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Contents
- The climate of Yosemite National Park
- The best time to visit Yosemite National Park
- The worst time to visit Yosemite National Park
- Spring weather in Yosemite National Park
- Summer weather in Yosemite National Park
- Autumn weather in Yosemite National Park
- Winter weather in Yosemite National Park
- Weather in January
- Weather in February
- Weather in March
- Weather in April
- Weather in May
- Weather in June
- Weather in July
- Weather in August
- Weather in September
- Weather in October
- Weather in November
- Weather in December
- Frequently asked questions
- Average temperature
- Average rainfall
- Average rainfall days
- Average snowfall
- Average daylight
- Average sunshine
- Average UV index
Part of Merced River in the valley below the Yosemite National Park Mountains, California
Climate and monthly weather forecast
The climate of Yosemite National Park
Nestled in the heart ofCalifornia,Yosemite National Park resides under the umbrella of a Mediterranean, warm summer climate - recognized as a Csb condition according to the well-known Köppen Climate Classification. This terrain is predominantly subject to mild temperatures and conspicuous seasonal fluctuations in rainfall.
The analysis of climate reveals a respectful interplay between temperatures, rainfall, sunlight, and even a fair display of snow. The annual temperature jumps considerably from a low 25.6°F (-3.6°C) during the coldest months to a summertime high reaching 89.9°F (32.2°C). Rainfall exhibits a reverse pattern with drier months during the summer, dipping to a mere 0.2" (5mm) inJuly andAugust, whereas winter months witness a surge in rainfall amounting to 6.5" (165mm) inDecember. The amount of daylight ranges from a winter low of 9.6 hours to a summer high of 14.8 hours.
Yosemite harbors unique weather patterns. Sunshine exposure stands undiminished at approximately 11 hours forMay to August - a stark contrast to winter months that see it drop to about 6 hours. The UV index mirrors this pattern, peaking during the summer months and gently receding during the winter and early spring months.
The analysis of climate reveals a respectful interplay between temperatures, rainfall, sunlight, and even a fair display of snow. The annual temperature jumps considerably from a low 25.6°F (-3.6°C) during the coldest months to a summertime high reaching 89.9°F (32.2°C). Rainfall exhibits a reverse pattern with drier months during the summer, dipping to a mere 0.2" (5mm) inJuly andAugust, whereas winter months witness a surge in rainfall amounting to 6.5" (165mm) inDecember. The amount of daylight ranges from a winter low of 9.6 hours to a summer high of 14.8 hours.
Yosemite harbors unique weather patterns. Sunshine exposure stands undiminished at approximately 11 hours forMay to August - a stark contrast to winter months that see it drop to about 6 hours. The UV index mirrors this pattern, peaking during the summer months and gently receding during the winter and early spring months.
The best time to visit Yosemite National Park
Determining the optimal time to exploreYosemite National Park depends largely on individual preferences and the desired outdoor activities. Generally, the summer months fromJune toAugust offer the perfect mix of pleasant weather and compelling outdoor possibilities. During this period, temperatures reach their peak, hovering between 81.4°F (27.4°C) to 89.9°F (32.2°C), rainfall is at its lowest, and the daylight extends beyond 14 hours. Nature lovers will relish in maximum sunshine and a UV index that remains around 11 inJuly.
The worst time to visit Yosemite National Park
The winter months, particularlyDecember, can prove challenging for some visitors owing to the severe drop in temperatures to a low 25.6°F (-3.6°C), diminished daylight hours reducing to 9.6 hours, and escalated precipitation levels peaking to 6.5" (165mm). Moreover, the sunshine duration and UV index reach their annual lows. This season is dominated by cloud cover, and snowfall can further compound the weather conditions, reaching as high as 16.2" (411mm) in December.
Spring weather in Yosemite National Park
The Park dons a fresh cloak fromMarch toMay during spring when weather conditions begin to transition. Temperatures gently ascend from 58.7°F (14.8°C) to 72.8°F (22.7°C). Despite a gradual decrease in rainfall from 5.4" (137mm) to 1.5" (38mm), an increase in the number of rainy days from 10 to 5 days can be observed. Sunshine duration extends from 9 hours to 11 hours, rendering more daylight to immerse oneself in the park's enigmatic charm.
