Yosemite Weather by Month & Elevation
Planning a trip and wondering what the weather is like in Yosemite? The answer depends on when you visit and where you go. Yosemite’s weather can change quickly, and conditions vary dramatically between the foothill communities like Oakhurst, Yosemite Valley on the park floor, and the high country along Glacier Point Road and Tioga Road. Use this guide to understand Yosemite weather by month and elevation, then check the live forecast before you go.
Current Yosemite Valley Weather & 10-Day Forecast
Check the latest Yosemite Valley forecast using the embedded 10-day outlook below.
How Elevation Affects Yosemite Weather
One of the most important things to know about Yosemite weather is that elevation is everything. Temperatures, storms, and even the type of precipitation can be very different just a short drive apart.
- Oakhurst (≈ 2,300 ft) – Milder foothill conditions with four distinct seasons. Winters are cool and wet with mostly rain and only occasional low-elevation snow. Summers are hot and dry.
- Yosemite Valley (≈ 4,000 ft) – Cooler than Oakhurst year-round. Winters are snowy and icy, spring brings powerful waterfalls, summers are warm to hot, and fall is crisp and clear.
- High Country (7,000–10,000+ ft) – Includes Glacier Point Road, Tioga Road, and places like Tuolumne Meadows. This is true high Sierra weather: long winters, deep snow, short but glorious summers, and temperatures that can drop quickly, even in midsummer.
Because storms move fast in the high Sierra, conditions can change within hours. Even if the 10-day forecast looks mild, always check current conditions and be prepared for rapid changes.
Yosemite Weather by Month
Use this month-by-month Yosemite weather guide as a planning tool. Conditions vary year to year, so rely on the live forecast for day-of details.
January
- Oakhurst: Cool and wet; highs in the 50s, nights near freezing. Occasional snowfall but mostly rain.
- Yosemite Valley: Wintry; highs in the 40s, lows often in the 20s. Snow is common and roads can be icy.
- High Country: Deep winter. Roads like Glacier Point Road and Tioga Road are closed. Temperatures often stay below freezing all day.
February
- Oakhurst: Similar to January; cool, rainy, with occasional light snow during colder storms.
- Yosemite Valley: Cold and snowy, with beautiful clear days between winter storms.
- High Country: Heavy snowpack and frigid temperatures. High-elevation access remains closed.
March
- Oakhurst: Early spring; highs reach the 50s and 60s, rain showers continue.
- Yosemite Valley: A mix of snow and rain; waterfalls begin to pick up as snow starts melting.
- High Country: Late winter conditions; deep snow remains, with very limited access.
April
- Oakhurst: Mild and pleasant; highs in the 60s and 70s.
- Yosemite Valley: Spring bloom; highs in the 50s–60s. Rain and occasional snow early in the month.
- High Country: Still winter; snowpack remains deep and trails are generally inaccessible.
May
- Oakhurst: Warm spring weather; highs in the 70s–80s.
- Yosemite Valley: Prime spring. Waterfalls are often at peak flow, with highs in the 60s–70s.
- High Country: Snow begins melting, but many areas remain inaccessible. Glacier Point and Tioga Roads usually still closed.
June
- Oakhurst: Warm to hot; highs in the 80s–90s.
- Yosemite Valley: Early summer; highs in the 70s–80s with cool nights.
- High Country: Many areas begin to open depending on snowpack. Temperatures in the 50s–70s with chilly nights.
July
- Oakhurst: Hot and dry; highs in the 90s–100s.
- Yosemite Valley: Warm to hot; highs in the 80s–90s.
- High Country: Perfect summer conditions; highs in the 60s–80s, cool and crisp after dark.
August
- Oakhurst: Peak summer heat; 90s–100s are common.
- Yosemite Valley: Hot afternoons, comfortable mornings and evenings.
- High Country: Warm days, cool nights; excellent for hiking and backpacking.
September
- Oakhurst: Summer begins to ease; highs in the 80s–90s.
- Yosemite Valley: Pleasant late summer; highs in the 70s–80s.
- High Country: Cooler; highs in the 60s–70s. Nights can dip close to freezing.
October
- Oakhurst: Mild fall; highs in the 60s–70s with occasional early rain.
- Yosemite Valley: Crisp autumn weather; highs in the 60s and chilly evenings.
- High Country: Early winter begins; highs in the 40s–50s, first snowstorms possible. Roads may close temporarily.
November
- Oakhurst: Cool with increasing rain; highs in the 50s–60s.
- Yosemite Valley: Cold nights return, with a mix of rain and early snow.
- High Country: Winter sets in; high-country roads generally close for the season.
December
- Oakhurst: Cool and rainy; highs in the 40s–50s. Light snow possible in colder storms.
- Yosemite Valley: Snowy and cold; highs in the 30s–40s.
- High Country: Full winter conditions; heavy snow, very cold temperatures, and no public access.
Yosemite Weather FAQs
What is the weather like in Yosemite right now?
Weather in Yosemite changes quickly. For the most up-to-date conditions, use the embedded 10-day Yosemite Valley forecast on this page and check current road and trail status before you travel.
What is the best month to visit Yosemite?
It depends on what you want to experience:
- Spring (April–May): Peak waterfalls, cooler temperatures, some lingering snow.
- Summer (June–August): Warm weather, high country access, and long days—also the busiest time.
- Fall (September–October): Fewer crowds, crisp air, and beautiful color at different elevations.
- Winter (November–March): Quiet, snowy landscapes in Yosemite Valley with winter driving conditions and chain controls.
When does it snow in Yosemite?
Snow can fall in Yosemite Valley from roughly late fall through early spring, generally November through April, with the heaviest and most consistent snow in mid-winter (December–February). In the high country, snow can linger into June or later after big snow years.
How cold does it get in Yosemite?
In winter, Yosemite Valley nighttime temperatures often drop into the 20s °F, and daytime highs can stay in the 30s–40s. In the high country, winter temperatures can remain below freezing all day. Even in summer, it can feel chilly at night above 7,000 feet, so layers are essential.
Is Yosemite too hot in the summer?
Summer highs in Yosemite Valley are often in the 80s–90s, and nearby Oakhurst can reach the 90s–100s. If you prefer cooler temperatures, plan your activities for early morning or evening, or head to the high country, where daytime highs are usually in the 60s–80s with cool nights.
Do I need tire chains for Yosemite in winter?
From late fall through early spring, you should be prepared for winter driving and chain controls in Yosemite and on surrounding mountain roads. Even if the forecast looks dry when you leave, storms can move in quickly and conditions can change. Always check current road status, chain requirements, and possible seasonal road closures such as Glacier Point Road and Tioga Road.
Tips for Planning Around Yosemite Weather
- Always check the forecast before your trip, especially in shoulder seasons and winter.
- Pack layers so you can adjust to changing temperatures throughout the day.
- Remember elevation changes: what feels warm in Oakhurst might be jacket weather in Yosemite Valley and full winter in the high country.
- Stay flexible; weather can change plans quickly, so have backup activities in gateway communities like Oakhurst and Bass Lake.
