Yosemite 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.
In shortYosemite spans about 2,000 to 13,000 ft, so conditions change sharply with elevation. The table is for Yosemite Valley (4,000 ft): hot, dry summers with highs near 89°F and mild, wet winters, with about 95% of yearly precipitation falling October through May. Higher areas such as Tuolumne Meadows (8,600 ft) are roughly 15-20°F cooler and stay snow-covered for much of the year.
Yosemite 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.
Yosemite Valley 4,000 ft
Where the table applies; hot dry summers, wet winters with rain or snow in any given storm.
The live 7-day forecast loads here. You can also open the National Weather Service forecast for Yosemite Valley.
Glacier Point 7,214 ft
About 3,200 ft above the Valley and noticeably cooler; road typically open May to November only.
The live 7-day forecast loads here. You can also open the National Weather Service forecast for Glacier Point.
Tuolumne Meadows 8,600 ft
Summer highs around 70°F and nights near freezing; snow-covered roughly November through May, reached only when Tioga Road is open.
The live 7-day forecast loads here. You can also open the National Weather Service forecast for Tuolumne Meadows.
Average weather in Yosemite by month
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Precipitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 48°F | 28°F | 7.0 in |
| February | 51°F | 30°F | 6.5 in |
| March | 57°F | 34°F | 5.5 in |
| April | 63°F | 38°F | 3.2 in |
| May | 70°F | 44°F | 1.9 in |
| June | 80°F | 51°F | 0.5 in |
| July | 89°F | 57°F | 0.3 in |
| August | 89°F | 57°F | 0.2 in |
| September | 83°F | 51°F | 0.4 in |
| October | 71°F | 41°F | 1.6 in |
| November | 56°F | 32°F | 4.0 in |
| December | 46°F | 28°F | 5.6 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.
Yosemite weather month by month
Yosemite in January
48°F / 28°F. The wettest, coldest stretch; the Valley sees rain or snow (highs near 48°F, lows below freezing). Tioga and Glacier Point roads are closed beyond the winter access points; carry tire chains.
Yosemite in February
51°F / 30°F. Still wet and cold, with snow possible at Valley level. Horsetail Fall may glow at sunset in mid-to-late February, and viewing restrictions may apply.
Yosemite in March
57°F / 34°F. Storms taper off and days lengthen; waterfalls start to build with early snowmelt. High country remains under snow.
Yosemite in April
63°F / 38°F. Mild Valley days (low 60s) and rising waterfalls. Plowing of Tioga and Glacier Point roads typically begins around mid-April.
Yosemite in May
70°F / 44°F. Peak waterfall season usually arrives in May or June. Glacier Point Road typically opens sometime in May; Tioga Road usually opens late May or June depending on snowpack.
Yosemite in June
80°F / 51°F. Warm and mostly dry in the Valley (highs near 81°F); waterfalls still strong early in the month. High-country trails may hold snow into June.
Yosemite in July
89°F / 57°F. Hot, dry Valley afternoons near 89°F; Tuolumne Meadows is pleasant. Afternoon thunderstorms can build over the high country.
Yosemite in August
89°F / 57°F. Hottest and driest month; Yosemite Falls is often a trickle or dry by August. Wildfire smoke can reduce visibility in some years.
Yosemite in September
83°F / 51°F. Warm, dry, and less crowded after Labor Day. Many waterfalls are low or dry until fall rains return.
Yosemite in October
71°F / 41°F. Comfortable days (highs near 71°F) with cold nights near 41°F; the first storms of the wet season can arrive. High-country campgrounds close and overnight parking along Tioga and Glacier Point roads ends October 15.
Yosemite in November
56°F / 32°F. Wet season begins in earnest. Tioga and Glacier Point roads usually close sometime in November once snow arrives; trails above the Valley become snowy.
Yosemite in December
46°F / 28°F. Cold and wet with frequent storms; snow is possible in the Valley. Carry chains, and expect only the Valley, Wawona, and Badger Pass area to be reachable by road.
Weather hazards to plan for
- Winter storms that bring snow and ice to Valley roads, with chain controls and closures (roughly November through April)
- Afternoon thunderstorms and lightning on exposed high-country summits and domes in summer
- Fast, cold snowmelt rivers and slippery rock near waterfalls in spring and early summer
- Snow-covered, hard-to-follow trails at higher elevations from about November through May or June
- Summer heat in the Valley (highs near 90°F) and wildfire smoke in some late summers
Yosemite weather questions
What is the weather like in Yosemite in October?
In Yosemite Valley, October averages highs near 71°F and lows near 41°F, with about 1.6 inches of precipitation as the wet season begins. Higher areas are much colder, and early snow can close Tioga and Glacier Point roads by November.
Does it snow in Yosemite?
Yes. Most of the park is snow-covered from about November through May, and Yosemite Valley can get rain or snow in any winter storm.
When is the best time to see Yosemite's waterfalls?
Spring, with peak flow usually in May or June. Yosemite Falls is often a trickle or dry by August.
How cold does it get at night in summer?
Valley nights in July and August average about 57°F. At Tuolumne Meadows (8,600 ft), summer lows average in the upper 30s °F.
What is the best month for weather in Yosemite?
Late May through June and September offer mild Valley temperatures and mostly dry weather. June has strong waterfalls, while September is warm and quieter but the falls are low.
Yosemite planning guides
- Best Time to Visit Yosemite National ParkWhen to visit Yosemite: waterfall peak in May and June, Tioga and Glacier Point road seasons, February Firefall, winter access and the 2026 reservation status.
- How Many Days Do You Need in Yosemite?Plan 2 days for Yosemite Valley and 3 to 4 to add Glacier Point, Mariposa Grove and Tuolumne. Sample itineraries plus where to stay inside and outside the park.
- Best Hikes in Yosemite National ParkThe best Yosemite hikes, from easy waterfall walks to the Mist Trail and Half Dome, with NPS distances, elevation gain, permits and October 2026 closures.
- Camping in Yosemite National Park: Campgrounds, Reservations and TipsAll 13 Yosemite campgrounds with sites, fees, RV limits and 2026 dates, plus how the 15th-of-the-month reservation release works and where to camp nearby.