Best Time to Visit Yosemite National Park | Season by Season

With its giant sequoias, enchanting monoliths, and the wildflower-filled Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite Valley is one of the best places to visit in California. Many head to this incredible national park for its hiking trails, scenic drives, and majestic vistas.

Have you been wanting to go to this incredible spot but aren’t sure about when the best time to visit Yosemite National Park is? Well, below, you will find the ultimate guide for when to visit Yosemite National Park. All you need to do is keep reading to find out what to do and which season to visit Yosemite.

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How to Get to Yosemite National Park

Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is the nearest airport to Yosemite, located about 94 miles from the park. The drive is roughly two hours and 30 minutes north along CA-41. 

From San Francisco, you’ll take Interstate 580 (I-58) and California 120 (CA-120) east towards Yosemite. This drive will take around three hours to complete. 

From Sacramento, you’ll take California 99 (CA-99) south until Copperopolis and CA-120 east in Tuolumne County. This route is a bit shorter than San Francisco and will take about two hours and 40 minutes. 

Best Time to Go to Yosemite

The best time of the year to visit Yosemite is between April and June. This is when there are fewer crowds and the weather is warming up. It’s also when Yosemite’s waterfalls are at their peak flow as the winter snow melts. These are definitely a must-add to your Yosemite itinerary. 

If you don’t mind the summer crowds and want the optimum temperatures, plan a visit to Yosemite in either June or September. These are the park’s driest months, and both make for an exceptional time for camping in Yosemite.

Worst Time to Visit Yosemite

For those who want their Yosemite experience to access as much of the park as possible, the worst time to visit is between December and February. Many roads, trails, and campgrounds are closed in these winter months. 

If extremely hot weather and crowds aren’t for you, then avoid Yosemite National Park between July and August. Around 75% of the park’s annual visitors come in this period.  

Visiting Yosemite in Spring

With stunning wildflowers in bloom, ever-flowing rivers, and roaring waterfalls, Yosemite in spring is fantastic. The weather conditions in the park during this season are mild, with temperatures ranging in the 60s and 70s. 

Early spring here still brings a bit of snow, in May and June especially, so Yosemite High Country is full of things to do. 

Let’s get into what to do in Yosemite in spring.

Things to Do in Yosemite in Spring 

There are many activities in Yosemite in spring, from whitewater rafting to exploring some of the best Yosemite hikes.

Enjoy the Wildflowers at Tuolumne Meadows

The best season to visit Yosemite to see the vibrant wildflowers is spring, as many bloom during this season. The flowers you’ll see differ according to the elevation. At 1,000 to 3,000 feet, there are tufted poppies, spider lupines, and owl’s clover. While in places like Glacier Point (3,000 to 7,000 feet), there are more fiery red Snow Plants.

At the high elevations of 7,000 to 9,000 feet of the Tuolumne Meadows, you’ll see blue gentians and alpine goldenrods in June.  

Visit the Cascading Waterfalls

Spring is also a terrific time to visit Yosemite if you want to see the park’s famous waterfalls, as the snowmelt causes them to be at their full volume. One of the best waterfalls to see during spring is Ribbon Falls. Standing at 1,612 feet, it’s one of the world’s tallest falls, and it’s only active during this season. 

Some other falls to visit during spring are Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Falls, and Nevada and Vernal Falls. The last two can be accessed from the Mist Trail, which is one of the best things to do in Yosemite at any time of the year. 

Go Whitewater Rafting

Another advantage of spring is that the snowmelt plummets over Yosemite Valley’s cliffs and fills the Merced River. This makes it a brilliant season for whitewater rafting. 

As you drift along the Merced River, you’ll get stunning vistas of the entire park, like the High Sierra waterfalls and the Yosemite Valley. There are two fantastic raft operators: Curry Village Raft Rentals and Zephyr Whitewater Expeditions. The rafting season lasts from mid-July until the end of August. 

Explore the Valley Floor Loop

• Elevation Gain: 1286 feet
• Mileage: 20.3 miles (loop)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

A terrific hike to do in Yosemite National Park is the Valley Floor Loop, which stretches across the Yosemite Valley. This eight-hour hike passes several Yosemite icons, such as Half Dome, El Capitan, and Curry Village. 

What’s great about this trail is you can hop on and hop off at whatever point you want. It’s also a lovely way to see the whole park if you’re devoted to finishing the loop. 

Visiting Yosemite in Summer

A Yosemite National Park summer is definitely not to be slept on. You’ll be able to access the whole park during this time, as everything is open for the peak season. You’ll also enjoy brilliant daytime temperatures and stunning wildflowers still blooming, such as dog violets and fireweed in the late summer.

One of the best times to visit Yosemite in the summer months is mid-June, when there are fewer crowds, and you just avoid the summer highs in the 80s and 90s. 

Things to Do in Yosemite in Summer

The summer months in Yosemite are full of outdoor opportunities, from marveling at the giant sequoias to camping out in the wild. 

Visit the Giant Sequoias at Mariposa Grove

One of the biggest drawing points (literally) to Yosemite is the giant sequoias in Mariposa Grove. Some trees are over 280 feet tall and are a spectacle to witness. At Mariposa Grove, you’ll get to see over 500 sequoias. 

There is a free shuttle that takes you from the Welcome Plaza at the South Entrance to the Mariposa Grove Arrival Area, where you can set off on one of the four trailheads. For a relaxed walk, take the 0.3-mile Big Trees Loop Trail, which takes you to the Fallen Monarch. However, if you’re looking to see more trees, the 2-mile Grizzly Giant Loop Trail or the 6.5-mile Guardians Loop Trail is better.

