How should I dress for Yosemite in October?

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.



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October Weather in Yosemite At relatively low elevations like Wawona or Yosemite Valley, October's high temperatures average around 71°F (22°C). That's a perfect temperature for hiking or rock climbing. However, average nighttime temperatures drop to an average of 51°F (11°C).

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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.

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Most years, the majority of bears in Yosemite begin closing in on a hibernation location starting as early as October.

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Visiting Yosemite in October means you do not have to reserve an entrance slot for the park. The reservation system begins in May and ends on September 30.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Waterproof hiking shoes and boots are necessary for hikes during spring and winter when trails are wet and snowy. All Season Hiking Clothes: Dressing in layers is always suggested when planning an outing in Yosemite.

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The temperature in Yosemite can change quite quickly, especially in the mornings, evenings and at higher elevations. Bring clothing that you can layer up or down such as t-shirts, shorts, long-sleeved shirts, leggings and a sweater.

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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.

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Fall Color Daytime temperatures are mild and perfect for hiking. Less visitors in the park compared to the summer months provide a feeling of solitude. Fall color typically starts late September into early October in Yosemite Valley.

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Yosemite receives 95% of its precipitation between October and May (and over 75% between November and March). Most of Yosemite is blanketed in snow from about November through May.

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In general, look for mostly golden yellows to dark orange/brown on the black oaks; reds, pinks and yellow on the dogwoods; brilliant yellow on the black cottonwood; and reds, oranges and yellows on shrubs and low-growing herbaceous plants.

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Be sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants or consider staying indoors during these hours. Ticks cling to plants, waiting for a host (you) to walk by; walk down the middle of trails and avoid areas with high grass and leaf litter. Use an effective insect repellent.

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Yosemite in autumn is most notable for the absence of two things: raging waterfalls and raging crowds. If you don't mind the former, you'll certainly appreciate the latter. Those famous Yosemite Valley crowds start thinning out after Labor Day and don't recover again until the following May.

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Avoid Yellowstone in July and August if crowds and heat are not your game. 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. These are also the hottest months to visit the park.

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Entrance lines can get long so if you are looking for a less busy entry point, the Hetch Hetchy entrance or Tioga Pass entrance are the best ones to choose. If you are looking for an entrance that will get you directly into Yosemite Valley, the Big Oak Flat entrance will be best for you.

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