Are you thinking of taking a trip to Yosemite National Park but are unsure of when to go? My name is Ash, and I’m a former park ranger. I can’t wait to help you decide when is the best time to visit Yosemite for your upcoming vacation!
You’ll want to consider things like the weather, what’s open, and the crowds when choosing the best time to visit Yosemite. Here are my suggestions if you’re hoping to:
- Beat the crowds: May or October
- Travel during the summer: June
- Go backpacking: July or August
- Save money: October
- Have a unique adventure: February
Each month in this park is unique and can give you a completely different experience. Let’s talk through the pros and cons so that you can make an informed decision on the best time to visit Yosemite!
Average Monthly Temperatures in Yosemite Valley (4,000 ft)
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Avg High (F) | 48 | 51 | 57 | 63 | 71 | 81 | 89 | 89 | 83 | 71 | 56 | 46 |
Avg Low (F) | 29 | 30 | 34 | 38 | 45 | 51 | 57 | 57 | 51 | 41 | 33 | 28 |
Avg Rain/Snow (“) | 7 | 6.5 | 5.5 | 3.2 | 1.9 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.4 | 1.6 | 4.1 | 5.6 |
Winter in Yosemite (December-March)
A visit to Yosemite during the winter can be absolutely enchanting!
During the winter months, Yosemite Valley, Wawona, and part of the road to Glacier Point are the only areas of the park that can be accessed by car (tire chains required). Ice skating, snowshoeing, and skiing are just a few of the activities you’ll find available in the winter.
The crowds in Yosemite die down substantially during the winter, but expect things to pick up around the holidays and during the Firefall in February. Even though you’ll miss seeing the park’s high country, you can still enjoy stunning views of the mountains and a quiet winter wonderland.
December in Yosemite
If you’re looking for a fun Christmas getaway, December in Yosemite is a fabulous way to spend the holiday season. Temperatures typically stay in the 40s during the day but will drop below freezing in the morning and evening hours. Expect snow, beautiful views, and many fun winter activities!
What You Need to Know
- Yosemite Valley is accessible year-round via the Big Oak Flat Entrance, Arch Rock Entrance (this is the safest way to enter Yosemite if the roads are snowy), and the South Entrance. Yosemite Valley is where you will want to focus your lodging/plans for a winter visit.
- The Glacier Point Road is closed beyond the Badger Pass Ski Area.
- The Tioga Road is closed from Crane Flat to Lee Vining.
- The Yosemite Valley Shuttle runs year-round. Leave your car parked at your hotel in the valley or at one of the large day-use lots and use the shuttle to get around.
- The Valley Visitor Center is open daily but on reduced hours.
- Upper Pines, Camp 4, Hodgdon Meadow, and Wawona campgrounds are typically open year-round. All other campgrounds are closed.
- The Ahwahnee, Yosemite Valley Lodge, Curry Village, and the Glacier Point Ski Hut are open during the winter months.
- Most trails in Yosemite Valley are hikeable during the winter months. This includes the Bridalveil Fall, Lower Yosemite Fall, Mirror Lake, and Cook’s Meadow Trails. You can hike to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall using the winter route.
- The Half Dome cables are down at this time, so you will not be able to summit Half Dome during this month.
- Ice skating, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and tubing are popular winter activities available in Yosemite.
- Yosemite’s famous waterfalls dry up at the end of the summer, but when the winter snow starts to fall, the waterfalls will typically begin to flow again!
- For some extra Christmas fun near Yosemite, check out the Bracebridge Dinner at the Ahwahnee, the Tenaya Lodge Christmas Tree Lighting and holiday activities, or the Mariposa Merry Mountain Christmas Festival.
- Tire chain controls are often in effect during this time. You are required to have chains with you, regardless of the vehicle you are driving.
- The crowd levels are low, except as it gets closer to the holidays.
January in Yosemite
January in Yosemite is much like December, just without all the added Christmas festivities and crowds. Temperatures are in the 40s during the day and below freezing at night. January is typically the wettest month of the year in Yosemite.
What You Need to Know
- Yosemite Valley is accessible year-round via the Big Oak Flat Entrance, Arch Rock Entrance (this is the safest way to enter Yosemite if the roads are snowy), and the South Entrance. Yosemite Valley is where you will want to focus your lodging/plans for a winter visit.
- The Glacier Point Road is closed beyond the Badger Pass Ski Area.
- The Tioga Road is closed from Crane Flat to Lee Vining.
