National Park Trekkers

Yosemite Weather in July: What to Expect and What to Pack

Monthly averages are NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals. Check the NPS alerts page for road and trail closures before you go.

July in Yosemite89°F days, 57°F nights at Yosemite Valley (4,018 ft), with about 0.3 inches of precipitation. Hot, dry Valley afternoons near 89°F; Tuolumne Meadows is pleasant. Afternoon thunderstorms can build over the high country.

El Capitan above a meadow and tall pines
El Capitan from the Valley floor.Photo: Adam Kool / Unsplash

How elevation changes the weather in Yosemite

Estimated average high and low for each area in July, 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.

  1. 8,600 ftTuolumne Meadows73° / 41°
  2. 7,214 ftGlacier Point78° / 46°
  3. 4,000 ftYosemite Valley89° / 57°

Estimates based on the long-term average at Yosemite Valley (4,018 ft). Check the live forecast for each area above before you go.

July compared with the months around it

MonthAvg highAvg lowPrecipitation
June80°F51°F0.5 in
July89°F57°F0.3 in
August89°F57°F0.2 in

July is 9°F warmer than June by day, and August cools another 0°F.

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

What to pack for Yosemite in July

Picked from Yosemite's average weather in July.

Sleeping bags rated 40–49°F

Nights average 57°F at Yosemite Valley, 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

Afternoon thunderstorms are common here in July. A full-coverage rainfly keeps you and your gear dry, and a rain jacket belongs in every day pack.

Shop at ColemanRain jacket on Amazon
Water jugs

Days average 89°F. Carry more water than you think you need and refill at camp.

Shop at ColemanSun hat on Amazon
Coolers

Keep food cold in the heat. In bear country, store coolers in your vehicle or a food locker when not in use.

Shop at Coleman
Shade shelters

Shade at camp or at a picnic stop makes midday heat bearable.

Shop at Coleman

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Yosemite in July: questions

What is the weather like in Yosemite in July?

At Yosemite Valley (4,018 ft), July averages 89°F by day and 57°F at night, with about 0.3 inches of precipitation. Hot, dry Valley afternoons near 89°F; Tuolumne Meadows is pleasant. Afternoon thunderstorms can build over the high country.

How cold does Yosemite get at night in July?

Nights average 57°F at Yosemite Valley. Up at Tuolumne Meadows (8,600 ft) expect it about 16°F colder, near 41°F.

How does July compare with June?

July averages 89°F by day, 9°F warmer than June, and August averages 89°F.

What should I wear in Yosemite in July?

Plan for light, breathable clothing, a sun hat and plenty of water. Check the forecast for each area you will visit a few days before you go.

Live forecast by areaThe 7-day National Weather Service forecast for each part of Yosemite, plus all 12 months side by side.Open the Yosemite weather guide

More for your Yosemite trip

Sources