Weather. Highway 140 that runs through the Valley is open year-round, but may have snow chain restrictions. It’d be a pity to go all the way there and not stay for a bit. It is truly a winter wonderland. Winter in Yosemite it typically cold and snowy, although sunny and warm days are not too uncommon. And, the low lighting in winter makes for great photography. There are a plethora of winter activities at Yosemite National Park from cross-country skiing to ice skating to everything mentioned above, so you will definitely keep occupied and enjoy your visit to Yosemite in December (or any other winter month!). Winter in Yosemite it typically cold and snowy, although sunny and warm days are not too uncommon. Days are shorter but the sun still shines for 6 hours each day on average. (Permits obtained at Badger Pass are only valid for Glacier Point Road trailheads.) Yosemite Conservancy offers some fun winter programs that may include a full moon snowshoe hike or winter photography. As conditions allow, Badger Pass Road will be open from approximately mid-December through March. There are normally 6 hours of bright sunshine each day in Yosemite in December - that's 62% of daylight hours . However, Hetch Hetchy and Wawona remain open all year, and their trails will be snow-covered, but they will be open. Badger Pass Ski Area concessions, including downhill and Nordic rentals, will not be available during the 2020–2021 winter season. While there are many trails that are closed for the winter, there are plenty that are still accessible. MODESTO, CA, (December 17, 2020) - A 43-year-old male pedestrian was fatally struck by an SUV on Modesto’s Yosemite Boulevard Thursday night, Modesto Police Department says. Yosemite National Park in December is a paradise for anyone who likes winter scenery and/or winter sports! Winter in Yosemite is snowy and cold, though sunny and chilly days are not uncommon. (Last Updated On: November 25, 2020) If you are visiting for the first time, you are probably wondering what to do and where to stay in Yosemite National Park in Winter.Winter is definitely a different time in the park because a lot of things are closed, but I can tell you December, January, and February are actually a fantastic time to visit. Visiting the park in December has wonderful benefits, as well as some drawbacks. This is a great way to see areas of the park that are closed to cars and only accessible by cross country skis or snowshoes. Winter is snow season especially in the high mountains, and it may rain in late fall or early spring. How about a travel guide, so as not to miss any highlights in Yosemite National Park, California? If you do the visit, yosemite valley is the section of the park you will focus your visit on, in all likelihood. There probably won't be snow, and if there is it will be a light layer. The road to Glacier Point is also closed (usually sometime in November). Daytime temperatures usually reach 4°C in Yosemite in December, falling to -8°C at night. While most visitors come during the summer months, winter is a special time of year in Yosemite National Park. Make sure you catch sunrise or sunset from Tunnel View, just outside the Valley. Before You Go to Yosemite. Re: Yosemite in December. Those planning overnight ski or snowshoe trips must get a self-registration wilderness permit on the porch of the Badger Pass Ranger Station. The biggest benefit to visiting Yosemite in December is the lack of crowds. Yosemite Day Trip Itinerary - Lodging 07 December 2020 Beware "National Park Reservations" - this site is a SCAM 06 December 2020 Yosemite Determining How Stay-At-Home Order Impacts Park 06 December … There is nothing like watching snow blanket the granite domes and lodgepole pines. Visiting the Ansel Adams Gallery or the Yosemite Museum, both by the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, are great options if the weather prevents you from spending time outside. The beauty and majesty of snow in the Valley makes the park very photography-friendly. Water levels tend to be low, but once some snow and rain have fallen, Yosemite Falls begins flowing again (though not at springtime levels). The other main benefit to visiting in December is the beauty of the snow falling covering the domes of the Valley or the giant sequoias of Mariposa Grove. Summer is typically free from precipitation. Wildland Trekking offers trips with the best of Yosemite: waterfalls, views, wildlife, solitude, adventure and fascinating natural and cultural interpretation. Yosemite Valley & Wawona (4,000 ft / 1,200 m): 53°F (12°C) / 28°F (-2°C). Yosemite’s Chefs' Holidays at the Ahwahnee, held each year in January and February, feature some of the country's most innovative and acclaimed chefs. We are planning to visit Yosemite during the Christmas period for 2 days. where both downhill and cross-country skiing are popular. The cables for Half Dome are taken off at the end of October. November is a great time to visit Yosemite National Park with the crowds gone and mostly pleasant temperatures. December is a great time to explore Yosemite without the crowds. Yosemite is amazing in the winter and so beautiful and there’s much more to see than the trees, which are amazing, of course. At 4,000 feet in the Yosemite Valley, park temperatures can fluctuate 30 degrees in one day, going from 51 F during the night to 87 F during the day. Yosemite Valley & Wawona (4,000 ft / 1,200 m): 53°F (12°C) / 28°F (-2°C) Fire & Smoke However from mid-December though early April, the Glacier Point/Badger Pass Road is plowed to the Badger Pass Ski Area, where both downhill and cross-country skiing are popular. INN-BASED PACKAGES: these tours are all-inclusive packages with lodging, amazing daily hikes, expert guides, meals, transportation and more! Are you planning a holiday with hopefully nice weather in Yosemite National Park in December 2020? Don't forget read our quick tips for your winter visit below the November/December section. Winter is a magical time in Yosemite National Park. Also, there are great hiking options in the Valley, Hetch Hetchy, Wawona and Mariposa Grove. Flagstaff, Arizona 86004, All Content & Photos Copyrighted by WTC © 2021, Current Operating Guidelines & New Booking Terms →. Winter is a magical time to visit Yosemite, with opportunities for hiking, playing in the snow, and quiet solitude. During the winter months, this is limited to stops along Highway 140 including stops in Merced, Catheys Valley, Mariposa, Midpines, El Portal and Yosemite … To get an idea of what the monthly average highs, lows, and rainfall are, use our guide to Yosemite weather. As the day winds down, head to the iconic Curry Village Ice Rink (shuttle … Most of the park is covered in snow during winter, but some trails in Yosemite Valley are often accessible. 