Yosemite's largest waterfalls flow from October or November through July, but tend to peak in April and May and into June, with some falls (including the park's signature Yosemite Falls) running dry by late summer.
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Some of the falls, such as Yosemite Falls, usually dry up altogether near late September. While other falls, such as Vernal and Nevada Falls, flow all year, they will be reduced to a trickle.
One downside: The year-round waterfalls will still be flowing – waterfalls like Vernal, Nevada, and Bridalveil, but unless it's already rained before you arrive, ephemeral waterfalls like the great Yosemite Falls may be dry or barely a trickle.
Bonus Yosemite Valley Phenoms: Snow Cone and FirefallFrazil ice is often accompanied by another phenomenon called the snow cone which occurs when falling water from Yosemite Falls freezes before it hits the ground and piles into a large cone of ice. The mound of snow and ice can reach hundreds of feet tall.
At 620 feet, Bridalveil Fall is often the first waterfall visitors see when entering Yosemite Valley. As one of the easier hikes in the Valley, Bridalveil Fall is the perfect attraction for visitors looking for minimal effort in return for maximum views.
Yosemite National Park sees its absolute peak crowds during July and August. You will need to book lodging – including campgrounds – and any guides, activities or tours well in advance.
Yosemite Falls is ten times taller than Niagara Falls. It is nearly twice as tall as the Empire State Building. If it were a building it would have 200 stories.
Yosemite enthusiasts usually visit the Park during off season months. Fall which starts towards the end of September is one of the best months for hiking and a great time to visit when summer crowds decline dramatically after the Labor Day holiday when children start heading back to school.
The average temperature in Yosemite National Park in September for a typical day ranges from a high of 74°F (23°C) to a low of 46°F (8°C). Some would describe it as mildly cool. For comparison, the hottest month in Yosemite National Park, July, has days with highs of 80°F (27°C) and lows of 53°F (12°C).
May through September is the most popular time in YosemiteYosemite National Park attracts about 75% of its annual visitors between May and September. These months correspond with the best weather and are also when all the roads, trails, lodging, shuttles and attractions in the park are open.
If you are into light activity and sightseeing, a medium-weight jacket over layers will suffice. Just in case, bring a hat and gloves to ward off the night chill. Day hikers or treaded walking shoes are necessary whether you are walking a valley trail on a ranger-led hike or heading up steeper trails.
In Yosemite National Park in October, there's a 11% chance of rain or snow on an average day. And on the average day it rains or snows, we get 0.57 in (14.5 mm) of precipitation. In more common terms of how much that is, some would describe it as flurries.
Maintaining a running waterfall during the winter can disrupt the warm water temperatures at the bottom of the pond. This will create even water temperatures throughout the pond and continue to introduce cold water into the pond as water coming over the spillway is introduce to the cooler air temperatures.