Destination guide · United States
What to pack for Yosemite: packing list by season
What to pack for Yosemite in every season: the clothes, shoes and day-bag essentials that matter, with the weather to expect and local tips.
Yosemite Valley sits at about 4,000 ft (1,200 m), and the high country along Tioga Road is far higher and colder. A warm afternoon in the Valley can follow a near-freezing night.
Phone signal is patchy in much of the park, so download maps and keep your plans and packing list available offline.
Typical weather by season
Spring Mar–May
66° / 37°F
19° / 3°C
Waterfalls at their fullest; cold nights and snow up high.
Summer Jun–Aug
88° / 54°F
31° / 12°C
Hot, dry days in the Valley and cool nights.
Autumn Sep–Nov
72° / 39°F
22° / 4°C
Warm days, cold nights; first snow at elevation.
Winter Dec–Feb
50° / 28°F
10° / -2°C
Cool days, freezing nights and snow at times.
Average daytime highs and night-time lows, rounded. Yosemite Valley. Higher areas such as Tuolumne Meadows and Glacier Point are much cooler, and their roads usually close for the winter season. Always check the forecast before you pack — Wayfold does this for you.
What to pack for Yosemite
Clothes
Shoes
Gear
Add the basics from our hiking packing list for national parks (52 items).
Eating out in Yosemite
Dishes to look for in United States: Cheeseburger, Barbecue, Buffalo wings, New England clam chowder. Tipping: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill is expected at sit-down restaurants; servers rely on tips. Tap water: generally safe to drink.
More in the United States travel guide: what to eat, diet flags and entry rules. General guidance — check locally. Recipes vary between kitchens; always ask about allergens.
Local tips
- 1
Store all food and scented items as the park requires: in food lockers or bear-resistant containers, never in your car overnight.
- 2
Check the official National Park Service site for road status, permits and any reservation requirements before you go — they change by season and year.
- 3
Start popular hikes early to avoid midday heat and full parking lots.
Before you go
- Official park information
- Road conditions, closures and reservation rules are published by the National Park Service. NPS — Yosemite(opens in a new tab)
- Entry (UK passports)
- British citizens visiting the US under the Visa Waiver Program need an approved ESTA before travelling. U.S. CBP — ESTA(opens in a new tab)
Entry rules change. This is general information, not legal advice — check the official source before you travel.
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