Best time of year to visit YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK:
The best time to visit Yosemite National Park is during the summer when you can enjoy hiking, rafting, biking, and other activities.
Yosemite has a four-season environment with mild desert temperatures in the spring and fall months. Winter brings snow levels of up to 1.3 meters (4ft). The summer temperature starts from mid-May until mid-September when the temperature can go up to 27 degrees Celsius.
Yosemite Village and the Yosemite Valley can be extremely crowded during the summer months. It is advised that you visit in May or early June, especially if you plan to hike Half Dome or do other popular activities like rock climbing.
If your travel plans allow it, avoid visiting from July through September (especially on weekends) as these are considered peak seasons for tourism. Expect long lines at entrance stations and congested parking areas along YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK roadways.
The best month to visit YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK:
July and August are the best months to visit YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK. You can enjoy the beauty of colorful meadows, waterfalls, and rivers in Yosemite Valley while having enough room for everyone.
October remains warm with a pleasant fall temperature at night making it ideal for hiking or photography except during the first snowfall in November which can close Tioga Road – Route 120 from Yosemite National Park into Tuolumne Meadows.
January is generally colder, but you have a good chance to see El Capitan’s ice crystal formation caused by freezing weather.
High tourist season:
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK is a popular destination for tourists all year round. While summer and autumn months can get very crowded, Yosemite Valley remains uncomfortably busy during spring break, late August through the end of September, holidays such as Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, and the month of July.
Summer season peaks around July to September (especially on weekends) when crowds are expected. During this time reservations are strongly recommended at YOSEMITE hotels, campsites, and restaurants.
Spring Break in Yosemite:
March to April – Tourists from high school or college will flock to Yosemite National Park during spring break time.
Peak periods include Easter weekend (March/April), spring vacation week (last two weeks of March), and the weekend before Memorial Day. Plan ahead and make reservations if you want to enjoy a quiet stay in Yosemite National Park.
Low tourist season:
Winter is generally considered the low tourist season although there are still some visitors despite the cold weather. During this time, hotel rooms can be found cheaper as most tourists pack their bags and return home by wintertime. Winter also brings opportunities to do cross-country skiing or snowshoeing along Yosemite’s trails.
Spring ( late March to early May) – Spring is a quiet period in Yosemite National Park with only a few buses going through Yosemite Valley on weekends. This makes it easier for you to get reservations at YOSEMITE hotels, especially during spring break periods in March and April.
Fall is another great time to visit YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK (September – November), but expect it to be chilly at night.
Visit YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK in Fall:
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK is a great place to visit in the fall. You can enjoy the spectacular autumn colors of the Big Trees and be amazed by Monarch Butterflies that fly into California from Mexico.
The Tioga Road (Hwy 120) usually opens during late May or early June after winter snow has melted.
Avoid visiting on weekends, especially in September since this period brings crowds of visitors for Labor Day Weekend and Columbus Day Weekend.
Visit YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK in winter:
The park is also popular in winter for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Snow is usually heavy after January or February which can limit your range of travel. The road to Glacier Point closes around March 9th because of snow and typically stays closed until July 1st.
Winter storms are common during the months of December, January, and February but these do not affect the roads unless they are severe enough to cause accumulations over 1 foot (30 cm).
Travelers should be aware that it can get very cold at night even though summer due to high altitude.
Temperatures may drop below freezing anytime throughout the year. Extremely warm clothing such as fleece jackets may be required if you visit Yosemite from May to November.
Visit YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARKin the summer:
Visitors to the park in summer are treated to great outdoor activities, although temperatures can get up to over 100 degrees F (38 C).
Roads are clear of snow and Tioga Pass Road is open by June. Services in Yosemite Valley usually open by Memorial Day weekend. The waterfalls become a little less spectacular than during springtime but you still have enough time to see them at their prime. You have more opportunities for photography as well.
Visit YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK in spring:
Spring is a wonderful time to visit YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK. The waterfalls are at their beautiful best and the colors of the trees make you wish you were there to capture them on film. It’s also nice that it is not summer yet, so temperatures are milder than usual. If you plan to travel during spring (February – May), do let us know by emailing or calling us and we can reserve your room for March/April peak season dates.
Weather in YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK:
Temperatures in Yosemite Valley can range anywhere from the ’30s and ’40s to over 100 degrees F (0 C).
During winter, you might want to test your equipment before setting out on a hike.
Weather conditions change very quickly due to high altitude so you always have to be prepared for sudden weather changes.
You could experience rain showers even in the summertime. On windy days, watch out for falling rocks along trails and keep kids close at hand.
Winter brings snowfall into the park with heavy accumulations at higher altitudes after January or February, but it doesn’t affect access roads unless there is more than 1 foot (30 cm) of unmelted snow covering it.
The road to Glacier Point typically closes around March 9th due to snow and stays closed until July 1st. The Tioga Pass Road (Hwy 120) usually opens during late May or early June after winter snow has melted.
Visitors must be prepared for changing weather conditions while in the park, as well as potential dangers from wildlife including bears, mountain lions, coyotes, and rattlesnakes.
There are also areas of the park that may exhibit signs of seismic activity such as cracking rocks and earth movement but it is nothing to worry about unless there are sinkholes opening up along roads or trails leading into Yosemite Valley.
