Yosemite When to Go
Wind creating an upward flowing waterfall
Yosemite is open all year round and the best time of year to visit will depend on the sort of weather you enjoy and what you like to do. We really love to hike so tend to go in high summer when all the access roads and all the hiking trails are open. However, this is the busiest time of year to visit and by the end of the summer the water levels are falling and the waterfalls less spectacular. If you do choose to go in the summer it is well worth planning your trip to avoid weekends as this is when the Park is busiest and definitely worth avoiding any public holidays like the 4th July long weekend. The summer weather in the Valley is normally warm and can get up to 30oC with thundershowers.
Yosemite can be lovely in autumn and spring as there are far fewer visitors and the weather can be mild and pleasant. However, it can also snow and although most roads remain open through until November and reopen from May, sudden snowfall can make driving very tricky and you will be required to use snow chains.
Autumn is the worst time to see the waterfalls as it is the end of the dry season and many of them will have vanished.
On the flip side spring is the best time of year for waterfalls as the snow melt will be pouring into rivers and streams to create a spectacular show.
Some people think winter is the best time to visit Yosemite and the snow does look beautiful. It will be cold and daytime highs below freezing are very common.
There is some skiing / snowboarding available in the Park. The Badgers Pass website has further information.