Yosemite National Park, California, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to 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
- When to go to Yosemite National Park
- Important essentials for Yosemite National Park
- Activities for Yosemite National Park
- Yosemite National Park in January: weather and what to pack
- Yosemite National Park in February: weather and what to pack
- Yosemite National Park in March: weather and what to pack
- Yosemite National Park in April: weather and what to pack
- Yosemite National Park in May: weather and what to pack
- Yosemite National Park in June: weather and what to pack
- Yosemite National Park in July: weather and what to pack
- Yosemite National Park in August: weather and what to pack
- Yosemite National Park in September: weather and what to pack
- Yosemite National Park in October: weather and what to pack
- Yosemite National Park in November: weather and what to pack
- Yosemite National Park in December: weather and what to pack

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.
When to go to Yosemite National Park, California, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in Yosemite National Park, the best time to go is August. See below for details.
Important essentials for Yosemite National Park, California, United States of America
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.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection possible.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards often wear out. An unreadable vaccine card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly option.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
General health necessities
Don't forget these
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
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.
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one works in most places, but check with your hotel.
-
For families with young children
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
What to wear/what to pack for Yosemite National Park, California, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you are traveling to Yosemite National Park in January, you will notice that it is brisk. Daytime temperatures are in the high 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sweaters
-
Lip balm
Our favorite option: this one
-
Gloves
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Heavy jacket
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Yosemite National Park, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is important here. This one is a great option.
-
Ski accessories
Yosemite National Park has some excellent ski areas If you plan to ski, we also suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
February
February in Yosemite National Park can be brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Sweaters
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Gloves
-
Lip balm
Our pick is: here
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Yosemite National Park, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is vital here. This one is a perfect choice.
-
Ski accessories
Yosemite National Park has some good ski slopes If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
March
If you are traveling to Yosemite National Park in March, you will notice that it can be chilly. Daytime temperatures are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: this
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Yosemite National Park, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is a perfect option.
-
Ski accessories
Yosemite National Park has some great skiing If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
April
If you visit Yosemite National Park during April, you may find that it is balmy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: this one
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Jacket or coat
-
Extra socks
-
Fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We like:
May
May in Yosemite National Park is balmy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C), with a few days below 32 F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Extra socks
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We like:
June
June in Yosemite National Park is extremely warm 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:
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Bug repellent
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
July
If you go to Yosemite National Park in July, you will notice that it can be very hot and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also filters harmful contaminants:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
If you're going to the beach
August
If you visit Yosemite National Park during August, you might see that it is really hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 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:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against skin damage:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also removes contaminants:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
If you're going to the beach
September
If you visit Yosemite National Park during September, you might see that it is extremely warm and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you cool and guard against the sun:
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also removes contaminants:
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
If you're going to the beach
October
Traveling to Yosemite National Park in October, you will notice that it is mild. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece
-
Jacket or coat
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this one
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We like:
November
November here can be chilly. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: here
-
Fleece
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Extra socks
-
Jacket or coat
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Yosemite National Park, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a perfect choice.
-
Ski accessories
Yosemite National Park has some great ski areas If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
December
December in Yosemite National Park is cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Gloves
-
Sweaters
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Lip balm
Our pick is: this
-
Heavy jacket
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Yosemite National Park, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is an excellent option.
-
Ski accessories
Yosemite National Park has some good skiing If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
Activities for Yosemite National Park, California, United States of America
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Yosemite National Park.
Check out our guides for these other locations: Ambalavao, Madagascar, Edithburgh Jetty, South Australia, Australia, Ilica, Turkey, Varel, Germany, Katsuura, Japan, Vihiga, Kenya, Southern Taiwan, Taiwan, Yangyang, South Korea, Odintsovo, Russia, Sunderland, England, United Kingdom, and Chiricahua National Monument, Arizona, United States of America.