Best time to visit Yosemite
- Best time
- May–early June
- Avoid
- August
- Warmest month
- July · 89°F
- Wettest month
- January · 7.0 in
- Peak crowds
- Jun · Jul · Aug
Yosemite Valley is open all year, but the park changes completely with the seasons. In spring the waterfalls roar; in summer the high country opens along Tioga Road; in fall the valley is golden and quiet but the falls run dry; in winter snow closes the high roads and leaves the valley to a few visitors — and, for a few evenings in February, Horsetail Fall can glow orange at sunset.
Yosemite month by month
Average high / low and rain are NOAA 1991–2020 normals (Yosemite Park Hq, Ca Us). Crowd levels and what is open are our reading of each season, not official counts.
January
Mixed- High / low
- 48° / 29°F
- Rain
- 7.0 in
- Crowds
- Quiet
Valley only; Badger Pass for snow
Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road beyond Badger Pass closed. Snow in the valley some days; chains may be required on access roads.
February
Mixed- High / low
- 51° / 30°F
- Rain
- 6.5 in
- Crowds
- Moderate
Valley only
Horsetail Fall “firefall” on clear evenings mid-to-late February, if there is enough snowmelt. Weekends crowd around El Capitan.
March
Good- High / low
- 57° / 34°F
- Rain
- 5.5 in
- Crowds
- Moderate
Valley only
Waterfalls begin to build; snow lingers at higher elevations.
April
Good- High / low
- 63° / 38°F
- Rain
- 3.2 in
- Crowds
- Busy
Valley; Glacier Point Road may open late
Dogwoods and waterfalls. Mist Trail can be slick and wet.
May
Best- High / low
- 71° / 45°F
- Rain
- 1.9 in
- Crowds
- Busy
Glacier Point Road usually open
Peak waterfall season. Tioga Road often opens late May or in June, depending on snow.
June
Best- High / low
- 81° / 51°F
- Rain
- 0.5 in
- Crowds
- Peak
Tioga Road usually open
Waterfalls still strong early in the month, Tuolumne Meadows opens up. Crowds build fast.
July
Mixed- High / low
- 89° / 57°F
- Rain
- 0.3 in
- Crowds
- Peak
Everything open
High country at its best; valley busy and hot. Start hikes early.
August
Avoid- High / low
- 89° / 57°F
- Rain
- 0.2 in
- Crowds
- Peak
Everything open
Busiest month, falls low, smoke possible.
September
Good- High / low
- 83° / 51°F
- Rain
- 0.4 in
- Crowds
- Busy
Everything open
Crowds ease after Labor Day; warm days, cool nights. Falls mostly dry.
October
Good- High / low
- 71° / 41°F
- Rain
- 1.6 in
- Crowds
- Moderate
High roads close with the first big snow
Golden oaks and maples in the valley, very quiet weekdays. Tioga can close any time after the first storm.
November
Mixed- High / low
- 56° / 33°F
- Rain
- 4.0 in
- Crowds
- Quiet
Valley only (usually)
Tioga and Glacier Point roads close for the season. Rain and early snow.
December
Mixed- High / low
- 46° / 28°F
- Rain
- 5.6 in
- Crowds
- Moderate
Valley only
Snow-dusted valley, festive lodges; busy over the holidays.
Temperatures and rain
Seasons and events to plan around
Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road season
Usually late May/June to November
Both close for the winter; Tioga Road usually reopens in late May or June depending on snow. The park posts the current status.
Source: Yosemite current conditions (NPS) · checked Oct 27, 2026
Horsetail Fall “firefall”
Mid-to-late February
On clear evenings, the setting sun can light the thin waterfall on El Capitan orange. It needs snowmelt and a clear western sky; many evenings it does not happen.
Source: Yosemite current conditions (NPS) · checked Oct 27, 2026
Do you need a reservation?
Not for entry in 2026: the park ended the timed-entry system it used in previous summers. Expect traffic management at peak times, and arrive before 9 am in summer. Half Dome’s cables still need a permit by lottery. Details and fees in our Yosemite guide.
The verdict
Best month
May–early June
Yosemite Falls, Vernal and Nevada falls at full force with snowmelt, green meadows, and the valley not yet at summer peak. Tioga Road may still be closed early in the window.
Avoid
August
The busiest month, often hot in the valley, with Yosemite Falls usually reduced to a trickle or dry and wildfire smoke possible.
When to visit Yosemite: your questions
What is the best month to visit Yosemite?
May for waterfalls, September for fewer crowds with everything open. June combines both if Tioga Road has opened.
When does Tioga Road open?
It depends on snow: usually late May or June, closing again with the first big storm in October or November.
Are Yosemite’s waterfalls dry in summer?
Many are by August: Yosemite Falls usually runs low or dry by late summer. Bridalveil and Vernal keep some flow longer.
Is Yosemite worth visiting in winter?
Yes, for a quiet, snowy valley. But Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road are closed and chains may be required to drive in.
Written by Kylian Dev · Last reviewed October 21, 2026. Event dates move from year to year: always confirm on the organiser’s site.