Yosemite Forecast - Current Up To Date Weather

Yosemite Weather

The Weather at Yosemite National Park varies depending on your elevation with campgrounds starting at 4,000 feet and as high as 8,000 feet. 

Weather in Yosemite is usually conditioned upon whether you are referring to the lower lying Yosemite Valley or the higher elevations around Tuolumne Meadows. 

As Yosemite Valley is the more popular our overall forecasts are for this region which is hot in the summer but pleasant in the spring and fall. 

Weather Yosemite Valley By Month

Tuolumne Meadows Yosemite Weather By Month

Weather in Yosemite during the peak season during the spring and fall is ideal for long hikes and outdoor camping. 

Whether you are at the base of Yosemite National Park or up in elevation you will be surrounded by countless rock faces that are famous for being climbed. 

To help you decide when the best time to visit we’ve included a chart with the average high and low Yosemite temperature weather forecasts by month.

Yosemite Camping Info

Yosemite has fifteen campgrounds that are divided by three locations across almost 1,500 campsites. 

The most popular of these three locations is Yosemite Valley which includes four campgrounds, Upper Pines, Lower Pines, North Pines, and the infamous Camp 4. 

The South of Yosemite campgrounds include Wawona and Bridalveil Creek camping options. 

The last area includes everything North of Yosemite Valley and has seven camps to choose from: Hodgdon Meadow, Crane Flat, Tamarack Flat, White Wolf, Yosemite Creek, Porcupine Flat, and Tuolumne Meadows. 

There are two other luxury  camping options that you may enjoy. 

Housekeeping Camp is located along the Merced River in the center of Yosemite Valley for people who want to kind of camp but without the hassle. 

If you stay at Housekeeping Camp you will sleep in a three sided concrete structure with a canvas roof and privacy curtain but with actual beds. 

Yosemite also offers High Sierra Camps for backpackers who don't want to carry their pack... Glampacking. 

The High Sierra Camps are spaced miles apart from one another allowing you to hike from camp to camp with only a light weight day pack. 

With such a large number of camping opportunities it is no wonder that you can choose to stay in every conceivable type of location. 

Below you will find details about camping at Yosemite campgrounds, and  the most common questions people ask about camping in Yosemite National Park.

How many Yellowstone campgrounds? Fifteen

Yosemite Valley Area

Upper Pines Campground - Campsites: 238  Cost: $26 Water: Yes Toilets: Flush

Lower Pines Campground - Campsites: 60 Cost: $26 Water: Yes Toilets: Flush

North Pines Campground - Campsites: 81 Cost: $26 Water: Yes Toilets: Flush

Camp 4 - Campsites: 36 Cost: $6 per person Water: Yes Toilets: Flush (tents only)

South Of Yosemite Valley Area

Wawona Campground - Campsites: 93  Cost: $26 Water: Yes Toilets: Flush

Bridalveil Creek Campground - Campsites: 110 Cost: $18 Water: Yes Toilets: Flush

North Of Yosemite Valley Area

Hodgdon Meadow Campground - Campsites: 105  Cost: $26 Water: Yes Toilets: Flush

Crane Flat Campground - Campsites: 166 Cost: $26 Water: Yes Toilets: Flush

Tamarack Flat Campground - Campsites: 52 Cost: $12 Water: Creek Toilets: Vault

White Wolf Campground - Campsites: 74 Cost: $18 Water: Yes Toilets: Flush

Yosemite Creek Campground - Campsites: 75 Cost: $12 Water: Creek Toilets: Vault

Porcupine Flat Campground - Campsites: 52 Cost: $12 Water: Creek Toilets: Vault

Tuolumne Meadows Campground - Campsites: 74 Cost: $18 Water: Yes Toilets: Flush

Do Yosemite camp sites have running water? Yes, the majority have running water and showers. However, you'll have to get water out of the creek and use a vaulted toilet at Tamarack Flat Campground, Yosemite Creek Campground, and Porcupine Flat Campground. 

Can you have a fire in Yes? Yes, wood and charcoal fires are permitted in camp site provided fire rings. NO FIRES ARE PERMITTED anywhere else in the park. 

How much does it cost to camp at Yosemite? $6 - $26 a night (Check with High Sierra Camp and Housekeeping Camp for their seasonal rates which are much higher)

How much does it cost to backpack in Yosemite? $5 for the reservation and $5 per person / per night for Backcountry Camping. Most of Yosemite wilderness permits reservations are determined by a lottery system many months in advance.  You can also obtain a permit the before your trip on a first come first serve basis by visiting one of the Yosemite Wilderness Permit Centers.  

What’s the deal with Yosemite camping reservations? All of the campgrounds take reservations and it is recommended you get them as much as 6 months in advance if you hope to get one. Yosemite also has multiple campgrounds that are first come first serve. You can get reservations for Yosemite camping by calling Recreation.gov at 877-444-6777 or using their website. 

Is Yosemite safe at night? Yes! Yosemite is safe to camp overnight or even explore in the dark (just be sure you know where the cliff edge is). The park is patrolled by Rangers 24/7 who are available if you get into trouble. Be sure to always carry appropriate clothes whether you are in the car, at camp, or on the trail. 

Yosemite National Park Map

Yosemite National Park could of just as easily been named Granite Valley with its sheer granite faced mountains surrounding the area. 

Yosemite spans over 1,200 square miles and is probably best known for the waterfalls and cutting edge climbing. 

Whether you start with the more popular Yosemite Valley or the seasonal Tuolumne Meadows you will want to get a map of Yosemite National Park. 

Yosemite maps can be found for free at all of the visitor centers.

Or you can download your very own pdf Yosemite Map here. 

Best Places To Stay AirBnB Yosemite Vs VRBO Yosemite

Whether you choose a traditional hotel, inn, AirBnB, or VRBO, the place will be quiet and nice. 

Most of the accommodations in Yosemite National Park are a bit dated and rundown but it fits with the rustic charm of Yosemite. 

Yosemite Hotels

Yosemite Inn

Hotels near Yosemite National Park

Where to stay in Yosemite

Yosemite Lodging

Air BnB Yosemite

Where to stay in Yosemite

Best Places To Stay In Yosemite

Things To Do In Yosemite

People often ask me, 'What To Do In Yosemite?'.

The answer depends on how much time that you have. 

I would suggest you drive to the closest visitor center and start from there. 

Keep in mind that this may be one of the most beautiful places on earth so you won't be disappointed with wherever you end up. 

Yosemite Things To Do In No Particular Order:

Yosemite RV Camping

The majority of Yosemites campgrounds allow RV and Trailer Camping. 

None of the sites have hookups or sewer but there are dumpstations at Upper Pines, Wawona, and Tuolumne Meadows. 

Many of the sites are very small and you want to be sure that your RV or Trailer will fit before making the reservation.