Yosemite Weather: Being Prepared

The amazing beauty of Yosemite National Park is a huge draw for tourists. With some of the most spectacular scenery and pristine environments in the world, Yosemite is one of the premier national parks in the US. Many people visit this wonderful place every year, but planning your vacation can be hampered if you do not adequately prepare for the eventualities of the weather. Yosemite offers amazing natural beauty, but the weather is prone to rapid changes; being prepared for what you will encounter will help you get the most out of your vacation.
Yosemite sits in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, and, like any mountainous region, the weather can change rapidly. The rainiest seasons are during the winter and early spring, but the summers can be fraught with spectacular thunderstorms. Crystal clear days can turn stormy very quickly; carrying rain gear no matter what season you visit Yosemite is a good idea.

Spring

Spring in Yosemite is part of the rainy season. Pack accordingly with rain gear and garments that can be layered. With average highs in the mid to upper 50's, warm clothing is still a recommendation through mid April. Snow can fall at almost any time of year, though after April it is a rarity.

Summer

Summers in Yosemite are usually mild and dry, though the weather can change very quickly. Average daytime highs for the area are in the upper 80's, though temperatures in the 90's are not out of the norm. Remember to pack rain gear during the summer because of the chance of thunderstorms occurring.

Fall

This is one of the best times of year to visit the park. Fall high temperatures average in the mid 60's, with lows in the low 40's. Rainfall starts at the end of this season, though, as mentioned, it can occur in significant amounts throughout the entire year. Dress warmly in the fall, though you may find that you can wear shorts and t-shirts.

Winter

Winter in Yosemite is an amazing time. The average snowfall is 18 inches for the month of January, though much of that melts during the day. Average daytime highs for the middle of winter are in the mid 40's and lows tend to be in the mid to upper 20's. Warm clothing is essential during the winter.

The single most important thing to remember when packing for your Yosemite vacation is to bring clothing that can be layered. This assures you of comfort, either by adding or removing layers. Rain gear is a good idea in any season. If you plan to do any hiking, make sure that you have supportive, yet comfortable shoes or hiking boots. All cotton clothing is the best idea in any natural environment and Yosemite is no exception to this rule.

Yosemite sees a very large number of visitors each year, though the summer is the dominant tourist season. If you want to avoid the crowds, fall is your best option, but remember your rain gear.