Summary:
It’s hard to top the beauty and magic of Yosemite National Park. Granite monoliths jut out of the ground, giant sequoia groves dot the landscape, and waterfalls topple off cliffs. The park has 747,956 acres or 1,169 square miles of near-complete wilderness, making it impossible to explore it all in a weekend (or even a week). However, Yosemite can enchant on even a brief visit.
Located just over an hour north of Fresno and around three hours from both San Francisco and Sacramento, the park is surprisingly accessible. Since it’s open year-round, it doesn’t matter when you go — just that you go. Yosemite’s tourist seasons can be categorized as follows:
- High Season: Late May to early September
- Shoulder Seasons: April to early May and late September to October
- Low Season: November to March
Best Times to Visit Yosemite National Park for Smaller Crowds
According to National Park Service statistics, nearly 75 percent of visitors to Yosemite come between May and October. Consequently, the park is wonderfully crowd-free from November through April. A winter visit may look different from the sunny summer trips that many associate with the park, but don’t worry — the splendor and beauty of Yosemite remain even in the cooler months. You can enjoy serene winter hikes or watch the plunge of Yosemite Falls, which begins flowing in late autumn. For additional peace and quiet, visit in January, typically the park’s least busy month.
Keep in mind that while Yosemite Valley and Wawona areas are accessible by car all year, some more remote and challenging roadways, like Tioga, close for the winter (usually starting in November). The road to Glacier Point also sees winter closures; however, during ski season, typically mid-December through early April, the park clears the Glacier Point/Badger Pass Road as far as the Badger Pass Ski Area.
For manageable crowds without wintry weather, try visiting during the shoulder seasons of late spring and early fall. The park won’t be as empty then as it is during winter, but since the busiest season runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day, expect more breathing room during these times.
Best Times to Visit Yosemite National Park for Good Weather
Due to the park’s expansive area and varied elevations, weather will vary based on where you plan to spend the day. Generally, Yosemite receives 95 percent of its total precipitation between October and May, with most falling between November and March.
So, if you desire a drier trip, the best time to visit Yosemite is from June to September. This period also offers optimal conditions for outdoor recreation, with summer highs typically ranging from 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit in the Yosemite Valley. In the higher-elevation Tuolumne Meadows, temperatures usually reach the 70s. Be aware that freezing temperatures are possible at high elevations, especially in June and September, so plan accordingly if mountain adventures are on your itinerary.
Best Times to Visit Yosemite National Park for Affordable Prices
As a destination focused on camping and hiking rather than high-end accommodations and dining, Yosemite is a budget-friendly getaway year-round. You can save even more with a winter trip since flights to the area and nearby accommodations often drop their prices during the off-season.
Inside the park, one of the best ways to save is to plan ahead if you’re a frequent visitor. Entry passes for private vehicles cost $35 year-round, but an annual pass can be purchased for just $70, granting unlimited access for one calendar year. Yosemite also has the occasional “fee-free days” when no pass is required; while these days can be crowded, they are an excellent opportunity for budget-conscious travelers.
Best Times to Visit Yosemite National Park for Camping
Camping in Yosemite is extremely popular, and you can camp year-round at the park. Typically, the Hodgdon Meadow and Yosemite Valley’s Upper Pines and Camp 4 campgrounds remain open throughout the year. However, if you prefer not to worry about winter camping gear or plan to camp deep within the park, it’s advisable to schedule your trip during the summer when inclement weather is least likely.
Opening dates for Yosemite’s seasonal campgrounds change each year and can vary significantly between sites. Some campgrounds open as early as April and stay in use until November or December, while others may start their season in August only to remain open for a few weeks. For details on each campground’s availability and required reservations, check the park’s website. Be warned: spots fill up quickly from April to September.
Best Times to Visit Yosemite National Park for Driving Tioga Road
Tioga Road is the only road traversing the entire park, ideal for visitors who wish to see as much of Yosemite as possible in a limited time. The 47-mile road stretches from Crane Flat to Tioga Pass, offering drivers a chance to view hundreds of animal species native to the park, from black bears to great gray owls. Along the way, you’ll encounter stunning Tuolumne Meadows, the massive Lembert Dome, and beautiful Siesta and Tenaya lakes.
Due to snowfall, Tioga Road closes during the winter months. Generally, the open season lasts from early May or June until sometime in October or November. If you don’t mind sharing the road with other drivers, summer is the best time to visit. June, July, and August typically see the most favorable weather and a greater number of services and attractions open along the route.
Best Times to Visit Yosemite National Park for Seeing Wildflowers
Thanks to Yosemite National Park’s varying elevations, wildflowers can be spotted most of the year — you’re just required to know when and where to go.
In the spring, head to lower elevation hiking trails such as Cook’s Meadow Loop in Yosemite Valley, Wawona Meadow Loop in Wawona, and Wapama Falls in Hetch Hetchy to see the first colorful signs of spring. Even at higher elevations, bright patches of color may peek out from the snow. Along the McGurk Meadow, Taft Point, and Sentinel Dome trails, you will find the reddish-pink snow plant making its bright entrance.
During the summer, Tuolumne Meadows flourishes with wildflowers. You’ll find pink shooting stars in early months and columbine, fireweed, and dog violets later in summer. At the height of summer, the highest points of the park come alive with alpine laurel, yellow mountain monkeyflowers, and angelicas.
Worst Times to Visit Yosemite National Park
If crowds aren’t appealing to you, avoid visiting during July and August, when visitor numbers can be five to six times higher than in the serene winter months. June and September are also busy months, and it’s worth noting that Christmas and New Year’s typically see larger crowds during the off-season.
If you wish to avoid limitations imposed by road, trail, and campground closures, your best bet is to visit between June and September. During this time, the park’s attractions and amenities are generally all open. Options for what to see and where to stay are more restricted in winter, making it less ideal for visitors aiming to check off all the highlights. Moreover, winter, particularly at high elevations, should be avoided by travelers lacking the experience and gear needed for chilly weather and deep snow.
