The numbers here tell you how hot and cold the weather usually is in Yosemite National Park, California during each month of the year.
The average high and low temperatures are listed below for Yosemite Valley Park Headquarters, in both degrees Fahrenheit and Celsius.
Maximums and minimums are only part of the temperature picture. To fill in the rest, there's information on how many days a month get above or below a given temperature.
To find out how often it rises over 70, 80 or 90 °F monthly and annually in Yosemite, scroll down farther. There are also monthly and yearly counts of days with cold weather.
All the numbers are averages, based on climate data gathered from 1991 to 2020.
Average Yosemite temperatures| High °F | Low °F | | High °C | Low °C |
|---|
| 48 | 29 | January | 9 | -2 |
| 51 | 30 | February | 11 | -1 |
| 57 | 34 | March | 14 | 1 |
| 63 | 38 | April | 17 | 3 |
| 71 | 45 | May | 21 | 7 |
| 81 | 51 | June | 27 | 11 |
| 89 | 57 | July | 32 | 14 |
| 89 | 57 | August | 32 | 14 |
| 83 | 51 | September | 28 | 11 |
| 71 | 41 | October | 22 | 5 |
| 56 | 33 | November | 13 | 0 |
| 46 | 28 | December | 8 | -2 |
| 67 | 41 | Year | 19 | 5 |
Days of Hot Weather in Yosemite
Summer temperatures can get hot at Yosemite Valley. Normally all but a couple of days in summer heat up to at least 80 Fahrenheit, with about half making it to 90 degrees or more. Once a year on average, a day in July or August will reach 100 °F (38 °C).
Days per month in Yosemite of at least 70, 80 or 90 °F | 70 °F
21 °C | 80 °F
27 °C | 90 °F
32 °C |
|---|
| January | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| February | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| March | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| April | 10 | 1 | 0 |
| May | 21 | 7 | 0 |
| June | 27 | 19 | 5 |
| July | 31 | 30 | 17 |
| August | 31 | 30 | 17 |
| September | 28 | 22 | 7 |
| October | 21 | 8 | 1 |
| November | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| December | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Year | 174 | 116 | 46 |
How Often Yosemite Has Cold Temperatures
Freezing temperatures usually show up from October to May at Yosemite Valley, including most winter nights. Typically six nights a year drop as low as 20 °F. But the cold is rarely severe, as only about once a decade is a temperature of 10 °F (-12 °C) or less recorded here.
Despite frequent frosty nights, it almost always thaws out here during the day. On average just one day a year at Yosemite stays below freezing.
Days per month on average in Yosemite when the minimum temperature drops to 32 or 20 °F or below | 20 °F
-8 °C | 32 °F
0 °C |
|---|
| January | 2 | 25 |
| February | 1 | 18 |
| March | 0 | 14 |
| April | 0 | 6 |
| May | 0 | 1 |
| June | 0 | 0 |
| July | 0 | 0 |
| August | 0 | 0 |
| September | 0 | 0 |
| October | 0 | 3 |
| November | 0 | 15 |
| December | 2 | 25 |
| Year | 6 | 106 |
FAQs
For the most comfortable temperatures and best chances of blue skies, visit in June or September, when daytime highs average between 70°F and 80°F and nighttime temps drop below 60°F. Yosemite receives 95% of its rainfall between October and May, making June and September two of its driest months.
What is the hottest month in Yosemite? ›
Yosemite Valley Average Temperatures
| Month | High | Low Fahrenheit | Precipitation inches (cm) |
|---|
| July | 90 | 54 | 0.4 (1.0) |
| August | 90 | 53 | 0.3 (0.8) |
| September | 87 | 47 | 0.9 (2.3) |
| October | 74 | 39 | 2.1 (5.3) |
8 more rowsThe highest temperature in Yosemite was recorded in 1915. That year, the national park hit 115 degrees.
