Yosemite National Park, located in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, is one of the most incredible national parks in the world. It was preserved as a natural park in 1864 by Abraham Lincoln. Today, millions of tourists flock to Yosemite for its abundance of mountains, waterfalls, meadows, glaciers, and biodiversity.
The sights to see and things to do at Yosemite are seemingly endless for the first-time visitor. Some notable must-sees when visiting the park are Yosemite Falls, the highest waterfall in the park, Glacier Point, which has the most incredible views of the landscape, and Mariposa Grove, an incredible sequoia tree forest.
The best time to visit Yosemite to see the most stunning views and are willing to pay a little extra, visit during their high season in the summer. If you are a budget traveler and willing to endure some chilly weather, go to Yosemite during their less crowded seasons of fall and winter.
Summer is the best time of the year to visit Yosemite (June-August), but will also be the busiest and most expensive season. The cheapest seasons to visit the park for the budget traveler are during the fall and winter when the weather drops in temperature. Although some parts of the park will be closed, there is still an abundance of things to do.
Table of Contents
Average Temperature In Yosemite
In its location in central California, Yosemite National Park enjoys all four seasons during the year. This means that the park experiences a large diversity of temperatures depending on the time of the year.
Summer is the hottest time of the year in Yosemite, which falls between June and August. During this period, average temperatures range between 80-85°F. Fall ushers in cooler temperatures between late September and November, which can be more pleasant for hiking.
Average temperatures range from 50-70°F. Winter is the coldest season, with ranges between December and March. Temperatures can go as high as 50°F or drop into the negatives. Spring starts in April, with average temperatures between 60-70°F.
Daily Chance Of Precipitation In Yosemite
Precipitation levels range greatly in Yosemite, depending on the season of the year. In the park, an average “wet day” receives at least 0.04 inches of precipitation.
The best season to visit to see the least rain would be summer, as Yosemite receives an average of 0.5-2 inches of rain a month during this time. There is usually a 10% or less chance of rain on any given day.
The wettest season in Yosemite is the winter, between December and March. The park can receive anywhere between 5-7 inches of rain a month during this time. You can expect to have over a 25% chance of rain on a given day in the winter. The precipitation also comes in a mix of rain and snow.
Snow precipitation can continue as far as through May. March is the wettest month of the year in Yosemite, which an average 37% chance of precipitation on a typical day and about 0.10 inches of precipitation. The driest month is August, with about an 8% chance of rain on a typical day.
Humidity Comfort Levels In Yosemite
Yosemite also has a wide range of humidity levels depending on the season of the year. Typically, the least humid month of the year to visit Yosemite is August, which has about 24% relative humidity.
The most humid month is December, with 75% relative humidity. This aligns with the winter months in Yosemite being the wettest, and summer being the driest. Overall, humidity in Yosemite is tolerable due to the region’s temperate climates and does not feel overbearing. The park has an annual average humidity rate that is about the same as the rest of California and the United States.
Best Time Of Year To Visit Yosemite For Great Weather
The best time of the year to visit Yosemite is during its summer season between June and late September. This is the park’s busiest season, so you will have full access to all activities, trails, and camping the park offers.
It is also the best time of year to go swimming or do water activities, as these months are characterized by mostly hot and rainless days. Summer is the season with the least humidity. The blooming of millions of wildflowers in Yosemite’s meadows and hiking trails is another must-see, which climaxes between late June and August.
Summer is also the best time to go stargazing at Yosemite, as these months have maximum sky visibility and comfortable lounging temperatures. It also falls during the season when stargazing tours are operating, which provide you with all the gear and guidance you will need if you are an amateur astronomer.
Although summer is the best time of year to visit Yosemite for ideal temperatures and activities, it is also the most crowded and expensive season. Hotels and accommodations charge their highest rates and visibility for natural attractions is lower due to large crowds.
Best Time Of Year To Visit Yosemite For Low Prices
The best time of year to visit Yosemite for its lowest prices is in mid to late September through the fall. It’s the best time to avoid crowds, as fewer tourists visit during this time. The most inexpensive lodging option at Yosemite is camping (between $20-70 per night), however, you will have to pack accordingly for cold nighttime temperatures when sleeping outside.
If you choose to stay at a hotel or lodge, nightly prices in the low season range from $100-200. Dining is available on and off-site of Yosemite, however the cheapest way to eat would be to bring your own food and cook it at the campsite.
Although visiting in the fall and winter will give you the cheapest rates, you will not have access to the entirety of what Yosemite offers. This is due to the park closing down some sections because of unfavorable weather conditions.
Some areas that remain open through the winter are Yosemite Valley, Wawona, and Hetch Hetchy, which may have some snow on the trails. If you visit during the fall, you can experience more pleasant outside temperatures and also enjoy the incredible views of the changing autumn leaves in the forests.
