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| Current Conditions | Trail Conditions | Roads | Seasons | Winter Information | Latest News |
 Planning
Your TripWhen planning a trip to Yosemite, it is wise to keep in mind the changing seasons for the timing of your visit will affect many different aspects of your plans: the weight of the clothing you bring; camping possibilities; the need for tire chains for your car; the availability of high country scenery (two major high country roads are closed in winter), and what you can expect to see and do. Depending on the season, you may experience autumn leaf color, spring and summer wildflowers in bloom, rushing waterfalls or a snowy winter wonderland. Remember, however, that you should always go to the mountains prepared for the unexpected. |
Current weather, satellite images, forecast
Yosemite Association's daily Live Shot of Yosemite
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General Climate of Yosemite
As is true of all mountainous regions, weather in the Sierra Nevada can change rapidly at any season of the year. Elevation plays a major role in temperature and precipitation variability. Since Yosemite varies in elevation from 2,000 feet to more than 13,000 feet, the lower foothills of the park can be experiencing the rebirth of spring while the higher elevations remain in the grip of winter. The higher you go, the colder and more temperamental the climate gets. March and November are transitional months when warm sunny days can suddenly become stormy. Although summer in the Sierra is known for its sunny days, it is not unheard of for clouds to build up suddenly creating a downpour that could last a few hours or possibly several days. See descriptions for more information on each season: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Yosemite Roads
The Tioga Road (Highway 120 East) and the Glacier Point Road are closed by snow each winter from about early November to late May or June. The Tioga Road generally closes for the season with the first major snowstorm after November 1 and reopens by late May to early June, conditions permitting.
In Winter, the Glacier Point Road is plowed to the Badger Pass Ski Area late December to early April. Travelers coming to Yosemite during fall, winter, and spring should carry tire chains in their cars as they may become mandatory on park roads at any time.
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http://www.nps.gov
File created 9/99 Hayes Roberts
Updated
Yosemite National Park Division
of Interpretation