- The Yosemite Valley Shuttle runs year-round. Leave your car parked at your hotel in the valley or at one of the large day-use lots and use the shuttle to get around.
- The Valley Visitor Center is open daily but on reduced hours.
- Upper Pines, Camp 4, Hodgdon Meadow, and Wawona campgrounds are typically open year-round. All other campgrounds are closed.
- The Ahwahnee, Yosemite Valley Lodge, Curry Village, and the Glacier Point Ski Hut are open during the winter months.
- Most trails in Yosemite Valley are hikeable during the winter months. This includes the Bridalveil Fall, Lower Yosemite Fall, Mirror Lake, and Cook’s Meadow Trails. You can hike to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall using the winter route.
- The Half Dome cables are down at this time, so you will not be able to summit Half Dome during this month.
- Ice skating, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and tubing are popular winter activities available in Yosemite.
- Yosemite’s famous waterfalls dry up at the end of the summer, but when the winter snow starts to fall, the waterfalls will typically begin to flow again!
- Tire chain controls are often in effect during this time. You are required to have chains with you, regardless of the vehicle you are driving.
- The crowd levels are low.
February in Yosemite
February is the busiest winter month in the park due to the popularity of the Firefall. This natural phenomenon makes Horsetail Fall light up as though it’s on fire — people flock to Yosemite Valley from all over the world for this event.
The Firefall usually takes place during the last two weeks of February. If you choose to visit the park during this time, be prepared for large crowds, traffic, and more expensive lodging. If luck is on your side, you’ll be treated to an unforgettable Yosemite experience!
I recommend a visit to Yosemite in February if you’re hoping to have a unique adventure.
What You Need to Know
- Yosemite Valley is accessible year-round via the Big Oak Flat Entrance, Arch Rock Entrance (this is the safest way to enter Yosemite if the roads are snowy), and the South Entrance. Yosemite Valley is where you will want to focus your lodging/plans for a winter visit.
- The Glacier Point Road is closed beyond the Badger Pass Ski Area.
- The Tioga Road is closed from Crane Flat to Lee Vining.
- The Yosemite Valley Shuttle runs year-round. Leave your car parked at your hotel in the valley or at one of the large day-use lots and use the shuttle to get around.
- The Valley Visitor Center is open daily but on reduced hours.
- Upper Pines, Camp 4, Hodgdon Meadow, and Wawona campgrounds are typically open year-round. All other campgrounds are closed.
- The Ahwahnee, Yosemite Valley Lodge, Curry Village, and the Glacier Point Ski Hut are open during the winter months.
- Most trails in Yosemite Valley are hikeable during the winter months. This includes the Bridalveil Fall, Lower Yosemite Fall, Mirror Lake, and Cook’s Meadow Trails. You can hike to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall using the winter route.
- The Half Dome cables are down at this time, so you will not be able to summit Half Dome during this month.
- Ice skating, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and tubing are popular winter activities available in Yosemite.
- Yosemite’s famous waterfalls dry up at the end of the summer, but when the winter snow starts to fall, the waterfalls will typically begin to flow again!
- Tire chain controls are often in effect during this time. You are required to have chains with you, regardless of the vehicle you are driving.
- The crowd levels are high during the last two weeks of the month for the Firefall.
March in Yosemite
March in Yosemite is still considered wintertime, and snowstorms are still likely during this month. After the Firefall crowds dissipate, Yosemite Valley becomes quiet again as nature prepares for spring. A visit in March will still mostly limit you to Yosemite Valley, but slightly warmer temperatures and sunny days can be great for exploring the park.
What You Need to Know
- Yosemite Valley is accessible year-round via the Big Oak Flat Entrance, Arch Rock Entrance (this is the safest way to enter Yosemite if the roads are snowy), and the South Entrance. Yosemite Valley is where you will want to focus your lodging/plans for a winter visit.
- The Glacier Point Road is closed beyond the Badger Pass Ski Area.
- The Tioga Road is closed from Crane Flat to Lee Vining.
- The Yosemite Valley Shuttle runs year-round. Leave your car parked at your hotel in the valley or at one of the large day-use lots and use the shuttle to get around.
- The Valley Visitor Center is open daily but on reduced hours.
- Upper Pines, Camp 4, Hodgdon Meadow, and Wawona campgrounds are typically open year-round. All other campgrounds are closed.