Summer weather in Yosemite National Park
The crux of the summer fromJune toAugust engenders the most favorable atmospheric conditions. With temperatures ranging between 72.8°F (22.7°C) to 89.9°F (32.2°C) and sustained daylight exceeding 14 hours, the park blooms with opportunities for exploration. Rainfall contracts significantly during this season, with only 0.2" (5mm) inJuly and August, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
Autumn weather in Yosemite National Park
Autumn sees a pleasant shift in climate fromSeptember toNovember. Temperatures gradually recede from 83.5°F (28.6°C) to 57.7°F (14.3°C). The rainfall sees a steady rise from 0.7" (18mm) to 3.9" (99mm), alongside a minor increase in the number of rainy days. Despite fewer daylight hours, ranging from 12.4 hours to 10.1 hours, the park still offers ample time to embark on adventures amidst the breathtaking fall hues.
Winter weather in Yosemite National Park
Winter brings a striking change in Yosemite's weather fromDecember toFebruary. Temperatures plummet from 57.7°F (14.3°C) to 25.6°F (-3.6°C) and a significant increase in precipitation to 6.5" (165mm) in December is evident, alongside an augmentation in the number of rainy days. Daylight dwindles, as does the duration of sunshine. However, for winter sports enthusiasts and admirers of captivating snow caped landscapes, this season hosts a unique allure.
Weather in January
InYosemite National Park, the first month of the year sees the lowest average temperatures, rendering the park a snowy winter wonderland. With temperatures lingering between 25.6°F (-3.6°C) and 47.2°F (8.4°C),January tops other months with a maximum snow accumulation of 16.2" (411mm).Weather in January »
Weather in February
Though temperatures rise gradually inFebruary, they remain in the lower spectrum, encompassing the cool serenity of the park. The park witnesses less snow in this month as compared to the previous one, but it still collects a hefty 14.6" (371mm).Weather in February »
Weather in March
With the arrival ofMarch,Yosemite National Park experiences an upswing in temperatures, signifying the gradual journey towards spring. March stands as the third snowiest month of the year, receiving an average of 12.9" (328mm) of snowfall.Weather in March »
Weather in April
April beckons the spring season inYosemite National Park, significantly cutting down the snowfall to an average of 5.1" (130mm). The temperatures continually rise during this month, making the weather more bearable. An ample 13.2 hours of daylight accompanied by 10 hours of sunshine make April a delight for outdoor enthusiasts.Weather in April »
Weather in May
WithMay comes a noticeable transition from spring to summer inYosemite National Park. A stark contrast from the winter season, May sees a near absence of snowfall with only 0.2" (5mm) recorded on average. Weather conditions significantly improve, leading to an increase in the park's footfall.Weather in May »
Weather in June
June marks the onset of a bright and sunny summer season inYosemite National Park. Virtually no snowfall is observed during this month, enabling visitors to explore the park freely. While it is a warm period, the park's geography ensures pleasant weather throughout the day.Weather in June »
Weather in July
July atYosemite National Park is typically the warmest and the driest time with temperatures peaking to 89.9°F (32.2°C) and welcoming the least amount of rainfall, only 0.3" (8mm). With constant warmth and an extended daylight of 14.5 hours, it's an ideal time for sightseeing and picnicking.Weather in July »
Weather in August
August inYosemite National Park continues with warm temperatures, similar to those experienced inJuly. With barely any rainfall, it becomes the second driest month, receiving only 0.2" (5mm). Ample daylight of 13.6 hours combined with 11 hours of abundant sunshine casts a radiant charm on the park's landscape.Weather in August »
Weather in September
September witnesses a moderate decline in temperatures inYosemite National Park, paving the way for the autumn season. Receiving an average of 0.7" (18mm) of rainfall, the weather conditions remain relatively dry. With daylight reducing to 12.4 hours and 10 hours of sunshine, the environment vibrantly transforms.Weather in September »
Weather in October
October inYosemite National Park brings a noticeable dip in temperature, hinting at the approaching winter season. As the park transitions from fall to winter, a slight increase in rainfall to 1.9" (48mm) is observed from the previous month.Weather in October »
Weather in November
InNovember,Yosemite National Park starts bracing for winter as temperatures drop considerably. The return of snow is marked by an average of 3.6" (91mm), painting landscapes in pristine white. Daylight shortens to 10.1 hours, adding a hint of chill in the atmosphere.Weather in November »
Weather in December
December inYosemite National Park is characterized by a definitive winter setting, with snowfall averaging 12.5" (318mm). The cold weather becomes considerably persistent, bringing the charm of a white Christmas. Daylight is shortest in this month, plunging the park into evening darkness earlier.Weather in December »
Frequently asked questions
What is the coldest time of year?
