Sequoia Weather: Forecast and Month-by-Month Averages

Live forecasts from the National Weather Service. Monthly averages are NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals. Check the NPS alerts page for road and trail closures.

Giant sequoias, Sequoia National Park — Giant sequoias.Photo: Haci / Unsplash

In shortSequoia's weather depends on elevation, which ranges from 1,370 ft along the Kaweah River to 14,494 ft at Mount Whitney; temperatures can differ by 20 to 30°F between the foothills and the sequoia groves. The groves have warm, dry summers and snowy winters, while the foothills are hot in summer and mild and wet in winter. The table represents Lodgepole (6,735 ft), near Giant Forest, which gets about 43 inches of precipitation a year, mostly from December to March.

Planning for October at Lodgepole (6,735 ft): 59°F days, 31°F nights, 2.3 in of precipitation.

Sequoia forecast by area

Weather changes a lot with elevation here, so check the forecast for where you are actually going. Each forecast covers the National Weather Service grid square around that spot.

Giant Forest and Lodgepole 6,400 ft

Matches the table; deep snowpack from about December to May, and Lodgepole can be 10-15°F colder than nearby groves on fall and winter nights.

The live 7-day forecast loads here. You can also open the National Weather Service forecast for Giant Forest and Lodgepole.

Foothills (Ash Mountain entrance) 1,700 ft

Often 20-30°F warmer than Giant Forest; July and August highs average about 96-97°F, and winters are mild and wet with little snow.

The live 7-day forecast loads here. You can also open the National Weather Service forecast for Foothills (Ash Mountain entrance).

Grant Grove (Kings Canyon) 6,589 ft

Similar to Giant Forest; snowy in winter, and the Generals Highway between here and Lodgepole often closes in snow.

The live 7-day forecast loads here. You can also open the National Weather Service forecast for Grant Grove (Kings Canyon).

How elevation changes the weather in Sequoia

Estimated average high and low for each area in October, highest first. Air cools about 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet you climb, so the same day can feel like two different seasons. Change the month in the packing picks below to update these numbers.

6,589 ftGrant Grove60° / 32°
6,400 ftGiant Forest and Lodgepole60° / 32°
1,700 ftFoothills77° / 49°

Estimates based on the long-term average at Lodgepole (6,735 ft). Check the live forecast for each area above before you go.

Average weather in Sequoia by month

Monthly averages for LODGEPOLE, CA (6,735 ft), NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals. About 43 inches of precipitation a year.
Month	Avg high	Avg low	Precipitation	Snowfall
January	39°F	17°F	8.7 in	42.4 in
February	41°F	18°F	7.9 in	61.5 in
March	45°F	22°F	6.4 in	37.1 in
April	50°F	26°F	3.2 in	22.2 in
May	58°F	33°F	2.0 in	6.0 in
June	68°F	40°F	0.7 in	1.1 in
July	76°F	46°F	0.6 in	0.0 in
August	76°F	44°F	0.1 in	0.0 in
September	70°F	39°F	0.7 in	0.0 in
October	59°F	31°F	2.3 in	3.4 in
November	47°F	23°F	3.6 in	11.7 in
December	37°F	17°F	6.9 in	35.0 in

These are long-term averages at one station. Higher areas of the park are colder, and any single year can be much warmer, colder, wetter or drier.

Sequoia weather month by month

Sequoia in January

39°F / 17°F. Cold and snowy, averaging 39°F highs and 17°F lows at Lodgepole. Tire chains are often required, and the Generals Highway between Lodgepole and Grant Grove is unplowed from the Friday after January 1 and often closes.

Sequoia in February

41°F / 18°F. The snowiest month, with about 61 inches at Lodgepole. Expect chain controls; the foothills are mild and green.

Sequoia in March

45°F / 22°F. Snow is still common in the groves. The Generals Highway between Lodgepole and Grant Grove is usually unplowed until the third Friday in March; foothill wildflowers begin.

