Yosemite is a year-round destination but timing dramatically affects weather, crowds, and prices. Here’s the month-by-month breakdown.
The TL;DR
Best months: May for waterfalls + open access. September-October for hiking + crowds dropping.
Worst months: July-August for peak crowds + dry waterfalls. December-March for limited access.
Month-by-month breakdown
January
Snow + quiet. Tioga Pass road closed. Half Dome cables down.
February
Horsetail Fall ‘Firefall’ in mid-February. Crowded that week, otherwise quiet.
March
Waterfalls beginning to flow. Lower crowds. Tioga still closed.
April
Waterfalls strong. Crowds increasing. Beautiful spring.
May
Best waterfall month. Tioga Pass usually opens late month. Crowds growing.
June
Peak tourist season starts. Waterfalls still flowing. Tioga Pass open.
July
Peak crowds. Need reservations for Half Dome. Hot in valley.
August
Still peak. Some waterfalls drying up. Smoke from wildfires possible.
September
Excellent – cooler, crowds dropping, fall colors approaching.
October
Best month for hiking – mild weather, fall foliage, fewer crowds.
November
Tioga Pass closes early month. Snow possible. Quiet.
December
Snow regularly. Tioga Pass closed. Christmas crowd briefly.
What this means for booking
- Flights/transportation: Peak season 2-3x off-season rates
- Hotels/lodging: Book 4-6 months ahead for peak
- National park reservations: Required for many parks in peak season – book ASAP
Related guides
- Best travel credit cards
- Cheap flights tools
- Best photography spots in USA
- USA Traveler’s Hub – all guides
FAQs
When’s the cheapest time to visit Yosemite?
Off-season months typically have 40-60% lower lodging rates and lower crowds.
Do I need reservations for Yosemite?
Most popular US national parks now require timed entry reservations during peak season. Book 3+ months ahead.
What’s the best month to visit Yosemite?
May for waterfalls + open access. September-October for hiking + crowds dropping.
What’s the worst time to visit Yosemite?
July-August for peak crowds + dry waterfalls. December-March for limited access.
How far in advance should I book accommodation near Yosemite?
Peak season: 6+ months. Shoulder season: 2-3 months. Off-season: 4-6 weeks.