One thing is certain: weather can and does change quickly in Yosemite. Rain, snow, wind and other weather events can occur in any season, leaving those who are unprepared scrambling for shelter or frantically searching for snow chains. With the right mindset and some preparation, your trip to Yosemite Mariposa County can be a memorable one – for all the right reasons.

For the most up-to-date highway conditions, visit Caltrans. Check for possible additional advisories from the Park Service. To view Yosemite weather conditions in the park in real-time, visit the Yosemite Webcams.

Learn more about driving to Yosemite via our Road Conditions page.

Yosemite Weather by Region

When traveling into Yosemite, it is important to check the Yosemite weather conditions especially during the winter season. Although Yosemite National Park is open all year-round, weather can quickly impact driving, prompting road closures, delays or chain requirements on short notice. Even rockfalls and other natural incidents can also affect travel. With our weather conditions guide, you’ll get up-to-the-minute Yosemite Valley weather, Mariposa weather, Tuolumne Meadows weather and more.

What to Pack in Yosemite By Season

Here is a handy general guide for what to pack in each season in Yosemite. It is meant to provide a quick overview but suggestions vary based on your planned activity type and the current weather conditions expected during your visit.

Spring/Summer (April-September)

Spring/Summer is a beautiful time to explore Yosemite and Mariposa County. Early spring can be wet with cool evening temps and the occasional spring storm. Summer is very warm in the valley but can still be cool in the higher elevation parts of the park.  Summer time is consistently sunny with temperatures as high as low-nineties  (32°C) with a low of mid-fifties (13°C). Early spring can be high forties  (9°C) to low sixties  (18°C).

Spring/Summer Yosemite Packing List

Autumn (October/November)

Autumn is one of the best seasons for hiking Yosemite. The days are still generally warm and sunny but the nights are cool. Colors start to change around the valley floor but the first snows have not yet arrived meaning many areas of the park that are congested during the summer time or snowed in during the winter are accessible and relatively quiet. The seasons are transitioning so you may need to pack a little more to make sure you are ready for sunny warm days or rainy, cool ones. See the packing list above for ideas on what to pack, but consider bring a heavier waterproof jacket in addition to several layers.

Winter (December-March)

Winter in Yosemite is one of the most beautiful times to explore the Valley Floor. The high granite walls are dusted with snow and the meadows glisten with icy frost in the morning. You may encounter snow on the trails in the valley or you may not, it can vary greatly by year. However, it is almost certain some roads such as Tioga Pass and Glacier Point will be closed, as will some hiking trails. Mirror Lake Trail, Upper Yosemite Falls Trail and the trail to Vernal Falls footbridge are generally good winter trails for those who still want to hike. Snowshoeing, downhill and cross country skiing, and ice skating are also popular winter activities. Temperatures range from mid-twenties (-2°C) at the lowest, to high fifties (13°C) on sunny days.

Yosemite Winter Packing List