Yosemite National Park, California, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Yosemite National Park, California, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Yosemite National Park, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

  1. When to go to Yosemite National Park
  2. Important essentials for Yosemite National Park
  3. Activities for Yosemite National Park
  4. Yosemite National Park in January: weather and what to pack
  5. Yosemite National Park in February: weather and what to pack
  6. Yosemite National Park in March: weather and what to pack
  7. Yosemite National Park in April: weather and what to pack
  8. Yosemite National Park in May: weather and what to pack
  9. Yosemite National Park in June: weather and what to pack
  10. Yosemite National Park in July: weather and what to pack
  11. Yosemite National Park in August: weather and what to pack
  12. Yosemite National Park in September: weather and what to pack
  13. Yosemite National Park in October: weather and what to pack
  14. Yosemite National Park in November: weather and what to pack
  15. Yosemite National Park in December: weather and what to pack

When to go to Yosemite National Park, California, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Yosemite National Park, California, United States of America, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Yosemite National Park, California, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Yosemite National Park, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Yosemite National Park, California, United States of America by month

January

January in Yosemite National Park is brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Yosemite National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to pick the necessary type. Most adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

February

February here is cold. Temperatures average in the low 50s F (low 10s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Yosemite National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to find the necessary kind. Many adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

March

In March, Yosemite National Park is relatively cool. Temperatures routinely are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) and about half of the time jump into the low 60s F (mid 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C). This is also a rainy time for Yosemite National Park, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Yosemite National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you get the correct kind. Many adapters available online are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

April

April in Yosemite National Park is mild. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Yosemite National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the necessary type. Many adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

May

If you go to Yosemite National Park in May, you will notice that it is mild. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Yosemite National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to pick the correct kind. A lot of adapters available online are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

June

If you go to Yosemite National Park in June, you will notice that it is pretty consistently hot and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Yosemite National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to get the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

July

If you visit Yosemite National Park during July, you may see that it is constantly hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Yosemite National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to find the necessary type. Most adapters for sale now are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

August

August in Yosemite National Park is consistently hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Yosemite National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the correct type. Many adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

September

September in Yosemite National Park is pretty consistently hot and dry with little rain. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Yosemite National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to find the necessary type. A lot of adapters available online are simply plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

October

October in Yosemite National Park is balmy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Yosemite National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you find the right type. Most adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

November

November in Yosemite National Park can be chilly. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Yosemite National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to choose the correct type. A lot of adapters currently available are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

December

If you go to Yosemite National Park in December, you will notice that it is cold. Daytime temperatures are in the high 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Yosemite National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to get the right type. Many adapters available online are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

What to do in Yosemite National Park, California, United States of America

Yosemite National Park is one of the most beautiful and iconic attractions that the United States has to offer. It's a vast park of nearly 1,200 square miles located in California's Sierra Nevada Mountains, known for its stunning granite cliffs, lush forests, and rushing waterfalls. The park has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it attracts millions of visitors each year. If you're planning a trip to the Yosemite National Park, here are some of the top tourist attractions you shouldn't miss out on:

1. Half Dome: This is perhaps the most recognizable landmark of the Yosemite National Park. The Half Dome is a granite dome that rises nearly 5,000 feet above the park's valley floor. Hiking to the top of the Half Dome is a challenging but rewarding experience that offers stunning views of the park's scenery.

2. Yosemite Valley: The Yosemite Valley is a gorgeous area of the park that is surrounded by granite cliffs and waterfalls. You can explore the valley by walking or biking its trails or taking a guided tour.

3. Yosemite Falls: Yosemite Falls is the tallest waterfall in North America, with a total height of 2,425 feet. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the falls from the valley floor or take a hike to the top of the falls.

4. Glacier Point: This is one of the best places to view the Yosemite Valley from above. You can reach Glacier Point by driving or hiking to the top. From there, you can see some of the most breathtaking views of the park, including Half Dome and Yosemite Falls.

5. Mariposa Grove: This is the largest grove of giant sequoias in Yosemite National Park, with over 500 trees. Walking through Mariposa Grove is a serene and peaceful experience that provides a glimpse of the park's natural beauty.

6. Tuolumne Meadows: This is a high-elevation meadow that features stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities in this gorgeous area.

7. Hetch Hetchy Reservoir: This is a man-made reservoir located in the northern part of the park. The Hetch Hetchy Reservoir provides water to the San Francisco Bay Area and offers stunning views of the park's landscapes.

Yosemite National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves outdoor activities, nature, and adventure. Whether you're interested in hiking, camping, rock-climbing, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature, the park has something for everyone. These top tourist attractions are just a few examples of the endless wonders that Yosemite has to offer, so make sure to add them to your itinerary when planning your next trip.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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