Yosemite National Park records thecoldest temperatures inJanuary, averaging ahigh of47.1°F (8.4°C) and alow of25.5°F (-3.6°C).
What is the rainiest month?
The month with themost rainfall isJanuary, when the rain falls for9 days and typically aggregates up to6.5" (165mm) ofprecipitation.
How many days does it rain?
Throughout the year, in Yosemite National Park, there are65 rainfall days, and36.26" (921mm) ofprecipitation is accumulated.
When does it snow?
Monthswith snowfall areJanuary throughMay,October throughDecember.
When does it snow the most?
The month with themost snowfall isJanuary, when16.22" (412mm) ofsnow is typically aggregated.
How much does it snow?
Throughout the year,65.31" (1659mm) ofsnow is accumulated.
What is the month with the least sunshine?
January andDecember, with an average of6h ofsunshine, are months with theleast sunshine.
When is the lowest UV index?
The months with thelowest UV index areJanuary andDecember, with an average maximumUV index of2.
When is Daylight Saving Time (DST)?
OnSunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Timestarts, and the time zone changes from PST to PDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from PDT to PST.
When it does not snow?
In Yosemite National Park, snowdoes not fall inJune throughSeptember.
When are the longest days?
June has thelongest days of the year, with an average of14h and42min ofdaylight.
What month is the hottest?
Yosemite National Park's temperature records revealJuly as thewarmest month, marked by averagehighs of90°F (32.2°C) andlows of53.2°F (11.8°C).
What month has the most sunshine?
With an average of12h ofsunshine,July has themost sunshine of the year.
What is the month with the highest UV index?
With an average maximumUV index of11,July is the month with thehighest UV index.
What is the driest month?
The month with theleast rainfall isAugust, when the rain falls for1 days and typically collects0.2" (5mm) ofprecipitation.
What is the month with the shortest days?
December has theshortest days of the year, with an average of9h and36min ofdaylight.
Yosemite National Park, CA
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) isJuly (89.9°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature isJanuary (47.2°F).
The month with the highest average low temperature isJuly (53.2°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) isJanuary (25.6°F).
Yosemite National Park, CA
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) isJanuary (6.5").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) isAugust (0.2").
Yosemite National Park, CA
The month with the highest number of rainy days isMarch (10 days).
The months with the least rainy days areJuly andAugust (1 days).
Yosemite National Park, CA
The month with the highest snowfall isJanuary (16.2").
The months with the least snowfall areJune,July,August andSeptember (0").
Yosemite National Park, CA
- Average daylight in January:
9h and 5min - Average daylight in February:
10h and 5min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 0min - Average daylight in April:
13h and 1min - Average daylight in May:
14h and 1min - Average daylight in June:
14h and 4min
- Average daylight in July:
14h and 3min - Average daylight in August:
13h and 4min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 2min - Average daylight in October:
11h and 1min - Average daylight in November:
10h and 1min - Average daylight in December:
9h and 4min
The month with the longest days isJune (Average daylight: 14h and 42min).
The month with the shortest days isDecember (Average daylight: 9h and 36min).
The month with the most sunshine isJuly (Average sunshine: 12h).
The months with the least sunshine areJanuary andDecember (Average sunshine: 6h).
Yosemite National Park, CA
The month with the highest UV index isJuly (UV index 11).
The months with the lowest UV index areJanuary andDecember (UV index 2).