November in Yosemite is beautiful, with its brisk, classically fall days and chilly evenings.
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November is one of the least crowded times in Yosemite. Parking lots that fill by 9am in the summer are half-empty at noon in November. Nature is quieter too. Bears are typically busy putting on fat for hibernation and, if the snows come early, may even bed down for the winter before the end of November.
The average temperature in November in Yosemite Valley is a high of 56 and a low of 33 degrees Fahrenheit (13/ 1 degrees Celsius). At 8,000 feet, the average temperature in Tuolumne Meadows is a high of 56 and a low of 17 degrees Fahrenheit (8/ -8 degrees Celsius).
While all but the last two of the waterfalls listed below are in Yosemite Valley, both Yosemite Valley and many other areas of the park have waterfalls both big and small. Flows: approximately November through July, with peak flow in May.
You can drive your car into and around Yosemite, although some roads are closed from around November through May/June and tire chains may be required on open roads from around October through April (depending on conditions). You can use public transportation to get to and around Yosemite all year.
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.
All of the incredible and iconic viewpoints in Yosemite Valley are open year-round. After the first storms of the season, the waterfalls reappear and begin flowing again, and if you're lucky enough to be there during a cold snap, you might even have a chance to see Frazil Ice.
The average trip duration for Yosemite touristsMost 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.
The cool season lasts for 3.1 months, from November 21 to February 25, with an average daily high temperature below 61°F. The coldest month of the year in Yosemite Lakes is December, with an average low of 38°F and high of 54°F.
One of the advantages of having Thanksgiving in Yosemite is that November is a quiet time of year. In the summer, the valley is full of tourists and accommodation is expensive and sells out routinely. In November, all of these problems are mitigated and visitors can enjoy a choice of accommodation at a lower price.
Fall ColorDaytime 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.
Most of the trails in Yosemite Valley that don't lead up the valley walls are open year round. Bridalveil Fall, Lower Yosemite Falls, Mirror Lake, and the Vernal-Fall-footbridge section of the Mist Trail are all hikable, except after unusually heavy snowfalls.
Stay away from river and creek banks during high water conditions and avoid rock hopping. Stream polished rocks along the water's edge may be slippery when wet or dry. If you choose to cross a stream without a bridge, avoid deep and/or swift water.
Invasive species have a negative impact on natural resources nationwide, including in Yosemite National Park. Non-native animal species, like the New Zealand mud snail, concern park scientists because this species can completely cover a river streambed, thereby altering the ecosystem.
With so much to see and do in Yosemite, it can be difficult to know where to start, which is why planning an itinerary is essential. We recommend taking 3 days in this beautiful national park, though you can make it work if you have more or less time.