Yosemite’s Symphony of Seasons

Winter in Yosemite is cold and damp, with most of the annual precipitation falling as snow and rain between November and March. Higher elevations see snow earlier, lasting into May or June, with peaks blanketed throughout winter. It's common for upper areas to receive dozens of feet of snow. While Yosemite Valley snow amounts can vary greatly depending on temperatures and weather conditions.

Spring transforms Yosemite as snow melts, starting at lower elevations and moving higher. Trails at higher elevations may remain inaccessible until July. This season showcases Yosemite's waterfalls at their peak flow, usually in May. Daytime temperatures reach the 70s, but evenings can still dip below freezing.

Summers in Yosemite are warm, dry, and sunny, with occasional brief, powerful afternoon thunderstorms bringing lightning and hail. Days at lower elevations can hit 100°F, cooling to the 50s or 40s at night. Higher elevations like at White Wolf Lodge, Tuolumne Meadows, and High Sierra Camps hit freezing points at night until July. Yosemite's clear night skies offer unparalleled stargazing opportunities.

Fall brings warm days and cool nights, with September and October offering bright, cloudless skies. Waterfalls slow to a trickle, and snow begins in higher elevations by late fall. Enjoy Fall activities like biking, hiking, rock climbing, horseback rides, sightseeing tours, and evening programs like Starry Skies Over Yosemite. Foodies can join Vintners' Holidays at The Ahwahnee for wine tastings and dinners hosted by California's top winemakers.