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Yosemite National Park

Perhaps the jewel in the crown of America’s vast national parks, Yosemite offers an awe-inspiring look at some of the country’s most spectacular natural features. From the imposing sequoia trees at Mariposa Grove to the hidden waterfalls which suddenly appear behind the granite rocks and verdant flora on rewarding hikes, Yosemite deserves its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With the Half Dome and El Capitan rock formations, the refreshing Yosemite Falls and the glacial Hetch Hetchy to explore in this vast area, Yosemite is the perfect destination for the outdoors adventurer.

What you’ll love most about Yosemite National Park

Gaze at Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls, capturing awe-inspiring photos amidst Yosemite’s breathtaking landscape
Enjoy vistas from Glacier Point, Tunnel View, and Tioga Road, immersing yourself in Yosemite’s lush valleys and towering cliffs
Hike, rock climb, camp, and explore Yosemite’s diverse terrain, embracing thrilling experiences in the stunning wilderness
Spot black bears, mule deer, and bald eagles, adding excitement to your Yosemite visit with memorable wildlife sightings
Seize stunning photographs of nature’s beauty, framing Yosemite’s dramatic landscapes and majestic scenery in your lens
Visit Yosemite Village, Ansel Adams Gallery, and Ahwahnee Hotel, delving into the park’s cultural heritage and historical significance first-hand

Holiday Highlights

Average temperature

Information below is based on average highest temperature for each month.

9℃J
11℃F
14℃M
18℃A
22℃M
27℃J
32℃J
32℃A
28℃S
22℃O
13℃N
8℃D

9J
9F
10M
7A
5M
2J
1J
1A
3S
4O
7N
8D

Information above is based on the average number of days which experience some form of rainfall for each month.

Rainfall

When to Visit

Below gives you information and a rating of the best time of year to visit.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

January

Winter blankets Yosemite with snow, especially in higher elevations, with temperatures ranging from –5°C to 8°C. The valley floor remains accessible, offering dramatic icy waterfalls and quiet trails. Skiing and snowshoeing in Badger Pass provide classic winter adventures, while frosted trees create striking photographic opportunities.

February

Cool and crisp conditions, –2°C to 10°C, continue across the park. Visitors can enjoy early wildlife spotting, with quieter trails providing peaceful perspectives of landmarks like Half Dome. Indoor visitor centres offer informative exhibits and a welcome break from the cold.

March

Temperatures gradually rise to 5°C–15°C. Snowmelt swells the waterfalls, making them spectacular, and lower valley trails begin to clear. Early wildflowers peek through, and mornings are particularly rewarding for photography before the crowds arrive.

April

By April, warmer days of 8°C–18°C encourage hiking and exploring meadows now blooming with spring colours. Waterfalls remain strong, and the combination of clear skies and vibrant scenery makes it an ideal time to visit Yosemite.

May

Late spring brings temperatures around 12°C–22°C. Trails in the high country are mostly accessible, and the meadows are at their peak with wildflowers. Evenings offer calm conditions for stargazing or reflecting on the valley’s dramatic cliffs and forests.

June

Settled summer days, roughly 15°C–27°C, provide ideal conditions for outdoor adventure. Hiking, climbing, and photography are rewarding, and long daylight hours allow extended exploration. Morning light enhances views of El Capitan and Yosemite Falls.

July

Warm conditions, generally 18°C–30°C, make midday outdoor activity more demanding. Early mornings and late afternoons remain comfortable for valley walks, waterfall viewing, and higher trail hikes. Evening skies over the granite cliffs are particularly striking.

August

Temperatures remain warm, 17°C–29°C, with occasional afternoon clouds. Waterfalls may reduce in flow, but alpine meadows and forested trails offer scenic exploration. Evening walks along the Merced River are pleasant and peaceful.

September

Cooler days around 15°C–25°C bring autumn light that casts a golden glow across the valley. Fewer visitors make trails and viewpoints more tranquil, while early leaf colour hints at the approaching fall.

October

Temperatures drop to roughly 10°C–20°C. Peak autumn colours in forests and meadows provide striking vistas, perfect for photography and scenic drives. Crisp mornings make hiking trails comfortable and invigorating.

November

Late autumn is cooler, 5°C–15°C, and snow begins returning to higher elevations. The valley is quiet, with subdued colours and reflective moods. Waterfalls diminish slightly, but iconic landscapes remain dramatic and accessible.

December

In December, winter returns with temperatures from –3°C to 10°C. Snow blankets the park, frozen waterfalls sparkle, and Badger Pass offers skiing and snowshoeing. Yosemite is serene and atmospheric, with crisp air and dramatic skies providing memorable winter scenes.

Our Ratings

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