- The Ahwahnee, Yosemite Valley Lodge, Curry Village, and the Glacier Point Ski Hut are open during the winter months.
- Most trails in Yosemite Valley are hikeable during the winter months. This includes the Bridalveil Fall, Lower Yosemite Fall, Mirror Lake, and Cook’s Meadow Trails. You can hike to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall using the winter route.
- The Half Dome cables are down at this time, so you will not be able to summit Half Dome during this month.
- Ice skating, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and tubing are popular winter activities available in Yosemite during the first half of March. These activities usually start to shut down around mid-March as the temperatures get warmer.
- Yosemite’s famous waterfalls dry up at the end of the summer, but when the winter snow starts to fall, the waterfalls will typically begin to flow again!
- Tire chain controls are often in effect during this time. You are required to have chains with you, regardless of the vehicle you are driving.
- The crowd levels are low.
Spring in Yosemite (April and May)
Springtime is a time of transition in the park. As the long winter starts to melt away, the wildlife begins to emerge, the trees start to bud, and the roads and campgrounds begin to open up in preparation for a busy summer season.
If you love waterfalls, then a spring visit to Yosemite might be perfect for you! Yosemite’s tall and dramatic waterfalls usually hit peak run-off in May. You’ll find rushing water everywhere in the park, whether it’s a river, waterfall, or unnamed stream.
Crowding during the spring is low, mostly because not all the roads are open yet. If you’re hoping to do some hiking or drive to some of the park’s higher elevation viewpoints and trails, I’d recommend travel dates no earlier than mid-May. Visiting Yosemite during the spring is a gamble as to what roads will be open.
April in Yosemite
April in Yosemite is highly unpredictable, which makes this month one of my least favorite times to be in the park. The temperatures and snow levels aren’t usually good enough to participate in winter activities anymore, but it likely won’t be warm enough to open up the Tioga or Glacier Point Roads yet or to hike many of the park’s longer trails.
Personally, I prefer either a winter visit or an early summer visit rather than planning a trip in April and not being able to participate fully in a particular season’s activities.
What You Need to Know
- Yosemite Valley is accessible year-round via the Big Oak Flat Entrance, Arch Rock Entrance (this is the safest way to enter Yosemite if the roads are snowy), and the South Entrance. Yosemite Valley is where you will want to focus your lodging/plans for a spring visit.
- The Glacier Point Road is usually closed at this time. If the snow levels are extremely low, this road does occasionally open in April, but it’s rare.
- The Tioga Road is closed from Crane Flat to Lee Vining. This road almost never reopens during the month of April.
- The Yosemite Valley Shuttle runs year-round. Leave your car parked at your hotel in the valley or at one of the large day-use lots and use the shuttle to get around.
- The Valley Visitor Center is open daily but on reduced hours.
- Upper Pines, Camp 4, Hodgdon Meadow, and Wawona campgrounds are typically open year-round. Several other campgrounds (especially in Yosemite Valley) begin to open starting in mid-April.
- Almost all lodging within the park is open by the end of April. The exception is the lodging options that are located along the Tioga Road (White Wolf, Tuolumne Meadows, and the High Sierra Camps), which don’t open until the summer.
- Most trails in Yosemite Valley are hikeable in the spring. This includes the Bridalveil Fall, Lower Yosemite Fall, Mirror Lake, Cook’s Meadow, and the Mist Trail.
- The Half Dome cables are down, so you will not be able to summit Half Dome during this month.
- Yosemite’s famous waterfalls are typically roaring at this time! In years of high spring run-off, flooding in the valley is possible.
- The crowd levels are low.
May in Yosemite
May is still a time of transition in Yosemite, but almost all roads, campgrounds, and visitor centers open up before the month is over. The weather in Yosemite Valley can be quite wonderful for exploring at this time, with temperatures hovering near 70 degrees and precipitation decreasing. The higher elevations of the park (found along the Tioga Road or a backcountry trail) will still have snow.
If you’re hoping to see the massive waterfalls that thunder down Yosemite’s cliffs, May is a fabulous time to visit. Most waterfalls hit their peak run-off levels at this time, and it’s a humbling sight!
I recommend a visit to Yosemite in mid-late May if you’re hoping to beat the summer crowds.
What You Need to Know
- Yosemite Valley is accessible year-round via the Big Oak Flat Entrance, Arch Rock Entrance (this is the safest way to enter Yosemite if the roads are snowy), and the South Entrance. Yosemite Valley is where you will want to focus your lodging/plans for a spring visit.
