The Rhythms of the Sierra: Yosemite Weather and Climate Guide

Yosemite National Park’s weather is defined by the massive verticality of the Sierra Nevada. With elevations ranging from 2,000 feet in the western foothills to over 13,000 feet at Mount Lyell, the park does not have one single climate, but rather several distinct microclimates that behave differently throughout the day and year.

Seasonal Climate Patterns

Spring (March to May)

Spring is a season of dramatic transition. While the Yosemite Valley (4,000 ft) begins to bloom, the High Country remains under a thick blanket of snow. This is the peak season for waterfalls; as the snowpack melts on the plateaus, the runoff creates thunderous cascades like Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Fall.

• The "Feel": Days are often crisp and sunny but can be interrupted by sudden, cold Pacific storms. You may experience 70°F (21°C) sunshine one afternoon and a heavy snow squall the next morning.

Summer (June to August)

Summer is the driest and warmest season, characterized by stable weather and clear blue skies. However, as the valley floor heats up to 90°F (32°C) or higher, the High Country (Tioga Road/Tuolumne Meadows) remains significantly cooler, often hovering in the 70s°F (20s°C).

• Afternoon Thunderstorms: A signature summer phenomenon is the buildup of cumulus clouds over the peaks by 2:00 PM, often resulting in brief but intense "monsoonal" thunderstorms. These bring lightning and sudden temperature drops before clearing by dusk.

Fall (September to November)

Early fall is the most stable weather period in Yosemite. The intense summer heat fades into mild, dry days and chilly nights. Streams and smaller waterfalls often dry up completely during this time. By November, the first major winter storms typically arrive, often closing high-elevation roads like Tioga and Glacier Point for the season.

• The "Feel": The air is at its clearest, offering the sharpest views of the granite monoliths. The "golden hour" light is particularly long and saturated.

Winter (December to February)

Winter is cold and damp, with nearly 75% of the annual precipitation falling as snow. In the Valley, snow usually falls in intermittently heavy storms but often melts within a few days, whereas the High Country accumulates dozens of feet of snow that persists until June.

• The "Firefall" Phenomenon: In mid-to-late February, if the skies are clear and the snowmelt is sufficient, the setting sun hits Horsetail Fall at an angle that makes the water appear to be flowing lava—a world-famous optical illusion.

Elevation and Microclimates

In Yosemite, elevation is the primary driver of weather. For every 1,000-foot gain in altitude, the temperature typically drops by 3°F to 5°F.

• The Foothills (2,000 ft): Mediterranean climate; hot and dry summers with mild, rainy winters.
• Yosemite Valley (4,000 ft): Tempered mountain climate; protected by high granite walls, the valley can trap cold air in the winter (temperature inversions) or heat in the summer.
• Subalpine/Alpine (8,000+ ft): True high-mountain climate; winter persists for six to eight months of the year, and frost can occur even in July.

Local Adaptation and Experience

Locals and park rangers move with the "snow line." As spring progresses, activities move higher into the mountains. Conversely, when winter storms hit, the community shifts focus to the Valley floor and lower-elevation areas like El Portal.

One unique sensation to Yosemite is the "granite radiator" effect. During summer, the massive granite walls of El Capitan and Half Dome absorb solar heat all day and radiate it back into the valley at night, keeping the floor warmer than it would otherwise be. In winter, the opposite occurs: the steep walls block the sun from reaching the valley floor for much of the day, creating a deep, biting chill in shaded areas even when the peaks are bathed in light.