What should I wear in Yosemite this time of year?

No matter which season you are planning to visit Yosemite, layers will be important. During the spring, summer, or fall, we recommend wearing a base of shorts and a tank top or t-shirt then layering from there. Cargo pants that have removable sections are great.



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During the spring, summer, or fall, we recommend wearing a base of shorts and a tank top or t-shirt then layering from there. Cargo pants that have removable sections are great. You can start the day with long pants and simply unzip a section as the temperatures warm.

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Carry both sun and rain/snow protection. Wear or carry a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, gloves, warm jacket, and raingear (both jacket & pants).

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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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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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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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A sturdy pair of hiking boots or runners will protect your feet and ensure maximum comfort while you're exploring on foot. Try to bring a pair of boots that support your ankle and have decent grip to prevent slips and trips. If you're buying new boots, make sure you break them in before you go.

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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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Even if you don't plan on hiking across any streams or rivers, waterproof hiking shoes are a great comfort in Yosemite. As we have mentioned, springtime signals the melting of snow and this causes many trails in Yosemite to have patches of water and ice.

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Daytime temperatures in Yosemite Valley sometimes reach 100°F during summer, while nights are cool. Temperatures in Tuolumne Meadows (8,600 feet) in mid-summer are usually in the 70s in the daytime and in the 30s at night.

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Picnicking and Hiking Always keep your food within arm's reach and don't turn your back to your food; never leave food unattended. Bears may investigate picnic areas or backpacks for food even in your presence, so be alert.

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Yosemite is not known for having spectacular fall colors because most of the trees are evergreen. Still, big-leaf maples, black oaks, Pacific dogwoods, and other deciduous trees tend to be showy around mid-October.

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You should plan to spend around $130 per day on your vacation in Yosemite National Park, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, $40 on meals for one day and $41 on local transportation.

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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. (Yosemite Valley can be rainy or snowy in any given winter storm.)

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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.

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Bonus Yosemite Valley Phenoms: Snow Cone and Firefall Frazil 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.

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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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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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Chains are often required on roads both inside and outside of Yosemite from November through March, less often in October and April, and rarely in September or May.

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They are all well trodden trails, fine with regular running shoes. Your road running shoes should be fine. It will put more wear and tear on the shoe but you aren't planning to go far so no big deal.

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Many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn, mainly during the summer. Be sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants or consider staying indoors during these hours.

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