Daily weather ranking for Yosemite National Park, based on temperature, sunshine, wind, precipitation and humidity.
The table below shows Yosemite's Perfect Weather Index (PWI) for the next 7 days. Higher scores indicate more comfortable outdoor conditions.
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How to use this: Days with higher scores are generally better for hiking and outdoor activities, with more comfortable temperatures, lighter winds, and fewer weather impacts.
October offers the most consistently comfortable weather at Yosemite National Park, while May and April provide excellent hiking conditions with slightly fewer peak-season crowds.
Based on 2025 Perfect Weather Index (PWI) data from near the visitor center, the results show strong spring and fall peaks, moderate summer reliability, and cooler but workable winter conditions. Yosemite’s wide elevation range—from Yosemite Valley to high alpine terrain—creates substantial variability in scores, especially in wetter winters and El Niño years when snowpack and spring runoff increase.
Raw monthly totals were normalized into monthly PWI scores (percent of possible points) and paired with the count of rare Perfect 10 days.
| Month | Monthly PWI Score | Perfect 10 Days | What It Means |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | ~72% | 0 | Cool, limited high-elevation access |
| February | ~67% | 0 | Wetter, more variable |
| March | ~65% | 2 | Transition season, rising runoff |
| April | ~80% | 3 | Excellent balance of warmth & waterfalls |
| May | ~83% | 4 | Peak comfort + waterfall season |
| June | ~77% | 0 | Warm, very reliable |
| July | ~76% | 0 | Dry, stable summer pattern |
| August | ~72% | 0 | Warm afternoons, smoke risk in dry years |
| September | ~77% | 0 | Cooling slightly, very comfortable |
| October | ~85% | 4 | Most reliable overall |
| November | ~76% | 2 | Cool, crisp, fewer visitors |
| December | ~73% | 0 | Cold mornings, early snow possible |
| Month | % of Visitors | # of Visitors |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3% | 127,789 |
| February | 3% | 121,027 |
| March | 4% | 147,102 |
| April | 6% | 234,232 |
| May | 10% | 409,748 |
| June | 14% | 566,111 |
| July | 14% | 574,270 |
| August | 13% | 547,217 |
| September | 11% | 537,313 |
| October | 11% | 462,467 |
| November | 6% | 230,748 |
| December | 4% | 163,783 |
October ranks highest overall, followed closely by May and April. These months combine moderate temperatures, lower humidity, and strong reliability across most elevations.
Yosemite’s weather varies dramatically by elevation:
In El Niño or wetter winters, snowpack increases and can:
In drier years, access opens earlier but waterfall intensity decreases sooner.
Winter is cold and often snowy at elevation, though Yosemite Valley remains accessible. Comfort scores remain moderate due to sunny afternoons, but access limitations reduce overall reliability.
Best for: Snow scenes, photography, solitude
Watch for: Road closures, chain controls
Spring is dynamic and highly rewarding. April and May deliver some of the best overall conditions, especially for waterfall viewing. However, higher elevations may still have snowpack.
Best for: Waterfalls, hiking, photography
Watch for: Snowmelt, trail closures at elevation
Summer is dry and stable, especially in July. Valley temperatures warm but remain comfortable at elevation. Wildfire smoke can impact late summer during dry years.
Best for: High-country hiking, backpacking
Watch for: Afternoon heat in the Valley, smoke
Fall is Yosemite’s most reliable season. October stands out nationally, combining cool temperatures, low humidity, and exceptional consistency across elevations.
Best for: Long hikes, scenic drives, photography
Watch for: Early snow at high elevations in late season
For weather-focused planning, October is the best time to visit Yosemite National Park, with May and April close behind for peak waterfall season and excellent hiking conditions. Elevation differences and wet El Niño winters can shift ideal timing slightly, but spring and fall remain Yosemite’s most consistently comfortable seasons.
Explore more: All National Parks · Best Weather This Week · Other Mountain Parks