Yosemite

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Why visit Yosemite?

Yosemite National Park demands attention for its sheer verticality and the glacial forces that carved its granite foundations. Standing at the base of El Capitan, you feel the overwhelming scale of the 3,000-foot sheer cliff face that dominates the valley floor. Nearby, the mist from Yosemite Falls creates micro-climates where hikers brave the steep ascent toward the upper cataract. Beyond the valley, the high-country landscape shifts dramatically as you traverse Tioga Road, offering access to the serene subalpine meadows of Tuolumne Meadows. Here, the landscape feels raw and untamed, far removed from the crowded viewing platforms at Tunnel View.

For those seeking perspective, a drive to Glacier Point provides an unobstructed panorama of Half Dome and the high Sierra peaks. Afterward, find respite among the towering specimens in the Mariposa Grove, where the Grizzly Giant stands as a witness to centuries of ecological history. While dining options remain utilitarian, grabbing a hot meal at the Ahwahnee Dining Room, known for its massive sugar pine trusses and stone hearths, offers a grounded experience after a day in the wilderness. Whether navigating the Merced River or trekking the Mist Trail, the park serves as a rigorous testing ground for endurance and a sanctuary for those who value geological grandeur over modern amenities.

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Everything for your Yosemite trip

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More options: Kiwi.com · Oojo · Skytours · seats.aero · Arangrant · QEEQ · Carla · GetTransfer · CarmelLimo · ViaToVia · Saily · Yesim · GigSky · Klook · EF Ultimate Break · EF Adventures · AirHelp Plus · CruiseDirect

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Popular experiences in Yosemite

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When to go to Yosemite

The best months for Yosemite are May, June, July, August and September. Highs then range from 21°C to 32°C, crowds are medium at peak, and a week here is mid-priced.

Jan
10°
low -2°
9 wet days
Feb
10°
low -2°
7 wet days
Mar
10°
low -1°
12 wet days
Apr
16°
low 1°
6 wet days
May
21°
low 5°
6 wet days
Jun
26°
low 11°
5 wet days
Jul
32°
low 16°
0 wet days
Aug
30°
low 15°
2 wet days
Sep
27°
low 12°
3 wet days
Oct
21°
low 6°
4 wet days
Nov
15°
low 1°
4 wet days
Dec
10°
low -1°
12 wet days
Highlighted = best monthsNumber = average daytime highBar = how wet the month is

Temperatures and wet days are measured, not estimated: ERA5 reanalysis for 2021-2023, at Yosemite Valley. Source: Open-Meteo.

Planning Yosemite

Best time to visit YosemiteMonth by month, measuredWhere to stay in YosemiteWhich area suits youHow many days you needWhat fits in a short or long stay

Yosemite — common questions

When is the best time to visit Yosemite?

The best months for Yosemite are May, June, July, August and September. Highs then range from 21°C to 32°C, crowds are medium at peak, and a week here is mid-priced.

What is the weather like in Yosemite?

July is the warmest month, with daytime highs around 32°C. January is the coolest, around 10°C by day and -2°C at night. March is the wettest, with about 12 wet days. Figures are measured averages, not estimates.

What is Yosemite known for?

Yosemite is best known for nature, mountains, adventure and wildlife. The things people come for: El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, Glacier Point, Mariposa Grove.

Who is Yosemite best suited to?

Yosemite works particularly well for families, solo travellers, groups of friends and first-time visitors. That is based on what there is to do there, not on who books it most.

What can you book in advance in Yosemite?

The experiences that sell out first are food tours, cooking classes, day trips, skip-the-line tickets, walking tours and night tours. You can check availability and prices on our booking partners below — you pay the same as booking direct.

Do I need a visa for United States?

That depends on your passport and how long you are staying, so there is no single answer. TonyPlan has a visa and entry checker — put in your nationality and it tells you what applies to you.

Get the Yosemite guide as a PDF

Why to go, the best months with real measured temperatures, which area to stay in, and what flights cost right now — in one file you can read on the plane. Free.

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Getting to nearby places

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