Yosemite Park is among the most beautiful places in the world and it’s best viewed and experienced in the appropriate season, so you can get the most out of the experience. The park’s natural attractions can be viewed all year round, but that doesn’t mean you should just pick up and go at any time.
As with any natural wonder, there is a best time to visit Yosemite, in order to easily get around and to be able to hike, camp, explore, and enjoy. Access to attraction will change with the weather, but so will the crowds in the park.
Are you planning your trip to Yosemite?
If you’re traveling to Yosemite, ensure you have lodging and tours booked ahead of time! Below are some of our top picks to help you plan!
Where to Stay in Yosemite (and Nearby):
- Rush Creek Lodge (Less than a mile from the park’s Highway 120 west entrance)
- Ahwahnee Hotel (Prime location for views of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Glacier Point; one of the highest rated in the park)
- Yosemite Valley Lodge (right in the heart of Yosemite National Park)
Best Tours and Experiences in Yosemite:
- Private Guided Hiking Tour in Yosemite (5-6 hour trip tailored to your ability and likes)
- Yosemite Panorama Trail Self-Guided Audio Tour (download the on your smartphone)
- Yosemite Valley Discovery Walk (see waterfalls, Half Dome, El Capitan, Tunnel View)
I’m not saying there’s just one best time to visit Yosemite, however. Instead, I’d suggest that you should take into consideration exactly what you want to experience and decide your best time based on that. In the article below, we will share the information we have about the seasons and what is best to see at that time in the park.
PLAN YOUR ITINERARY: Use our guides to prepare your entire Yosemite itinerary.
- 9 Top Attractions to See in Yosemite
- Here’s our one-day itinerary for Yosemite. Have more time? The Perfect Yosemite 2-day itinerary
- Check out where to stay in Yosemite, whether you want camping or a hotel.
Spectacular Spring
If you pressed me into making a choice of when is the absolutely best time to visit Yosemite, I would say spring.
From late March through early June, Yosemite Valley and other popular locations within Yosemite come alive with color, as the park’s wildflowers begin to bloom and the trees start to bud with new life.
The mild temperatures in spring make also it an ideal time for camping or backpacking trips in Yosemite, as snow begins to melt away and trails become clear.
The days are longer and warmer, perfect for long hikes and exploring Yosemite’s many trails. Plus, since Yosemite is less crowded during these months you can enjoy the natural scenery without having to battle hordes of visitors.
Springtime in Yosemite also offers unique opportunities for wildlife viewing. Animals such as bears, elk and bighorn sheep are more active during this period as they emerge from their winter hibernation and begin searching for food in preparation for mating season.
Bird enthusiasts will also love all the sightings including bald eagles soaring above, along with smaller birds such as chickadees fluttering among blooming wildflowers.
Ultimately, spring is the ideal time of year to visit Yosemite National Park due to its combination of mild temperatures, extended daylight hours, plentiful wildlife opportunities, and lower crowds.
Yosemite Falls
As winter snow begins to melt in spring, many of the park’s waterfalls come alive, gushing with water. Yosemite Falls is truly an awesome, especially with its spring rainbows.
Yosemite Moonbows
Moonbows occur in nature when water droplets from the mist produced by a waterfall refract moonlight. The conditions have to be exact for this to happen. The rare experience of catching a glimpse of a nighttime rainbow is one of the best springtime pleasures at Yosemite.
Lively Summer
Not surprisingly, the summer season attracts the largest number of visitors to Yosemite Park. It’s a go-to for families when kids are on summer break. It’s also the time when most park attractions are open and available.
From late June through early September is when Yosemite Valley and other popular locations within Yosemite are at their most beautiful, with colorful wildflowers blooming and the trees bursting with new life.
The days are longer during the summer months as well, which gives more time to explore Yosemite’s many trails. Two pluses come from this: you won’t have to rush your hiking, and the trails won’t be as crowded because there’s more time for more people.
A drawback to summer however is that many of Yosemite’s campgrounds, lodges, and recreation areas become especially crowded during peak season (July-August). If you don’t get a reservation months in advance, you might be shut out.
Despite the crowds, Yosemite is still an excellent place to visit during the summer months due to its combination of beautiful scenery and plentiful outdoor activities.
Hikers will find plenty of trails to explore, while campers can enjoy Yosemite’s many campsites. In addition, Yosemite offers a variety of water sports including kayaking, river rafting, and swimming in Yosemite’s rivers and lakes.
Ultimately, summertime Yosemite National Park is excellent for its combination of scenery, activities and opportunities to explore Yosemite without having to worry about snow or cold temperatures.
Biking in Summer
Riding a bike during the summer season gives you an advantage in exploring Yosemite Park. It’s perfect for sightseeing without the problem of traffic or finding parking spaces.
You can bring your own bike. If you don’t have a bike, you can rent one at the park. You can also borrow a bike through the bike share program.
Stargazing
If you’re into astronomy or just love looking up at the stars, summer nights at Yosemite Park are incredible. Stargazing activities are often held during the summer at key locations in the Park.
Yosemite National Park is miles from any city light pollution and the night sky is very dark, which makes it a great place for looking at the stars. Glacier Point is especially excellent for night sky viewing during summer. Bring a telescope and a star chart with you and enjoy!
Rock Climbing
One of the prominent climbing locations in the world, Yosemite Park offers various types of climbing challenges to take on. It’s not just the advanced routes of El Capitan and Half Dome, either. There are also crack climbs at Merced River Canyon and the Tuolumne Meadows domes that all level of climbers can enjoy.
