Yosemite National Park - Climate

Weather can change rapidly during all seasons of the year. Elevation plays a major role in temperature and precipitation.

Yosemite receives most of its precipitation in the months of January, February and March. Summers are typically warm and dry. Spring and fall are transitional months, when warm, sunny days can suddenly become stormy. Clouds can build up during the summer to produce spectacular thunderstorm activity.

For Yosemite Valley and Wawona (subtract 10-20 degrees for Tuolumne Meadows), AVERAGE weather is as follows:

Summer: Typically dry, with occasional thunderstorms; highs in the low 90s, lows in the 50s.

Fall & Spring: Highly variable, with typical high temperatures ranging from the 50s to 70s, with lows in the 30s. Rain is less likely early in fall/late in spring and rain or snow is likely late in fall/early in spring.

Winter: Snowy, rainy, or (sometimes) even sunny days are possible, with highs ranging from the 30s to 50s and lows in the upper 20s.

It is wise to pack for any season with clothing that can be "layered," ready to peel off or add on as conditions dictate. Always include some kind of rain gear.