Swim in Tenaya Lake

Another top activity to do in Yosemite’s peak season is swimming in Tenaya Lake. This gorgeous alpine body of water is found in the Yosemite high country near the Tuolumne Meadows. 

To get here, you’ll need to drive along Tioga Road for just seven miles from Tuolumne Meadows. After a refreshing dip, you could always hike the 2.6-mile Tenaya Lake Trail for some picturesque lake vistas. 

Enjoy Some Camping

Yosemite in summer is also perfect for camping, and luckily for you, the park has 13 campgrounds. That said, they do operate via a reservation system, so it’s good to plan ahead – as sites in peak season get booked very fast.

Early June is probably the best time in Yosemite for camping, as the weather is exceptional. In addition to this, there are a variety of ranger-led programs and fun events. For exploring Yosemite Valley, stay at Upper Pines. Prefer a bit more solitude? Head to Yosemite Creek.

Visiting Yosemite in Fall

A Yosemite National Park fall is also something to marvel at as the crowds disappear and the cooler temperatures arrive. What’s more, big-leaf maples and Pacific dogwoods put on their fall colors for all to see. 

Fall occurs from late September until early November, which is one of the best times for Yosemite Valley hikes and photographing the auburn foliage. Let’s dive into what you can do in Yosemite in fall.

Do the Sentinel Meadow Cook’s Meadow Loop

• Elevation Gain: 79 feet
• Mileage: 1.9 miles (loop)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Guide: Link

One of the most beautiful hikes in Yosemite National Park during fall is the Sentinel Meadow Cook’s Meadow Loop Trail. It’s perfect in this Yosemite off-season as it doesn’t have the usual summer crowds. 

Even better, it’s got some incredible sights, including Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Valley Chapel, Merced River, and Half Dome. The chapel offers an incredible photo opportunity for your fall trip. 

Take Some Shots of the Fall Colors

As mentioned previously, fall in Yosemite is a great time to get beautiful photos of your surroundings. With all the falling leaves of oaks, maples, and aspens, you can take some shots of Yosemite’s iconic landmarks. 

The best Yosemite photography spots in the fall are as follows: 

• Tunnel View: For a classic vista of Yosemite Valley, it’s best to come here after spurts of high country rainfall. This will let you capture the Bridalveil Falls bursting with water.

• El Capitan Meadow: With its long grass and groups of aspens on its borders, this meadow creates some exquisite earth tone contrast with the autumnal foliage. 

Visit One of Yosemite’s Hotels

Yosemite National Park is known for more than just its majestic granite slopes, like Sentinel Dome and Half Dome. In fact, it has some exquisite lodging options, like The Ahwahnee. 

Now, this is a lovely place to stay in the national park, but it’s also great if you’re looking for good food, an eclectic atmosphere, and some history to boot. The Ahwahnee has an interior that takes you back to the 1920s, with styling influences of Art Deco, giant stone fireplaces, and vibrant stained glass. No wonder it’s hosted the likes of Queen Elizabeth II and JFK.

Visiting Yosemite in Winter

From early November until mid-March, Yosemite turns into a winter wonderland as the average temperature drops to the 40s and 50s. At higher elevations, you’ll find large amounts of snowpack, so definitely bring your best winter hiking gear.

Although Yosemite National Park does have some closures in the winter months — such as the Tioga Road, the Tioga Pass, and the Glacier Point Road — it’s still a good time to visit.  

Things to Do in Yosemite in Winter

Moving on to what to do in Yosemite’s winter months, there are all kinds of fun activities. You can try out snow sports and experience the park from your car.

Do Some Cross-Country Skiing

As tourist crowds disappear in the winter, the entire park becomes an exploring ground for intrepid cross-country skiers. With many miles of skiing trails, you can have all kinds of fun in the snow. 

One enjoyable ski path for those experienced in cross-country skiing is the trip down Glacier Point Road to the Glacier Point Ski Hut. If you’re looking for something more casual, the 1.5-mile Crane Flat Lookout Trail is ideal.

Go Ice Skating

Another fun thing to do in Yosemite’s snow season is ice skating at Curry Village. Being on the skating rink is like being in a Christmas movie but with vistas of Half Dome and bright evergreens. 

Unfortunately, you can’t buy tickets in advance, but with fewer people in the park, you won’t have to wait long. After a skating session, you can warm up at the Curry Village Cafeteria with hot chocolate or whiskey.

Take a Scenic Drive

You read that right – going on a scenic drive in winter in Yosemite. Even though many park roads are closed, there are still a few that you can explore:

• Yosemite Valley Loop – On this loop around Yosemite Valley, you’ll encounter iconic sights, including Bridalveil Falls, Half Dome, and El Capitan, with the snow falling around it. Just remember to bring your best camera gear!

• Hetch Hetchy Road – Going to the park’s less-visited northwest corner, the Hetch Hetchy Valley is still full of sites to see. A pro tip is to stop along the way to enjoy some winter hiking.

Yosemite Best Time to Visit FAQs

Still have some lingering questions about when to visit Yosemite National Park? Check out the answers to these commonly asked queries. 

How Many Days Do You Need at Yosemite?

It’s best to spend three to five days in Yosemite. The park covers over a million square miles, so this way, you’ll be able to enjoy hiking, sightseeing, and camping.

When Is the Best Month to Visit Yosemite?

The best month to go to Yosemite is May, as it’s not too busy and the weather is optimal.

Is Yosemite National Park Open Year Round?

Yes, Yosemite National Park is open 24/7, 365. However, there are some road closures in winter, so be sure to keep up-to-date on the weather forecast.

Wrapping Up the Best Time to Go to Yosemite National Park

There, you have it – the best time to visit Yosemite National Park. All in all, it’s down to your personal preference when you visit the park, as each season offers unique opportunities for you. 

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