Yosemite & the Sierra Nevada
United States · North America
Yosemite & the Sierra Nevada works almost all year round, peaking in June–August, when it is at its strongest for nature & wildlife and road trips. Tioga Pass and the High Sierra typically open for the summer season, unlocking backcountry routes and alpine lakes. Visitor numbers surge as summer vacations begin.
Plan a trip to Yosemite & the Sierra NevadaMonth by month
| Month | Fit | Weather | Crowds & prices | What it's good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8/10 | 0°C · 10 rain days | crowds 2/5 · prices 2/5 | Skiing, Nature & wildlife. Winter snow blankets the Sierra Nevada with excellent skiing at regional resorts. High-elevation passes including Tioga Road are closed for the season. |
| February | 9/10 | -1°C · 10 rain days | crowds 2/5 · prices 2/5 | Skiing, Nature & wildlife. Prime snowpack supports downhill and cross-country skiing across the range. The natural Horsetail Fall Firefall phenomenon draws evening crowds in mid-to-late February. |
| March | 8/10 | -1°C · 14 rain days | crowds 2/5 · prices 2/5 | Skiing, Nature & wildlife. March brings heavy precipitation and late-season powder skiing to high slopes. Valley floor trails begin thawing, but high-altitude passes remain deeply buried in snow. |
| April | 8/10 | 4°C · 7 rain days | crowds 3/5 · prices 3/5 | Nature & wildlife. Spring snowmelt starts swelling Yosemite's iconic waterfalls into roaring torrents. Low-elevation trails clear while spring skiing continues at major resorts. |
| May | 9/10 | 8°C · 8 rain days | crowds 4/5 · prices 4/5 | Nature & wildlife, Hiking, Road trips. Waterfalls reach peak volume, making this one of the best months for photography and valley sightseeing. Glacier Point Road often opens, though Tioga Pass typically remains closed. |
| June | 10/10 | 16°C · 7 rain days | crowds 5/5 · prices 5/5 | Nature & wildlife, Road trips, Hiking. Tioga Pass and the High Sierra typically open for the summer season, unlocking backcountry routes and alpine lakes. Visitor numbers surge as summer vacations begin. |
| July | 10/10 | 21°C · 4 rain days | crowds 5/5 · prices 5/5 | Hiking, Nature & wildlife, Road trips. All high-elevation routes and passes are open with optimal wilderness trekking conditions. Peak summer crowds require advance reservations for lodging and park entry. |
| August | 10/10 | 20°C · 4 rain days | crowds 5/5 · prices 5/5 | Hiking, Road trips, Nature & wildlife. Warm and dry conditions make high-country hiking and climbing ideal, though ephemeral waterfalls dwindle to a trickle. Late summer carries potential wildfire smoke risks. |
| September | 9/10 | 17°C · 5 rain days | crowds 3/5 · prices 4/5 | Hiking, Nature & wildlife, Road trips. Crowds thin substantially while alpine trails and scenic mountain passes remain fully accessible under clear skies. Nights turn crisp as early autumn sets in. |
| October | 8/10 | 12°C · 3 rain days | crowds 3/5 · prices 3/5 | Hiking, Nature & wildlife, Road trips. Fall foliage turns vibrant golden hues in the meadows and valleys. Early snowstorms can trigger temporary or permanent seasonal closures of high-elevation passes. |
| November | 7/10 | 4°C · 6 rain days | crowds 2/5 · prices 2/5 | Nature & wildlife. High mountain passes close for the winter and the first major snowpack develops. A quiet, peaceful atmosphere returns to the lower valley floor. |
| December | 8/10 | 0°C · 12 rain days | crowds 3/5 · prices 3/5 | Nature & wildlife, Skiing. Winter wonderland scenery arrives with snowshoeing, ice skating, and ski resort openings across the Sierra. Holiday weeks see temporary spikes in valley visitation. |
Getting in
Israeli passport: e-Visa · up to 90 days — ESTA travel authorization required under the Visa Waiver Program.
Other passports are checked in the app when you search. Rules change; verify before booking.
Other passports are checked in the app when you search. Rules change; verify before booking.
