higher elevations, snow can remain on some trails early in the month. Conditions improve as summer progresses.
June weather: Warm days, cool mornings and generally drier conditions.
July: Warm and Dry
July is typically one of the warmest and driest months in Yosemite National Park.
Yosemite Valley can become quite warm during the afternoon. Higher elevations are usually cooler, making elevation an important factor when planning outdoor activities.
Because July is part of the busy summer season, popular areas can be crowded. Start hikes early, carry enough water, and protect yourself from the sun.
July weather: Warm to hot, dry and sunny in many areas.
August: Hot Days and Cool Nights
August has weather similar to July, with warm or hot afternoons and relatively cool nights.
Rain is generally limited, although mountain weather can still change. Wildfire smoke can also affect air quality and visibility in some years, so checking current conditions is important.
For hiking, early morning is often more comfortable than the hottest part of the afternoon.
August weather: Warm to hot during the day and cooler at night.
September: Warm Days, Cooler Nights
September is often a great month for exploring Yosemite.
Temperatures begin to become more comfortable as summer fades. Days can still be warm, while nights become noticeably cooler.
Crowds may also decrease compared with the busiest summer months, although conditions and visitor levels vary.
September weather: Warm days with increasingly cool nights and generally dry conditions.
October: Fall Weather Arrives
October brings cooler temperatures and the beginning of fall conditions.
Yosemite Valley can still have comfortable daytime weather, but mornings and evenings are cooler. Rain becomes more likely as the month progresses, and higher elevations can experience early winter conditions.
If you are visiting in October, pack layers so you can adjust to changing temperatures throughout the day.
October weather: Mild to cool, with changing fall conditions.
November: Cooler and Wetter
November marks a noticeable shift toward winter.
Temperatures drop, especially at night, and rain becomes more common in Yosemite Valley. Snow can return to higher elevations, and winter storms may affect travel.
Some roads and facilities may have seasonal closures, so check current conditions before your trip.
November weather: Cool to cold, with increasing rain and snow.
December: Winter Returns
December is a cold and often snowy month in Yosemite.
Higher elevations are generally experiencing winter conditions, while Yosemite Valley can see rain, snow, or a mixture depending on temperatures.
Winter scenery can be spectacular, but visitors need to be prepared for slippery roads, cold temperatures and changing mountain weather.
December weather: Cold, with snow common at higher elevations.
Yosemite National Park Weather by Season
Spring: March to May
Spring brings warmer temperatures and melting snow.
This is an excellent period for waterfalls, especially later in spring. However, weather can change quickly, and higher elevations may remain snowy.
Best for: Waterfalls, photography and spring scenery.
Summer: June to August
Summer is generally the warmest and driest period.
Many roads, trails and high-elevation areas become accessible, making this a popular season for hiking and sightseeing.
Best for: Hiking, camping and exploring higher elevations.
Fall: September to November
Fall brings cooler temperatures and fewer visitors in some periods.
September can still feel like summer, while November can bring winter-like conditions.
Best for: Comfortable hiking weather, quieter visits and fall scenery.
Winter: December to February
Winter transforms Yosemite into a snowy mountain landscape.
Snow and ice can affect roads and trails, particularly at higher elevations. Some areas have seasonal closures.
Best for: Winter scenery, photography and a quieter Yosemite experience.
What Is the Best Month to Visit Yosemite for Weather?
There isn’t one perfect month for everyone.
May and June can be excellent choices if you want mild weather and impressive waterfalls. July and August generally offer warmer, drier conditions and better access to many high-elevation areas, but they are also popular and can be hot in Yosemite Valley.
September is another strong option because temperatures begin to cool while many summer conditions remain.
If your main priority is comfortable hiking weather, late spring through early fall is generally the most practical period, while winter is best for visitors specifically interested in snow and winter scenery.
Does It Snow in Yosemite National Park?
Yes. Yosemite receives snow during the winter, particularly in higher elevations.
The amount of snow varies considerably depending on elevation and the year. Yosemite Valley can receive snow, but higher areas such as Tuolumne Meadows typically experience much colder and snowier conditions.
Winter storms can also affect driving conditions, so always check current conditions before traveling.
Is Yosemite Cold at Night?
Yosemite can be surprisingly cold at night, even during summer.
Temperatures in Yosemite Valley are usually much cooler after sunset than during the afternoon. At higher elevations, nighttime temperatures can be considerably colder.
If you are camping or planning early-morning hikes, bring warm layers regardless of the season.
Yosemite Weather and Elevation
One of the most important things to understand about Yosemite weather is that elevation matters.
Yosemite Valley sits at a much lower elevation than areas such as Tuolumne Meadows. As you travel higher into the Sierra Nevada, temperatures generally become cooler and winter conditions can last much longer.
That means a warm afternoon in Yosemite Valley does not necessarily mean that a high-elevation trail will be warm or snow-free.
Before a hike, check conditions for the specific area you plan to visit, rather than relying only on a Yosemite Valley forecast.
What to Pack for Yosemite Weather
What you pack should depend on the month and the areas you plan to visit.
For summer
- Lightweight clothing
- A light jacket or warm layer
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Sun protection
- Hat and sunglasses
- Plenty of water
- Rain protection for changing mountain weather
For spring and fall
- Warm layers
- Waterproof or water-resistant jacket
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Extra clothing for cool mornings
- Sun protection
For winter
- Warm insulated layers
- Waterproof outerwear
- Warm socks
- Winter footwear
- Gloves and a warm hat
- Traction equipment when appropriate
Tips for Checking Yosemite Weather
Mountain weather can change quickly, so don’t rely on an old forecast.
Before leaving for Yosemite:
- Check the forecast for the specific area you are visiting.
- Check current road conditions.
- Look for weather alerts or storm warnings.
- Check trail conditions before hiking.
- Prepare for temperatures colder than expected.
- Carry enough water during warm-weather hikes.
- Have a backup plan if weather changes.
This is particularly important during winter and at higher elevations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the warmest month in Yosemite?
July and August are generally among the warmest months in Yosemite Valley. Afternoon temperatures can become quite hot, while higher elevations remain cooler.
What is the coldest month in Yosemite?
December, January and February are typically the coldest period. Higher elevations can remain extremely cold and snowy throughout winter.
What month has the most snow in Yosemite?
Snowfall varies from year to year and by elevation. Winter is the main snow season, with higher elevations receiving substantially more snow than Yosemite Valley.
Is Yosemite too hot in summer?
Yosemite Valley can become hot during summer afternoons. However, mornings and evenings are generally cooler, and temperatures at higher elevations are often more comfortable.
Does Yosemite get rain in summer?
Summer is generally the dry season, so rain is less common than during the cooler months. However, mountain weather can still change, and occasional storms are possible.
Is May a good time to visit Yosemite?
Yes. May can be an excellent time to visit, especially for waterfalls and spring scenery. However, some higher-elevation roads and trails may still have snow or seasonal restrictions.
Final Thoughts
Yosemite National Park weather changes significantly throughout the year. Winter is cold and snowy, spring is mild and wet, summer is warm and dry, and fall gradually becomes cooler.
For waterfalls and spring scenery, May and June are worth considering. For warm, dry weather and access to many high-elevation areas, July through September can be better choices. If you enjoy snow and a quieter winter landscape, December through February offer a completely different Yosemite experience.
Most importantly, don’t judge Yosemite’s weather by the forecast for Yosemite Valley alone. Elevation, season and recent weather conditions can make a big difference, so check current conditions for the exact area you plan to visit before heading out.
Read Also: Where Is Yosemite National Park? Location, Map & Guide