Why does Yosemite get so cold?

Elevation plays a major role in temperature and precipitation variability. Since Yosemite varies in elevation from 2,000 feet to over 13,000 feet, the lower foothills of the park can be experiencing the rebirth of spring while the higher elevations remain in the grip of winter.



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The average high temperatures in Yosemite Valley are around 50°F (10°C); the average lows are around 30°F (-1°C).

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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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October Weather in Yosemite That's a perfect temperature for hiking or rock climbing. However, average nighttime temperatures drop to an average of 51°F (11°C). That can make it a little chilly for camping, but ideal for sipping a hot cup of coffee in the morning while looking out the window at the day to come.

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During the peak of summer, days at lower elevations can reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit before dipping down into the 50s or even 40s at night. Nights in Yosemite National Park are cherished for their clear skies and incomparable stargazing.

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May through September is the most popular time in Yosemite These months correspond with the best weather and are also when all the roads, trails, lodging, shuttles and attractions in the park are open. That includes its most famous drive, Tioga Rd, a 64-mile-long scenic byway that closes when the snow begins to fall.

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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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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.

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Although the park is open all year, nearly 75% of visitors come during the busiest six months (May through October).

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The average trip duration for Yosemite tourists 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.

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The valley's greatest-ever snow depth — 60 inches — was in 1907, a year after snowpack record-keeping began there. Here's a peek at what the snow-capped park looks like now.

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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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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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Generally, the weather in Yosemite in September is usually warm, sunny, and all-around beautiful. The average temperature in Yosemite Valley is a high of 82 and a low of 51 degrees Fahrenheit (28/ 11 degrees Celsius).

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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 is home to countless waterfalls. The best time to see waterfalls is during spring, when most of the snowmelt occurs. Peak runoff typically occurs in May or June, with some waterfalls (including Yosemite Falls) often only a trickle or completely dry by August.

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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 Valley and Wawona remain accessible by car all year, however tire chains may be required, depending on conditions.

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In Yosemite, August is the warmest and sunniest month of the year. High temperatures in Wawona or Yosemite Valley are often around 89°F (32°C), but mornings and evenings are cooler, averaging a delightful 57°F (14°C), perfect for hiking or other active pursuits.

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The average temperature in Yosemite in summer is 89°F (32°C) during the day but can quickly drop. Be sure that you have breathable layers, including a waterproof lightweight jacket, a mid-layer long sleeve shirt for both sun coverage and warmth, and a baselayer such as a tank or t-shirt for when it gets hot.

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Visit midweek, rather than on the weekend. Even beyond the standard weekend crowding, Saturdays and holiday weekends are “particularly busy,” according to Yosemite's website. In a reply to a Facebook comment from July 6, Yosemite wrote: “It is much quieter on weekdays — especially during the middle of the week.”

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