- The Glacier Point Road usually opens at some point in May. The opening date is dependent on how much snow needs to be plowed.
- The Tioga Road can (and often does) open around mid-late May. If the Tioga Road is open, you will now be able to enter the park via the Tioga Pass Entrance on the east side.
- The Yosemite Valley Shuttle runs year-round. Leave your car parked at your hotel in the valley or at one of the large day-use lots and use the shuttle to get around.
- The Valley Visitor Center is open daily. The Big Oak Flat Information Station and the Wawona Visitor Center usually open up in early May.
- Upper Pines, Camp 4, Lower Pines, North Pines, Hodgdon Meadow, and Wawona campgrounds are typically open at this time. The remaining campgrounds in the park will open as the Tioga and Glacier Point roads open.
- Almost all lodging within the park is open at this time. The exception is the lodging options that are located along the Tioga Road (White Wolf, Tuolumne Meadows, and the High Sierra Camps), which don’t open until the summer.
- Most trails in Yosemite Valley are hikeable in the spring. This includes the Bridalveil Fall, Lower Yosemite Fall, Mirror Lake, Cook’s Meadow, and the Mist Trail. If you hike the Mist Trail in May, you will get heavily “misted”! Trails along the Glacier Point Road and the Tioga Road will probably still have a good amount of snow at this time.
- The Half Dome cables usually go up at the end of May, so you will be able to summit Half Dome at the end of this month if you have the required permit.
- Yosemite’s famous waterfalls are typically roaring at this time! In years of high spring run-off, flooding in the valley is possible.
- The crowd levels are moderate for most of the month, except over Memorial Day weekend when crowding is high.
Summer in Yosemite (June-September)
The great thing about Yosemite during the summer is that everything is open! You’ll have numerous lodging and dining options, plus access to all of the main points of interest, tours, programs, and visitor centers.
Your options are endless during the summer, but that comes with a price….crowds. Be prepared to share the amazing sights of Yosemite with people from all over the world during the popular summer season. Arrive with a plan so that you don’t have to circle parking lots and wait in shuttle lines all day.
June in Yosemite
June is a fabulous time to visit Yosemite National Park. Visitor centers, ranger programs, shuttles, restaurants, shops, and activities are all running on long hours, and the sun stays out late. Your options for adventure are endless!
I recommend visiting Yosemite in June if you must travel during the summer months. The weather is pleasant, the roads are open, and the park isn’t quite as crowded. June is peak waterfall viewing time as well — the waterfalls start to dry up later in the summer.
What You Need to Know
- All park roads should be open at this time. Occasionally the Tioga Road doesn’t open until mid-late June if the previous winter/spring had a lot of snowfall.
- The Yosemite Valley Shuttle runs year-round. Leave your car parked at your hotel in the valley or at one of the large day-use lots and use the shuttle to get around the valley.
- The Valley Visitor Center, Big Oak Flat Information Station, and the Wawona Visitor Center are open daily. The Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center usually opens at some point this month.
- All campgrounds are typically open by the end of June.
- All lodging options within the park are usually open by the end of June.
- All trails in Yosemite Valley should be snow-free and hikeable. This includes the Bridalveil Fall, Lower Yosemite Fall, Mirror Lake, Cook’s Meadow, and the Mist Trail. If you hike the Mist Trail in June, you will get heavily “misted”! Trails along the Glacier Point Road and the Tioga Road may still have patchy snow at this time.
- The Half Dome cables are up, so you will be able to summit Half Dome in June if you have the required permit.
- Yosemite’s famous waterfalls are typically roaring at this time!
- Summer is wildfire season in the Yosemite area. You may find the air to be smoky from nearby fires, areas may be closed, or fire restrictions may be in place.
- The crowd levels are high.
July in Yosemite
The month of July is typically the busiest time in Yosemite, so make sure you have a good plan for navigating the crowds and finding parking! Expect visitor centers, ranger programs, shuttles, restaurants, shops, and activities to be up and running for the summer season.
It is common for large thunderstorms to roll through the mountains during the summer, so keep an eye on the weather and start hiking early if you’re visiting during the peak summer months.
I recommend a visit to Yosemite in July if you’re hoping to go backpacking in the park. You’ll enjoy great weather, warm nights, and an escape from the crowds!
What You Need to Know
- All park roads should be open at this time, but it’s construction season, so there may be small delays.
