Best Time to Visit Yosemite National Park
Last Updated on September 18, 2024 by Polly Dimitrova
With its iconic landmarks, diverse wildlife, spectacular waterfalls, and breathtaking landscapes, Yosemite National Park attracts millions of visitors every year. One of the first questions that people ask themselves, though, is when is the best time to visit Yosemite National Park. You will not find a straightforward answer to this. After visiting Yosemite twice during two different seasons, though, I have decided to share the main pros and cons of visiting Yosemite in spring and fall.
Visiting Yosemite National Park in Spring
Pros of Visiting Yosemite in Spring
Rushing Waterfalls
Spring is the prime time to witness Yosemite’s stunning waterfalls in their full glory. The snowmelt creates powerful cascades reaching their peak mid-spring. Combined with the mist-filled air, Yosemite becomes extra magical during the spring season!
Mild Weather
Despite the chilly early hours of the day, Yosemite’s weather in spring is quite mild and pleasant. With temperatures ranging from the 50s to 70s, spring could be the best time to visit Yosemite National Park. During our trip in April, we were treated to long days of continuous sunshine and relatively warm temperatures.
Blooming Wildflowers
As the park gradually starts waking up after the winter months, it slowly comes back to life. You will find yourselves surrounded by incredible lush greenery and cool fresh air. The valleys burst into colors, creating exceptionally vibrant landscapes. Spring is also known to be the best season to enjoy Yosemite’s diverse wildlife.
Fewer Crowds
Late spring and the beginning of summer are parts of Yosemite’s peak tourist season. Visiting a bit earlier, though, means slightly fewer tourists. We were pleasantly surprised by the lack of crowds during our trip in mid-April. Not only is parking and getting around a breeze but you will be treated to a more serene and peaceful experience of Yosemite National Park.
The rushing waterfalls as we got to see them in Spring
Cons of Visiting Yosemite in Spring
Unpredictable Weather
The weather in Yosemite National Park could be a bit unpredictable during the spring months. Temperatures at night could be as low as 38 degrees F and while not common you might even experience some snowfall. Due to the rapidly changing conditions, you might also have to pack a few extra clothing items just in case.
Road Closures
With the variable weather conditions, you need to keep in mind that roads may still be closed due to snow and some sights could be inaccessible to visitors. There was also a tire chain requirement to enter the park, which we were not prepared for and we had to rush and get these two days before leaving for Yosemite in April.
Lodging Challenges
Finding lodging during the spring months can be a challenge. Plan ahead of time and book your reservation at least 6 months prior if you are hoping to stay inside the park. Keep in mind that some campgrounds are also not available during the spring months.
Visiting Yosemite National Park in Fall
Pros of Visiting Yosemite in Fall
Fewer Visitors
One of the biggest pros to visiting Yosemite in the fall is avoiding the tourist crowds. The vast majority of people visit between June and September, so planning a trip at the end of September through the end of October is a really good idea.
More Accommodation Options
Fewer visitors in the fall also mean more available accommodation options. If a trip to Yosemite was a spur-of-the-moment kind of decision and you only have a limited amount of time to plan and book, your best bet is visiting towards the end of fall or the beginning of winter.
Clear Weather
The weather in fall is slightly more stable compared to the spring months. The average temperature in October is around 71 degrees F for the highs and 41 for the lows. With very little precipitation and mild temperatures, Yosemite becomes a perfect spot for outdoor activities and taking on longer hikes. What is more, the cooler air enhances visibility, so you will be treated to stunning panoramic views.
More Opportunities for Exploration
The vast majority of the park remains completely open until the beginning or middle of November, including Tioaga Pass (which is usually the first area to get closed off after the first snowfall). Overall, visiting in the fall allows tourists to explore a lot more of Yosemite National Park.
Unfortunately, the air quality and visibility in parts of the park were significantly affected by the wildfires when we visited in Autumn
Cons of Visiting Yosemite in Fall
Not Many Waterfalls to See
The numerous waterfalls scattered throughout Yosemite are one of the biggest highlights of the park. Visiting in the fall, however, means barely any flow left. While you can still hike to Vernal or Nevada Falls, for example, you will probably only find a small trickle of water. Keep in mind that Bridalvail is the only year-round waterfall in Yosemite National Park.
Wildfire Seasons
Unfortunately, late summer and the beginning of fall are wildfire seasons for Yosemite National Park. When we stayed in September two years ago, for example, the area around Mariposa Grove was massively affected by smoke. While we were still able to visit, the air quality was really poor leading to a slightly unappealing experience.
Limited Services
Toward the end of September, all shuttle services around Yosemite are discontinued. This means that you will have to rely on your own transportation to get around the park. While this may not be a problem for all, we definitely preferred using the Yosemite Valley Shuttle when we visited in spring versus our own car at the end of September.
Shorter Days
With the decrease in daylight hours during fall, visitors are left with limited time for hiking and exploring. The early mornings and late afternoons tend to be a lot colder and planning activities on a shorter day can be a bit more challenging. I noticed that even though we visited with a toddler in spring, we managed to see more than what we were able to do in the fall.
On the left – we are sitting in the middle of the completely dry Mirror Lake vs on the right – the water in Mirror Lake when we visited in spring
Note: Always remember to check the official Yosemite National Park website for up to date information on the current conditions!
I am sure that Yosemite National Park is equally stunning all year round. Choosing a particular time would greatly depend on your personal preferences. I believe both spring and fall are excellent choices for a trip since you will be avoiding the bigger crowds. Always in awe of waterfalls, though, I genuinely believe the period between April and May is the best time to visit Yosemite National Park. At the same time, however, I was truly impressed by the tranquil atmosphere and golden foliage, as well as the crisp fall mornings during the autumn months. At the end of the day, Yosemite National Park is an absolute must-visit, providing you with an unforgettable adventure any time of the year.
Have you been to Yosemite National Park? When did you visit and what did you like the most during that time? I am also curious, has anyone been to Yosemite National Park during the winter? Feel free to let me know in the comments section below.
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