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When to Go

Best Time to Visit Yosemite & Sierra Nevada (North America)

North America · Month-by-month weather, seasons and what to do — from Noura's Destination Finder.

Noura's timing tip: Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road close with the first heavy snow (usually November) and don't reopen until late May or June, and tire chains may be required on park roads in winter. A peak-season day-use reservation is required to drive into the valley on busy summer days, and the Half Dome cables need a permit.
Best months
May–Sep
Flights from the US
🟢 Non-stop options
Great for
families with kids · couples · adult group · female solo traveler · multi-gen
Seasons at a glance
MayJuneJulyAugustSeptember FebruaryMarchAprilOctober JanuaryNovemberDecember

🟢 Peak season  ·  🟠 Shoulder  ·  ⚪ Off-peak

Yosemite & Sierra Nevada (North America) month by month

Average temperatures, sunshine and the feel of each month. Getting the timing right is half of a great trip.

MonthAvg °FSunRainSeasonWhat it's like
January 29–48°F 5h High (200mm) Off-Peak Snow-dusted granite and frozen falls make a hushed, crowd-free winter wonderland.
February 30–51°F 6h High (190mm) Shoulder The famed 'firefall' glows on Horsetail Fall, drawing photographers to the cold valley.
March 34–57°F 7h High (160mm) Shoulder Melting snow swells the waterfalls as the valley shakes off winter.
April 38–63°F 8h Moderate (91mm) Shoulder Thundering waterfalls and blooming dogwoods signal Yosemite's spring peak.
May 45–71°F 9h Moderate (68mm) Peak Waterfalls at maximum roar, wildflowers, and warm days, prime Yosemite.
June 51–81°F 11h Low (31mm) Peak High country opens as Tioga Road clears, unlocking meadows and alpine lakes.
July 57–89°F 12h Low (29mm) Peak Warm, sunny, and busy, long days for high peaks, swimming holes, and stargazing.
August 57–89°F 11h Minimal (18mm) Peak Peak-summer heat and thinning waterfalls, but glorious high-country hiking.
September 51–83°F 10h Low (23mm) Peak Warm days, cool nights, and thinning crowds make this a sweet-spot month.
October 41–71°F 8h Moderate (55mm) Shoulder Golden aspens and crisp, empty trails as the high country readies to close.
November 33–56°F 6h Moderate (92mm) Off-Peak Quiet and moody as the first snows return and high roads close for winter.
December 28–46°F 5h High (170mm) Off-Peak Snowfall blankets the valley for a serene, festive winter escape.

Data cross-referenced from climate and flight sources; conditions vary year to year.

Things to do in Yosemite & Sierra Nevada (North America), month by month

Hand-picked ideas for every month of the year — from Noura's Destination Finder.

JanuaryOff-Peak29–48°F
  • Ice skate at Curry Village under Half Dome
  • Ski and snowboard at Badger Pass
  • Snowshoe to Dewey Point on the valley rim
  • Photograph a frozen Yosemite Falls
  • Walk the snowy Cook's Meadow loop
FebruaryShoulder30–51°F
  • Catch the Horsetail Fall 'firefall' at sunset
  • Cross-country ski the Glacier Point trail
  • Snowshoe among the Mariposa Grove sequoias
  • Skate outdoors at Curry Village
  • Warm up by the fire at the Ahwahnee (Majestic Yosemite Hotel)
MarchShoulder34–57°F
  • Watch swelling Bridalveil and Yosemite Falls
  • Hike the lower Yosemite Falls loop
  • Spot dogwood buds along the Merced River
  • Ski the last of the Badger Pass season
  • Drive the still-quiet Southside Valley loop
AprilShoulder38–63°F
  • Hike the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall
  • See waterfalls at their roaring peak flow
  • Photograph blooming dogwoods in the valley
  • Walk the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias
  • Cycle the flat valley bike paths
MayPeak45–71°F
  • Climb the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls
  • Raft the Merced River as it opens
  • Hike to Sentinel Dome for valley panoramas
  • Watch climbers on El Capitan through scopes
  • Drive to Tunnel View for classic vistas
JunePeak51–81°F
  • Drive Tioga Road to Tuolumne Meadows
  • Hike to Cathedral Lakes in the high country
  • Take in sunset from Glacier Point
  • Raft or swim the Merced River
  • Backpack a stretch of the John Muir Trail
JulyPeak57–89°F
  • Summit Half Dome via the cables (permit required)
  • Explore Tuolumne Meadows and Lembert Dome
  • Swim the Merced at Sentinel Beach
  • Hike to Clouds Rest for 360-degree views
  • Stargaze at Glacier Point
AugustPeak57–89°F
  • Hike from Tuolumne to Cathedral Lakes
  • Cool off in Tenaya Lake's alpine water
  • Trek to Vogelsang High Sierra Camp
  • Watch the Perseid meteor shower at Olmsted Point
  • Bike the valley loop at dawn
SeptemberPeak51–83°F
  • Hike the high country before Tioga closes
  • Summit Half Dome on the final permit days
  • Enjoy quieter valley trails and meadows
  • Spot early aspen color at Tuolumne
  • Photograph El Capitan from El Cap Meadow
OctoberShoulder41–71°F
  • Chase fall color along the Tuolumne River
  • Hike the Four Mile Trail to Glacier Point
  • Stroll a golden, uncrowded valley floor
  • Visit the Mariposa Grove sequoias
  • Catch the last drive over Tioga Pass before it shuts
NovemberOff-Peak33–56°F
  • Walk the peaceful Valley Loop Trail
  • Photograph the season's first snow on the granite
  • Warm up at the Ahwahnee's grand fireplace
  • See the Mariposa Grove in autumn calm
  • Watch for early ice at the base of Bridalveil Fall
DecemberOff-Peak28–46°F
  • Attend the historic Bracebridge Dinner at the Ahwahnee
  • Ski or snowboard opening day at Badger Pass
  • Ice skate beneath a snowy Half Dome
  • Snowshoe the Mariposa Grove
  • Photograph fresh snow at Tunnel View
Where to go in May Where to go in June Where to go in July Where to go in August

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