Peak Travel Season In Yosemite
June through August is most definitely the peak season at Yosemite, and you’ll realize this as you step foot in the park. Yosemite receives over one million visitors each year just in this season alone. It is characterized by pleasant albeit hot weather ranging between 80-90°F. It’s also the best time to visit the park to avoid the rain, as it is the driest season.
Although you’ll be competing with very large crowds, you won’t be disappointed with the incredible views Yosemite has to offer during this time. Leaving for hikes very early in the morning can help you beat some crowds. With clear, blue, and sunny skies, you’ll get a beautiful photo every time with the mountains in full view.
There is an abundance of things to do in Yosemite in the summer since everything is open at full capacity. The best activities at Yosemite which is the most enjoyable during these hot months are water related. You can take a dip at one of the various beaches and swimming holes along the Merced River, with a stunning backdrop of the mountains and pine trees.
There is also a plethora of guided activities you can participate in, such as a whitewater rafting tour with a guide. If you aren’t an adrenaline junkie, you also can just rent a kayak, raft, or paddle-board and have a peaceful paddle through the water.
Summer is the most beautiful and pleasant season to visit Yosemite, but you need to plan carefully and well ahead in order to be able to go. It is not uncommon for tickets to sell out to enter the park, so it is smart to buy your reservation months in advance, near the window when they open summer reservations to the public online in March.
You also should buy your flights and reserve your hotels during this time, because prices will skyrocket during the summer months due to the high tourist influx. This period is also a great time to take advantage of what is outside of Yosemite, such as the array of local bars and restaurants in Mariposa, CA.
Here you can meet plenty of locals and tourists alike, as the area offers bustling nightlife during its peak season. Try a local craft beer or a nice American burger at one of the small-town eateries.
Shoulder Travel Season In Yosemite
The shoulder season in Yosemite is in the spring when the weather becomes pleasant enough to enjoy the park more. This falls during the months of March through May, with the park beginning to get busy on Memorial Day (the last Monday of May) weekend and continuing through the end of the summer. This is a great time to visit to avoid the busy tourism of the park during the summer, ensuring your photos are people-free!
Temperatures in the spring at Yosemite are far more tolerable than in the winter, with average highs ranging from 55-70°F but will still be cold at night. Visiting during the spring allows you to experience the revival of Yosemite, as the snow will begin to melt. The water from the snow will fill the park’s waterfalls, and they reach peak flow in May. This is a great time to fully enjoy the waterfalls without worrying about crowds.
Yosemite is still not fully open in the spring due to the snow not fully melting until late May – hikes like Yosemite Valley and Hetch Hetchy probably won’t open until April. However, there is still an abundance of activities available. Camping is available in Yosemite during the spring, however, you can still find reasonable prices for lodges and hotels in the park since it is not yet in its peak season.
One trail that remains open in the spring is Mariposa Grove, which is the largest grove of sequoia trees in Yosemite. The trees are an incredible sight to see in person: they can grow up to 30 feet in diameter and 200 feet high. It is a popular destination within the park and a must-see for anyone who has never seen a redwood forest before. There is also a free shuttle that is offered from Mariposa Welcome Plaza to the trailhead.
Low Travel Season In Yosemite
October through December are the low season in Yosemite. This is due to the climate shifting to winter in California, with temperatures dipping to as low as 20-40°F. Yosemite also receives most of its yearly precipitation during this period – the park will most likely have snow during your visit at this time. Although the waterfalls are characterized as being thin during this season, you may catch them reinvigorated if you visit after recent rainfall.
Due to the cold weather, you’ll feel like you have the park to yourself. This is because Yosemite receives its lowest number of tourists during this season. Parking will be abundant, and you won’t have to wait in lines to visit museums, bathrooms, or the visitor center.
Activities are still abundant during the winter season at Yosemite, although the weather will dictate a lot of what you can do on any given day. One great activity to do when the weather is not that great is to visit the Yosemite Museum, which was the first structure ever built in the national park. Here, you can find exhibits about the history of the park, dating from the first records of formation to its development as a national park.
Best Months For Travel To Yosemite
If you enjoy the outdoors and want to see one of the most beautiful national parks in the world, don’t hesitate in visiting Yosemite National Park in California. Whether you want to embark on a multi-day backpacking trip, go swimming in a refreshing lake, or sit next to a campfire and just relax, Yosemite has a wide range of activities for every type of traveler.
Choosing a time of year to visit Yosemite is critical, as it will greatly influence the type of experience you are trying to have. If you want to see the most stunning views and are willing to pay a little extra, visit during their high season in the summer.
If you are a budget traveler and willing to endure some chilly weather, go to Yosemite during their less crowded seasons of fall and winter. California’s diversity in seasons allows for a wide array of attractions all year round, making it a new and exciting experience every time you visit.
