WEATHER INFORMATION
Yosemite's weather varies like a kaleidoscope depending upon the time of year one visits and the location of one's stay. Each new day brings changes that enhance one's experience, whether it be an unexpected summer thunderstorm or an icy winter blizzard.
Track the changes in temperature and weather for your visit in the month-by-month details below categorized by: 1) The Cold Months, 2) The Cool and Comfortable Months, and 3) The Hot Months. Upper Yosemite Fall provides the monthly snapshot courtesy of the Yosemite Conservancy webcam.
For CURRENT CONDITIONS, ROAD CLOSURES, and WEATHER ALERTS, click here.
For FIRE STATUS, click here. For Current Yosemite Temps by LOCATION, click here.
THE COLD MONTHS
THE COLD MONTHS
OCTOBER
Pleasing sunny days continue during the first two weeks of October, but, as the sun sinks toward the south, the long shadows of Yosemite Valley’s granite walls begin to shade large portions of the Valley floor, keeping it in a cool zone. By the end of the month the daily highs are about 15 degrees lower, and some nights can drop below freezing. Rain may occur from the 15th onward and being prepared for sudden changes in the weather is wise. Above 7,000 feet, the temperature drops significantly below freezing at night and snow flurries may occur. From mid-October onward, warm clothing is recommended.
AVERAGE HIGH TEMP: F = 71 / C = 22 AVERAGE SNOW : 0 in. / 0 cm
AVERAGE LOW TEMP : F = 42 / C = 5 AVERAGE RAIN : 2.1 in. / 5.3 cm
FIRE/SMOKE : Rare ROAD CLOSURES : Rare
NOVEMBER
November brings the end of Daylight Savings Time and earlier and colder nights. Cool sunny autumn days in the 50s can frequently prevail, but November acts as a transition month to more wintry weather ahead filled with greater unpredictability, especially toward the end of the month. A foggy mist can settle in on the Valley and the first snow of the season can be expected by month's end. Snow in the higher elevations is likely, bringing closure to the eastern Yosemite entrance at Tioga Pass. Come prepared for cold, wet, and snowy weather.
AVERAGE HIGH TEMP: F = 56 / C = 13 AVERAGE SNOW : 3.0 in. / 7.6 cm
AVERAGE LOW TEMP : F = 33 / C = 0 AVERAGE RAIN : 4.6 in. / 11.7 cm
FIRE/SMOKE : None ROAD CLOSURES : Expected
DECEMBER
December assures Yosemite Valley of snow, ice, and freezing nights. It has its share of cold and sunny days, but snow can accumulate throughout the Park due to vigorous low pressure systems from the Gulf of Alaska that get pulled down by the jet stream to drop its snowy bounty. Freezing low temperatures and daily highs in the 40s require warm and water-resistant clothing. Snow in the higher elevations bring closures to Tioga and Glacier Point roads.
AVERAGE HIGH TEMP: F = 47 / C = 8 AVERAGE SNOW : 5.0 in. / 12.7 cm
AVERAGE LOW TEMP : F = 28 / C = -2 AVERAGE RAIN : 5.5 in. / 14.0 cm
FIRE/SMOKE : None ROAD CLOSURES : Expected
JANUARY
Winter gains traction throughout Yosemite during January. Snowy weather can be expected (January sees the highest amount of snow: 17 inches!). January has its share of sunny days, but the daytime temperature can still remain very cold, usually in the 40s. The nightly lows fall below freezing. Chains or snow tires may be required to enter the Park. The days following the snowstorms often bring frosty and enchanted scenes of a true winter wonderland. Dress warm and bring a camera! Road closures in the higher elevations are certain.
AVERAGE HIGH TEMP: F = 48 / C = 9 AVERAGE SNOW : 17 in. / 43.2 cm
AVERAGE LOW TEMP : F = 29 / C = -2 AVERAGE RAIN : 6.5 in. / 16.5 cm
FIRE/SMOKE : None ROAD CLOSURES : Expected
FEBRUARY
Although the snowfall amount drops in February, periodic storms ensure snow patches remain in the Valley and snow levels increase in the higher elevations. Overall, the Valley stays cool during the day (highs in the 40s and 50s) as the daily sunlight slowly increases. Overcast skies can elimi- nate the “Horsetail Fall phenomenon” which brings photographers from around the world to see the waterfall turn golden at sunset. Nights remain below freezing. Tioga and Glacier Point roads remain closed (although Badger Pass Ski Resort can be reached for snow activities).
AVERAGE HIGH TEMP: F = 52 / C = 11 AVERAGE SNOW: 4.0 in. / 10.2 cm
AVERAGE LOW TEMP : F = 30 / C = -1 AVERAGE RAIN : 6.7 in. / 17.1 cm
FIRE/SMOKE : None ROAD CLOSURES: Expected
MARCH
March continues to provide cold and wet weather with average daily temperatures in the 50s in the Valley. Of course, the higher elevations, where much colder temperatures prevail, remain closed due to the snowpack. March occasionally acts as a “miracle” month, benefiting from cold Pacific storms that increase the snowpack. Sunny days often follow those storms and bring spectacular winter scenes. Overall, cool, clear sunny days may be present, but cold, wet, and foggy days can occur any time during the month. Snow tires /chains may be required.
