Yosemite National Park: What Is the Best Time to Visit?

Best Time to Visit Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is one of those unforgettable places that are worth exploring at least once in your life. Its enchantingly natural beauty is hard to match, with granite monoliths jutting from the ground, waterfalls toppling off cliffs, and massive sequoia groves across its landscape.

Given its size, which is 747,956 acres (1,169 square miles) of mostly wilderness, you may need a few days to make the most of your trip. Treat yourself and check into one of the top Yosemite luxury hotels where you can be comfortable, especially after a long and exhausting day of hiking or camping.

Even for a brief stay in the best luxury hotel in Yosemite, you can enjoy many activities that will acquaint you with the park’s attractions and features. You may want to time your visit at an appropriate season so you can make the most of it and ensure a more enjoyable experience. This guide should help you plan your holiday.

When is the best time to visit?

Yosemite National Park is open all year, but it gets more visitors from May to October. So if you want some peace and quiet without the crowds, consider visiting from November to April. Yosemite never loses its beauty and splendor even during the cooler months. You can go on serene winter hikes, or behold Yosemite Falls make a more impressive plunge after rainfall or snowfall.

The areas of Yosemite Valley and Wawona are accessible by car throughout the year, but the road to Glacier Point and Tioga Road is typically closed in November, depending on the weather. The Glacier Point/Badger Pass Road is often plowed in the winter months, usually from mid-December to early April, allowing access to the Badger Pass Ski Area.

If you want a quieter stay, January is the park’s most peaceful month after the surge of holiday visitors leave Yosemite luxury hotels.

When to camp at Yosemite National Park?

Camping is one of the most popular activities in Yosemite National Park. Some people go camping for a day just to experience what it’s like, and then retreat to the best luxury hotel in Yosemite for the rest of their stay.

Hodgdon Meadow, the Upper Pines of Yosemite Valley, and Camp 4 campgrounds are open throughout the year. But if you’re not a fan of toughing it out in the winter or camping deeper in the park, consider visiting in the summer.

The seasonal campgrounds often open as early as late May and until late August. Be sure to make reservations especially between April and September, which is the peak camping season.

When to go for good weather

The weather in the park will vary depending on where you plan to camp or spend your day. That said, the park usually gets 95 percent of total rainfall between October and May and more than 75 percent from November and March. So if you want to avoid rain and snow, schedule your visit between June and September.

Where can I find the Fresno best restaurants near me?

The Elderberry House is one of the most celebrated restaurants in the area , and it’s at Chateau du Sureau, one of the top Yosemite luxury hotels. You can dine al fresco with a view of colorful gardens and lush grounds while enjoying an inventive menu of dishes made with local, organic, and seasonal ingredients from Central Valley Farms.

Where can I find the Clovis best restaurants near me?

Check out Scoops, Soups & more at the Old Town Clovis to sample local Fresno State ice cream. You can also stop by Sierra Vista Mall and find the Big Kahuna Frozen Yogurt. Both are within reach of the Old Town Clovis Trail.

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AuthorJonathan Rosenson

Jonathan, the Chief Operating Officer at DDR Hospitality, is a seasoned level 2 sommelier with over 17 years of experience in the hospitality industry. He serves as the Managing Partner and Director of Hospitality for prestigious boutique hotels such as the Mirabelle Inn, Chateau du Sureau, and The Mansion on Sutter, which are celebrated for their luxurious dining experiences, including the Michelin Plate-awarded First and Oak. Additionally, in his role as Creative Director and Sommelier for Coquelicot Estate Vineyards, Jonathan is deeply involved in organic wine growing and wholesale practices, significantly contributing to renowned establishments like The Sky Room and The Wine Cask.