Summary
Summer is the most popular time of year in Yosemite National Park. As the wildflowers fade and the waterfalls start to slacken, vacationers arrive by the thousands.
Yosemite Weather in Summer
The weather in Yosemite is typically warm to hot during summer. It may rain occasionally, particularly as afternoon thundershowers, especially in the higher elevations. You can check the average Yosemite climate or get river water levels, wildflower status, and more at the National Park Service website. If you’re curious about the best time to visit Yosemite, read more for detailed insights.
Water at Yosemite in Summer
Spring water runoff typically ends in June. By August, many of the waterfalls may be completely dry, although Vernal, Nevada, and Bridalveil may trickle year-round. During June and July, you can rent a raft to float down the Merced River or bring a non-motorized kayak or small boat. Rafting is permitted between Stoneman Bridge (near Curry Village) and Sentinel Beach Picnic Area, as long as the river is not too deep (over 6.5 feet) or cold (the sum of water and air temperature must be 100°F or higher).
Wildflowers at Yosemite in Summer
As summer begins, the wildflower season shifts to higher elevations. Mid-June through August offers the best displays at Crane Flat meadows and along Glacier Point and Tioga Roads. In Tuolumne Meadows, sub-alpine flowers bloom in late summer. Starting from July, look for elephant’s heads, gentian, penstemon, yarrow, and shooting stars.
Fires Can Affect Yosemite in Summer
Forest fires are always a possibility in Yosemite during summer. Even if there’s no active fire in the park, surrounding fires can impact air quality and your travel plans. It’s wise to check for fire status before visiting Yosemite. The best resource is the California Statewide Fire Map.
Moreover, knowing the locations of fires isn’t always sufficient. It can be challenging to gauge what conditions are like in a specific spot or along your route. A good approach is to contact your accommodation or a local tourism-related business directly for the most accurate information.
What’s Open at Yosemite During the Summer
The opening date for Tioga Pass varies based on weather conditions and snow removal. It generally opens by late May or early June. Glacier Point usually opens in early May or late June, depending on road conditions. During summer, all Yosemite tours, including open-air tram tours and moonlight tours during full moons, operate. Additionally, Yosemite Theater hosts live evening performances from April through October, often featuring Lee Stetson’s celebrated portrayal of John Muir.
What to Pack
Be sure to match your clothing layers to the areas of the park you will be exploring, as temperatures can drop by approximately 3 degrees F for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Expect higher temperatures in Yosemite Valley, while Tioga Pass may be as much as 20 degrees cooler. If you’re planning to have dinner in the Ahwahnee dining room, pack suitable clothing that adheres to their dress code: for men, long pants and a buttoned, collared shirt are required; women should opt for a dress or a nice blouse with either a skirt or pants.
Yosemite Summer Picnics
Summer provides an excellent opportunity for a picnic in Yosemite. Your picnic costs can be reduced by bringing provisions from home or purchasing supplies in one of the towns on your way into the park. Groceries are also available from the store in Yosemite Village. Here are a few great picnic spots:
- Cascade Creek: This spot remains relatively uncrowded even in summer. Located on CA Highway 140 east of the Arch Rock entrance station, it features picnic tables, restrooms, and a swimming hole.
- El Capitan Meadow: Nice picnic tables can be found just below El Capitan along Northside Drive.
- Sentinel Dome: A short one-mile walk from Glacier Point Road leads to a stunning picnic area. Arriving about an hour before sunset enhances the experience, but remember to bring a jacket to stay warm and a flashlight in case you need assistance finding your way back in the dark.
Photographing Yosemite in Summer
The National Park Service offers morning Camera Walks starting in mid-April. These free, two-hour tours led by professional photographers can help you learn to capture stunning photographs of Yosemite in summer. Discover more details about the photo walks here.