Rock climbing during the summer in Yosemite Park allows you extra time for daylight and lets you scale longer and higher routes. That said, it’s also hotter and there are more climbers to contend with.
Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing is among the popular summer activities in Yosemite Park. It’s a great way to bond with the family by teaching the kids about patience and challenge.
Notable places that are ideal for fly fishing would be Merced River and Tuolumne River. Trout fish abound in these rivers, particularly rainbow and brown trout.
Colorful Autumn
If you love the warm color that comes with autumn and prefer smaller crowds and quiet settings, fall would be the best time for you to visit Yosemite.
Autumn is an ideal time of year to visit Yosemite National Park due to its combination of mild temperatures (for those who don’t mind a jacket!), extended daylight hours, and plentiful wildlife opportunities.
From late September through early November is when Yosemite comes brightens with spectacular foliage and an array of fall colors.
The days become shorter during the autumn months, but there’s still time for afternoon hikes. Many of Yosemite’s campgrounds, lodges, and recreation area remain open throughout the autumn season.
In addition, autumn offers unique opportunities for wildlife viewing as animals migrate through Yosemite in search of food in preparation for winter hibernation. Bird enthusiasts will delight in seasonal avian sightings including bald eagles.
Despite the shorter days and cooler temperatures, Yosemite is still great in fall.
Yosemite Valley
Yosemite Valley is gorgeous all year round, but in the fall the warm colors seep in and transform the green valley in a wash of oranges and yellows. Falls is a great time to explore the valley by bike, since the traffic has died down, and it’s quite peaceful.
Yosemite Lakes
Visit high-country lakes in Yosemite and you’ll find yourself awed by the splendor of these lakes in the autumn. Some of these often-secluded, granite-rimmed lakes are perfect for moments of reflection and meditation.
Wawona Meadows
Immerse yourself in a variety of experiences with the colors, yellow, orange, red, and brown in the Wawona meadow loop during autumn.
Squirrels, Mule deer, and Gray owl sightings complement your autumn vacation at Yosemite.
Tunnel View
Gazing from Tunnel View, you’ll feel as if you are part of a scene from a movie. Clouds and mist shroud Yosemite Valley as sunlight peers behind huge mountains. The view is a must-see for first-time visitors to Yosemite Park.
Autumn also presents opportunities for photography enthusiasts looking to capture some amazing shots at sunrise or sunset when the entire park seems engulfed in golden hour light.
Plus because Yosemite is less crowded during these months you can enjoy the natural scenery without having to battle hordes of visitors or worry about finding parking spots!
Winter Wonderland
Visiting Yosemite National Park in winter can be a truly unique and rewarding experience. The Yosemite Valley is blanketed with snow during the winter months, creating a breathtakingly picture perfect scene with snow-covered trees and frozen rivers.
Yosemite Falls and other rock formations glisten in the sun, reflecting light off of their icy surfaces. The days are shorter during this time of year, but that just gives more time to cozy up to the fireplace at the lodge with a cup of hot cocoa.
Despite the cold temperatures and shorter daylight hours, Yosemite still offers plenty of activities for winter visitors including skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, and snowmobiling.
Firefall at Horsetail Falls
This breathtaking natural phenomenon occurs in Horsetail Falls every year in mid-late February.
During this time, the setting sun hits the waterfall at a particular angle to produce the illusion of a cascade of fire.
Ahwahnee Hotel Bracebridge Dinners
During the winter season, the Ahwahnee hotel holds an opulent Christmas tradition that’s been going on since 1927. The annual Bracebridge Dinners features a seven-course meal and around 100 performers.
Presented in a Renaissance-themed festivity. The 4-hour program includes music, food, shows, and Renaissance rituals celebrating Christmas.
Badger Pass Ski Area
Badger Pass Ski Area is perfect for advanced skiers as well as beginners. Established in 1928, it still offers lessons taught by professional instructors.
There are groomed trails perfect for cross-country skiing, chairlifts to take you to the top of the run, a terrain park for snowboarders and skiers to test their skills, and a snow tubing area as well.
Curry Village Ice Skating Rink
Curry Village ice skating rink is a perfect activity for the whole family. Opened in 1928, the skating rink is large and accommodating for all skill levels. The area also features a cozy fire pit and a spectacular view of Half Dome.
Curry Village ice skating rink opens from mid-December until early March.
Mirror Lake
Mirror Lake, as its name suggests, shows the reflection of Half Dome on its waters. Its picturesque view has drawn hikers, tourists, and photographers for years.
The Mirror Lake trail is open year round, though it can be very icy and snowy in winter. The trail is fairly flat and easy though. If you go properly prepared you’ll likely find this to be the best season to enjoy the peace and quiet.
Where to Stay in Yosemite
Yosemite National Park provides a variety of lodging and camping. Official discounted Yosemite National Park lodging ranges from basic tent cabins with nearby toilet facilities to the more luxurious lodging in The Ahwahnee Hotel is a distinctive hotel that is the pride of Yosemite National Park.
You can examine the variety of Yosemite National Park lodging online and make reservations. It’s always best to book way ahead of your visit to get the lodging you want.
Wrapping Up
The best time to visit Yosemite Park depends on what park attractions and activities you want to do. After all, you can’t visit in summer to go ice skating, as much as you won’t be able to hunt for moonbows during winter.
Diligent planning of what to experience in a particular season can get you the most out of your visit to the park.
» Looking for more inspiration along the route? Check out all our guides to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and San Diego. Find the best beaches in Monterey, waterfalls in Southern California, and national parks.
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Laura is a travel fanatic who loves seeing and doing new things. She lives in Ventura, CA, and spends a lot of time exploring California’s cities, beaches, and national parks.