About Yosemite Weather
Yosemite National Park receives most of its precipitation in the months of January, February, and March. In the higher regions such as Glacier Point and along the Tioga Road, this falls as heavy snow. Summers are typically warm and dry, but do produce frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Spring and fall have erratic weather, with warm and sunny days sometimes giving way to storms and cool weather. Clouds can build up during the summer to produce spectacular thunderstorm activity. The statistics below are from the Yosemite Valley area of the park. The high country along the Tioga Road, including Tuolumne Meadows, are 10-20°F cooler.
Visitation Seasons
The spring starts off much as winter does, with roads in the high country and many trails still snow covered. As the snows melt and May arrives, the waterfalls roar to life and new green carpets the area. The second half of May is usually the best time for waterfalls, but some roads are still closed.
The summer is the height of visitation in the park. All roads and facilities are open by early July. Waterfalls slow down, and some, including Yosemite Fall, can dry up completely by August. The high country is at its best in July and August.
The fall brings a slight lessening of the crowds and cooling temperatures. Snow in the high country becomes a possibility by the end of September. Roads in the area can close for the season anytime in October or November.
The winter brings heavy snow to the high country, and restricts normal travel to the valley and lower areas such as Wawona. The lowest visitation of the year occurs in winter.