AVERAGE HIGH TEMP: F = 58 / C = 14 AVERAGE SNOW : 5.0 in. / 12.7 cm
AVERAGE LOW TEMP : F = 34 / C = 1 AVERAGE RAIN : 5.2 in. / 13.2 cm
FIRE/SMOKE : None ROAD CLOSURES : Expected
THE COOL AND COMFORTABLE MONTHS
APRIL
Early April may bring rain or snowstorms. Warming weather produces beautiful cloud formations that move across the sky all month. By the third week, the temperature turns ideal and many consider this the best time to visit Yosemite, even though road closures are still in effect for the higher elevations. Daily highs in the 60s make this the perfect weather for hiking or strolling in the Valley and seeing the waterfalls swell from snow-melt. The nights can still be cold (30s), so having heat during the night should be given consideration (e.g., tent cabins in Curry Village).
AVERAGE HIGH TEMP: F = 64 / C = 18 AVERAGE SNOW : 1.0 in. / 2.5 cm
AVERAGE LOW TEMP : F = 38 / C = 3 AVERAGE RAIN : 2.8 in. / 7.1 cm
FIRE/SMOKE : None ROAD CLOSURES : Expected
MAY
May can be considered an ideal time to visit Yosemite. It provides many beautiful days with sunny and clear skies (highs in the 70s). The nights remain chilly and heat should be given consideration for lodging (e.g., tent cabins in Curry Village). May weather can quickly turn cooler, bringing turbulent skies with unexpected rain or snow flurries (enough to ruin a camping trip for those not properly equipped). On average there are about five days of rain. The roads to the higher elevation viewpoints may open late in the month. Waterfalls are at their peak.
AVERAGE HIGH TEMP: F = 72 / C = 22 AVERAGE SNOW : 0 in. / 0 cm
AVERAGE LOW TEMP : F = 45 / C = 7 AVERAGE RAIN : 1.0 in. / 2.5 cm
FIRE/SMOKE : Possible (prescribed) ROAD CLOSURES : Possible
JUNE
June produces some of the best overall weather during the year in Yosemite. A brief rain or hailstorm may occur during the first week of the month, but that is rare (June averages less than an inch of rain). A significant warming trend begins mid-month with the average daily highs reaching the 80s and rarely dropping from there until September. The average lows climb to the 50s making for pleasant evenings. The warming trend, the release of students from school, and the increased hours of sunlight help to make camping and visiting Yosemite a priority for many. The busy season begins.
AVERAGE HIGH TEMP: F = 81 / C = 27 AVERAGE SNOW : 0 in. / 0 cm
AVERAGE LOW TEMP : F = 51 / C = 11 AVERAGE RAIN : .7 in. / 1.8 cm
FIRE/SMOKE : Possible (prescribed) ROAD CLOSURES : Possible
THE HOT MONTHS
JULY
July in Yosemite Valley heats up quickly. Average high temperatures are in the 80s but get to the low 90s by late July. Low humidity and high elevation (4,000’) make the sun feel intense. A place to swim, wearing cool and comfortable clothing, hydrating often, and seeking shade provide relief. The evenings can be pleasant for strolling about along some of the Valley’s excellent trails. Day hikes are best if started in the cool of the morning. All roads to the higher elevation spots are open and bring 15-20 degree cooler temperatures than the Valley.
AVERAGE HIGH TEMP: F = 89 / C = 32 AVERAGE SNOW : 0 in. / 0 cm
AVERAGE LOW TEMP : F = 57 / C = 14 AVERAGE RAIN : 3.8 in. / 1.0 cm
FIRE/SMOKE : Wildfires possible ROAD CLOSURES : Possible
AUGUST
July’s heat extends into August with average temperatures in the high 80s and some days in the 90s. Fire dangers increase. Smoke from wildfires and higher humidity in mid-August reduce air quality and may dampen the beauty of the Valley. A late August monsoonal afternoon storm can bring refreshment. Evening temperatures are pleasant (50s and 60s) and allow for a greater range of activities. Waterfalls may be dry but make for good swimming spots along the Merced. Like July, swimming, comfortable clothing, hydration, and shade provide relief.
AVERAGE HIGH TEMP: F = 89 / C = 32 AVERAGE SNOW : 0 in. / 0 cm
AVERAGE LOW TEMP : F = 56 / C = 13 AVERAGE RAIN : .1 in. / .3 cm
FIRE/SMOKE : Wildfires Possible ROAD CLOSURES : Possible
SEPTEMBER
September delivers warm weather through the 18th on average. Brief monsoonal storms may occur early in the month and fire risks remain. By autumn’s arrival on the 22nd, a cooling trend occurs with better air quality and bluer skies amidst patchy white clouds. Daylight drops from 13 hours on the 1st to 12 hours by the 30th. As summer ends, the Park may appear dry and tired from the many visitors, but the reduced crowds, pleasant days (average highs in the 70s late in the month), and cooler nights make mid to late September a good time for a quiet visit.
AVERAGE HIGH TEMP: F = 82 / C = 28 AVERAGE SNOW : 0 in. / 0 cm
AVERAGE LOW TEMP : F = 51 / C = 11 AVERAGE RAIN : .65 in. / 1.7 cm
FIRE/SMOKE : Possible ROAD CLOSURES : Rare
Yosemite Fall photos courtesy of the Yosemite Conservancy webcam accessible by clicking here.