How cold does Yosemite get in the summer? ›
Yosemite Valley (4,000 feet / 1,220 m)
| Month | Maximum | Minimum |
|---|
| May | 71/21 | 45/7 |
| Jun | 81/27 | 51/11 |
| July | 89/32 | 57/14 |
| August | 89/32 | 57/14 |
9 more rowsJan 4, 2022
The traffic is bad only at July 4th, Memorial Weekend, and Labor Day weekend. Except for these times, you should have no problem driving and getting around. The Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls trails are very, very crowded most of the time, and to a lesser degree so is the Lower Yosemite Falls Trail.
What are the least crowded months in Yosemite? ›
1. The Best Months to Visit Yosemite for Avoiding Crowds: November to April. Yosemite National Park is open throughout the year. However, the vast majority of visitors show up during the 5-month period from May to October, which means that from November to April, the park is largely crowd-free and wonderfully quiet.
Is Yosemite better in June or July? ›
Late May and early June is the best time to view waterfalls, roaring from freshly melted snow, and September offers cooler temperatures ideal for hiking (summer temps can reach the 80s).
Is July too hot for Yosemite? ›
July and August are the hottest months in Yosemite, and even though the average highs are only in the low 90s, it can be hotter and almost always feels hotter because of the long summer days and the extreme dryness of the mountain air.
Is Yosemite too cold in April? ›
Weather. Weather in April is usually pleasant, with average highs in Yosemite Valley in the 60s and lows in the 30s. However, rain and snow are still possible.
Will I get altitude sickness in Yosemite? ›
Yosemite Valley sits at 4,000 feet above sea level and is not an area of concern for altitude sickness. When hiking in Yosemite's higher elevations, such as Tuolumne and areas around the rim of the Valley, you will generally be above 8,000 feet and should be conscious of your body's condition.
Summers in the Sierra are warm and dry. Yosemite receives less than five percent of its annual precipitation in summer, mostly as rain from thunderstorms. Daytime temperatures in Yosemite Valley sometimes reach 100°F during summer, while nights are cool.
Is the drive from San Francisco to Yosemite nice? ›
The 4-hour drive from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park is one of the most scenic in the country, with winding mountain roads that are lined with ancient redwoods.
Are there bears in Yosemite? ›
American black bears found in Yosemite National Park have long been of intense interest to park visitors and managers. Seeing one of the approximately 300 to 500 black bears in Yosemite can evoke excitement, awe, and fear. If visitors spot a bear while in the park, it is a black bear-not a brown or grizzly bear.
Is September a good time to visit Yosemite? ›
September is an ideal time to explore the park. In September, Yosemite combines the vast array of activities available during the summer months with comfortable cooler temperatures – perfect for hiking and other outdoor activities.
Is Yosemite cold in June? ›
The days in Yosemite Valley have really started to warm up by June. The average temperature there is 81°F (27°C) with still cool low temps averaging 51°F (11°C). For most people that's short-sleeve shirt weather during the day, but in the evenings you'll still be glad for an extra warm layer.
How many days do you need in Yosemite? ›
How Many Days Should I Spend In Yosemite? Plan on spending two to four days in Yosemite if you want enough time to see all the amazing sights. This will give you plenty of time to see Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Glacier Point, and enjoy some hiking trails.
How many days should you be in Yosemite? ›
Most Yosemite visitors stay between three to four days. After all, there is so much to do and see! Even if you're coming to Yosemite for a specific purpose like a wedding, it's more than worth it to extend your trip.
How far in advance should I book Yosemite? ›
Seven days in advance (e.g., make a reservation for an arrival date of October 27 on October 20).
Is Yosemite better than Yellowstone? ›
The winner: The opportunities for wilderness adventure in Yellowstone are many, but Yosemite has it all, from gentle trails along the floor of the valley to spine-tingling ascents of its rock faces. Plus, Yosemite remains open to many activities through the winter, while Yellowstone goes into bear-like hibernation.