- The Yosemite Valley Shuttle runs year-round. Leave your car parked at your hotel in the valley or at one of the large day-use lots and use the shuttle to get around the valley.
- All information stations and visitor centers are open.
- All campgrounds are open.
- All lodging options within the park are open.
- All activities and hiking trails are typically open. There may be some lingering snow patches in the backcountry.
- The Half Dome cables are up, so you will be able to summit Half Dome in July if you have the required permit.
- Yosemite’s famous waterfalls start to dry up as the month goes on. Visit the park in early July if roaring waterfalls are important to you.
- Summer is wildfire season in the Yosemite area. You may find the air to be smoky from nearby fires, areas may be closed, or fire restrictions may be in place.
- You can find 4th of July activities at the Tenaya Lodge or at Bass Lake! The 4th of July weekend is one of the busiest weekends of the year, so plan accordingly.
- The crowd levels are extremely high.
August in Yosemite
August is another extremely busy month in Yosemite — you’ll need to make sure you have a good plan for finding parking and navigating through the crowds. It is common for large thunderstorms to roll through the mountains during the summer, so keep an eye on the weather and start hiking early if you’re visiting during the peak summer months.
I recommend a visit to Yosemite in August if you’re hoping to go backpacking in the park. You’ll enjoy great weather, warm nights, and an escape from the crowds!
What You Need to Know
- All park roads should be open at this time, but it’s construction season, so there may be small delays.
- The Yosemite Valley Shuttle runs year-round. Leave your car parked at your hotel in the valley or at one of the large day-use lots and use the shuttle to get around the valley.
- All information stations and visitor centers are open.
- All campgrounds are open.
- All lodging options within the park are open.
- All activities and hiking trails are typically open.
- The Half Dome cables are up, so you will be able to summit Half Dome in August if you have the required permit.
- Yosemite’s famous waterfalls will be mostly dried up by August. If seeing waterfalls is important to you, visit the park earlier in the summer.
- Summer is wildfire season in the Yosemite area. You may find the air to be smoky from nearby fires, areas may be closed, or fire restrictions may be in place.
- The crowd levels are extremely high.
September in Yosemite
While many national parks see a drastic slowdown starting in September, Yosemite National Park doesn’t! September in Yosemite is still considered part of the summer in terms of what’s open and crowd levels, so come with a plan and expect beautiful weather for exploring.
What You Need to Know
- All park roads should be open at this time, but it’s construction season, so there may be small delays.
- The Yosemite Valley Shuttle runs year-round. Leave your car parked at your hotel in the valley or at one of the large day-use lots and use the shuttle to get around the valley.
- All information stations and visitor centers are open.
- All campgrounds are open, but some begin to close in mid-late September.
- All lodging options within the park are open, but some begin to close in mid-late September.
- All activities and hiking trails are typically open.
- The Half Dome cables are up, so you will be able to summit Half Dome in September if you have the required permit.
- Yosemite’s famous waterfalls will be mostly dried up in September. If seeing waterfalls is important to you, visit the park earlier in the summer.
- Summer is wildfire season in the Yosemite area. You may find the air to be smoky from nearby fires, areas may be closed, or fire restrictions may be in place.
- The crowd levels are extremely high. Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest weekends of the year.
Traffic and crowding in Yosemite can be terrible.
Did you know that it’s common to wait an hour or more to enter the park or catch the shuttle?
Are you hoping to see the best sights without getting stuck in traffic, circling parking lots, or being surrounded by people?
Stay ahead of the crowds with this Yosemite Itinerary. You will see all of the can’t-miss spots, plus get lodging and dining guides, driving directions, and insider tips!
Autumn in Yosemite (October-November)
A quiet solitude begins to fall over the Yosemite landscape as the busy summer crowds start to die off. A chill fills the air as the animals and plants begin to prepare for winter…and it’s magical!
Autumn in Yosemite is fabulous. A few highlights of a trip during this season include fall colors, bluebird skies, and more elbow room to enjoy the sights.
October in Yosemite
October marks the beginning of another transition season as the park prepares for the upcoming winter. Snowstorms are possible, and that can cause temporary road closures. The campgrounds and lodges found along the Tioga and Glacier Point roads begin to close down, and Yosemite Valley once again becomes the area to focus on for your Autumn visit.
Depending on the year, a visit to Yosemite in October can be similar to a September visit as far as what’s open. It’s common for the Tioga and Glacier Point roads to remain open throughout the month, making it possible to still get to all of the can’t-miss activities in the park.