Sequoia in April

50°F / 26°F. Snow lingers in the groves, with highs near 50°F. Foothills are at their best for wildflowers, and Highway 180 toward Cedar Grove generally opens in late April.

Sequoia in May

58°F / 33°F. Highs near 58°F and snow melting in the groves. Mineral King Road, Moro Rock/Crescent Meadow Road and Crystal Cave usually open around late May.

Sequoia in June

68°F / 40°F. Mild and mostly dry, with highs near 68°F; snow is still possible early in the month. Foothills turn hot and dry.

Sequoia in July

76°F / 46°F. Warm days near 76°F and cool nights in the 40s°F in the groves, with occasional afternoon thundershowers. Foothill highs average about 96-97°F.

Sequoia in August

76°F / 44°F. The driest month, with highs near 76°F at Lodgepole. Foothills are very hot; wildfire smoke can affect air quality.

Sequoia in September

70°F / 39°F. Pleasant, with highs near 70°F and nights near 39°F. Crystal Cave tours usually end in late September.

Sequoia in October

59°F / 31°F. Cooler, with nights below freezing and the first snow possible. Mineral King Road usually closes after the last Wednesday in October, and chains may be needed.

Sequoia in November

47°F / 23°F. Highs near 47°F and snowfall picks up. Cedar Grove and Highway 180 beyond Grant Grove usually close by mid-November; carry chains.

Sequoia in December

37°F / 17°F. Winter sets in, with about 35 inches of snow at Lodgepole and highs near 37°F. Chain controls are common, and storms can close park roads until they are plowed.

Weather hazards to plan for

Winter chain controls: all vehicles, including 4WD and AWD, must carry chains when requirements are in effect, usually fall through spring.
Snow can close the Generals Highway, especially between Lodgepole and Grant Grove from early January to mid-March.
Summer heat in the foothills, with highs near 97°F in July and August; hike early and carry water.
Afternoon thunderstorms and lightning in the high country in summer.
Winter rockfall on the road to Cedar Grove, which is why it closes for the season.

What to pack for Sequoia, based on the weather

Gear picked from Sequoia's average weather for the month you choose. Packing for

October: average high 59°F, low 31°F, 2.3 in of precipitation.

Sleeping bags rated 24°F and below

Nights average 31°F at Lodgepole, and higher campgrounds run colder. A bag rated about 10°F below the low keeps you warm.

Shop at Coleman

Tents with a full rainfly

October averages 2.3 inches of rain here. A full-coverage rainfly keeps you and your gear dry.

Shop at Coleman Rain jacket on Amazon

Camp stoves

With nights near 31°F, hot meals and drinks make mornings much easier. Stoves are usually allowed even when campfires are banned.

Shop at Coleman

Lanterns

Long, cold evenings come early in October. A rechargeable lantern lights camp without a fire.

Shop at Coleman Warm jacket on Amazon Base layers on Amazon

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Sequoia weather questions

What is the weather like in Sequoia in October?

At Lodgepole, October highs average 59°F and lows 31°F, so expect cool days and freezing nights. Early snow is possible, and Mineral King Road usually closes at the end of the month.

Does it snow in Sequoia National Park?

Yes. The sequoia groves get a deep snowpack, with about 220 inches a year at Lodgepole and snow on the ground from about December to May. The foothills rarely get snow.

When is the stormy season in Sequoia?

Most precipitation falls from late fall through early spring, with December to March the wettest stretch. Summers are mostly dry, though afternoon thundershowers can occur in the groves.

How hot does it get in Sequoia?

In the groves, summer highs average about 76°F. The foothills near the Ash Mountain entrance are much hotter, averaging about 96-97°F in July and August.

What is the best month to visit Sequoia for weather?

June through September brings mild, mostly dry weather in the groves with all main roads usually open. April and May are best for foothill wildflowers, though snow may linger higher up.

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