Season by season
Spring (April–June). Snowmelt feeds the waterfalls, which usually peak in May or early June. The valley is green and mild; the high roads are still shut until late in the season.
Summer (July–August). Everything is open and the valley is hot, crowded and often hazy. Waterfalls shrink through August. Go high to Tuolumne Meadows for cooler air.
Autumn (September–October). Warm days, cold nights and far fewer people. Yosemite Falls is often dry, but the high country stays open until the first snow.
Winter (November–March). Snow on the cliffs, a small ski area at Badger Pass and empty trails. Tioga and Glacier Point roads are closed; chain controls are common.
Month-by-month
| Month | Avg. high | Avg. low | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9°C / 48°F | -2°C / 28°F | Quiet |
| February | 11°C / 52°F | -1°C / 30°F | Quiet |
| March | 14°C / 57°F | 1°C / 34°F | Moderate |
| April | 18°C / 64°F | 3°C / 37°F | Busy |
| May | 22°C / 72°F | 7°C / 45°F | Peak |
| June | 27°C / 81°F | 11°C / 52°F | Peak |
| July | 32°C / 90°F | 14°C / 57°F | Peak |
| August | 32°C / 90°F | 13°C / 55°F | Peak |
| September | 28°C / 82°F | 10°C / 50°F | Busy |
| October | 22°C / 72°F | 5°C / 41°F | Busy |
| November | 13°C / 55°F | 1°C / 34°F | Quiet |
| December | 8°C / 46°F | -2°C / 28°F | Quiet |
Temperatures are rounded long-term averages for the main visitor area; real days vary, and mountains and deserts swing much more between day and night.
Events & festivals
- Mid to late February: “Firefall” — Horsetail Fall glows orange at sunset in the right conditions
- April–June: Peak waterfall season; dogwood blooms in the valley
- May or June: Glacier Point Road and Tioga Road usually reopen
- May–October: Half Dome cables normally in place (permit required)
- Late October: Autumn colour among the valley’s oaks and maples
- December–March: Skiing and snowshoeing at Badger Pass, conditions permitting