I recommend a visit to Yosemite in October if you’re hoping to beat the crowds or save money on lodging.
What You Need to Know
- Yosemite Valley is accessible year-round via the Big Oak Flat Entrance, Arch Rock Entrance (this is the safest way to enter Yosemite if the roads are snowy), and the South Entrance. Yosemite Valley is where you will want to focus your lodging/plans for a fall visit.
- All park roads are open, weather permitting.
- The Yosemite Valley Shuttle runs year-round. Leave your car parked at your hotel in the valley or at one of the large day-use lots and use the shuttle to get around.
- The Valley Visitor Center is open daily. The Big Oak Flat Information Station and the Wawona Visitor Center usually stay open through October.
- Upper Pines, Camp 4, Lower Pines, North Pines, Hodgdon Meadow, and Wawona campgrounds are typically open at this time. The remaining campgrounds in the park close sometime in late September or early October.
- Almost all lodging within the park is open at this time. The exception is the lodging options that are located along the Tioga Road (White Wolf, Tuolumne Meadows, and the High Sierra Camps), which usually close in late September or early October.
- All activities and hiking trails are typically open.
- The Half Dome cables usually go down in mid-October, so you will only be able to summit Half Dome at the beginning of the month if you have the required permit.
- Yosemite’s famous waterfalls will be mostly dried up in October unless a recent storm has come through. If seeing waterfalls is important to you, visit the park in May or June.
- Yosemite isn’t famous for its fall colors due to a large number of evergreen trees, but you will find beautiful pockets of color around mid-October.
- The crowd levels are moderate.
November in Yosemite
November in Yosemite is highly unpredictable, which makes this month one of my least favorite times to be in the park. The temperatures and snow levels aren’t usually good enough to participate in winter activities, and several of the park roads close down, so you can’t fully explore all areas of the park.
Personally, I prefer either waiting until mid-December when all the winter activities start back up or visiting earlier in the fall when the roads are still open.
What You Need to Know
- Yosemite Valley is accessible year-round via the Big Oak Flat Entrance, Arch Rock Entrance (this is the safest way to enter Yosemite if the roads are snowy), and the South Entrance. Yosemite Valley is where you will want to focus your lodging/plans for a fall visit.
- The Glacier Point Road closes for the season in November.
- The Tioga Road closes for the season in November.
- The Yosemite Valley Shuttle runs year-round. Leave your car parked at your hotel in the valley or at one of the large day-use lots and use the shuttle to get around.
- The Valley Visitor Center is open daily but on reduced hours.
- Upper Pines, Camp 4, Hodgdon Meadow, and Wawona campgrounds are typically open year-round. All other campgrounds are usually closed by November.
- Almost all lodging within the park is open at this time. The exception is the lodging options that are located along the Tioga Road (White Wolf, Tuolumne Meadows, and the High Sierra Camps), which close down in early fall.
- Most trails in Yosemite Valley are hikeable at this time. This includes the Bridalveil Fall, Lower Yosemite Fall, Mirror Lake, Cook’s Meadow, and the Mist Trail.
- The Half Dome cables are down, so you will not be able to summit Half Dome during this month.
- Yosemite’s famous waterfalls will be mostly dried up in November unless a recent storm has come through. If seeing waterfalls is important to you, visit the park in May or June.
- Yosemite isn’t famous for its fall colors due to a large number of evergreen trees, but you may still find some lingering colors in early November.
- Tire chain controls are often in effect during this time. You are required to have chains with you, regardless of the vehicle you are driving.
- The crowd levels are low.
Now that you’ve learned about the best time to visit Yosemite, you’re ready to make your dream trip a reality. Happy trails!
More Yosemite Trip Planning Information
Yosemite Itinerary — a detailed hour-by-hour sightseeing schedule.
How to Get to Yosemite — the best airports and roads in the area.
How Many Days Should I Spend in Yosemite? — itinerary ideas.
Weather, Hours, and Closures — important weather info and common closures.
Where Should I Stay? — the best options in and around the park.
The Best Things to Do — activities for your whole group.
All About Camping — learn about the park’s campgrounds and how to get a site.
12 Things You Can’t Miss on Your First Visit to Yosemite — the top 12 spots.
The Best Easy Hikes — the perfect trails for kids, wheelchairs, and beginners.
The Ultimate Yosemite Trip Planning Guide — everything you need to know.
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