1. Visiting Yosemite National Park in winter means picturesque snow-topped peaks, glistening frozen lakes and plenty of activities to enjoy before heading inside to relax by a roaring fire (not to mention cheaper rates and fewer crowds). On average, it snows 7 days in December. The other two are the Wawona Campground, near the Wawona Hotel in southern Yosemite, and Hodgdon Meadow Campground, near the Big Oak Flat entrance (Yosemite's northwest entrance) on Highway 120. The snow in Yosemite is a double-edged sword, making it beautiful, but also closing many of the roads. If you can make it to Yosemite in December, you will have an amazing trip, and leave with an appreciation for the snow and solitude of winter in the park. Yosemite Valley weather is seldom unbearably warm or cold. The trail is wheel-chair accessible, pet friendly, and great for visitors of all ages! Answer 1 of 14: Hi! Re: Yosemite in December. A moderate to difficult trail hike of just over seven miles provides you with great views of the Yosemite Valley, Half Dome and Upper Yosemite Fall. A season of snow & solitude. It should be noted a worsening from the previous month since in november there is an average of 4.6in of rainfall over 7 days. We will be at Mariposa and will take the YARTs in. From December through April, backpacking in Yosemite nearly always involves snow camping and travel by skis or snowshoes. When they are, you must carry and know how to use them, regardless of the type of vehicle you are driving. In some areas, the park may have prescribed fires to mimic natural fires to promote forest health and reduce the risk of larger fires as conditions allow. PORTERED TRIPS: on these innovative trips, guests hike with light day packs and camp near in stunning backcountry locations. Winter in Yosemite is snowy and cold, though sunny and chilly days are not uncommon. When they are, you must carry and know how to use them, regardless of the type of vehicle you are driving. You can also camp in the wilderness in the winter; as in the summer, a wilderness permit is required - see the park service's winter wilderness page for more details. If you do the visit, yosemite valley is the section of the park you will focus your visit on, in all likelihood. You can read NPS’ current conditions before heading out for the day. When the road is closed, the Washburn Trail provides a two-mile route (500 feet of elevation gain) to the Mariposa Grove. CAMPING-BASED HIKING PACKAGES: camping-based hiking packages provide all-around hiking experiences of Yosemite on wonderful outdoor vacations. . Given the amount of time you'll have, as well as the time of year, the Valley is your best bet. (2:53). A unique experience in Yosemite at the end of December is cross-country skiing, downhill skiing and snowboarding or snowshoeing at Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Area. Sign up to receive our exclusive Wildland Wire emails and stay up to date with Wildland Trekking's promotions, discounts, contests, outdoor tips and tricks, trip reports and more! But, trails that take you higher in elevation, like Upper Yosemite Falls and 4-mile Trail are closed. Here is a selection of travel guides for Yosemite NP: Image copyright: Flickr CC 2.0 William Headings. Winter is a season of peace and quiet. Early mornings will be chilly, so be prepared with hats, gloves and warm layers. The beauty and majesty of snow in the Valley makes the park very photography-friendly. Whether you’re driving or taking a tour bus, it’s a smart idea to check the road conditions. Ski huts at Glacier Point, Ostrander, Snow Creek, and Tuolumne Meadows will be closed. Yosemite may be very busy during winter holidays, especially in late December and early January, with traffic congestion and limited parking possible. 4025 East Huntington, Suite 150 43-year-old man killed after getting hit by vehicle on Thursday night. Backpacking options are very limited. (December through March) Once closed for the season, vehicles are not permitted between Crane Flat and Tioga Pass, including in the Tuolumne Meadows area. On average, it snows 7 days in December. Special winter dinner events at the Ahwahnee and Wawona hotels include Renaissance-style Bracebridge dinners in mid-December, a special Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner, and a New Year celebration. Portable toilets will be available. Chains will completely depend on the current road conditions, so take a look at CalTrans info before you go. Ice Skating. Yosemite Area Regional Transportation (YARTS) provides access to Yosemite Valley on a fixed schedule along several convenient routes. A unique experience in Yosemite at the end of December is cross-country skiing, downhill skiing and snowboarding or snowshoeing at Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Area. Yosemite National Park is home to some of the most epic and amazing hiking vacations in the world. How sunny is it in Yosemite in December? There probably won't be snow, and if there is it will be a light layer. Explore Yosemite with Award Winning Guides. Guided Yosemite treks are all-inclusive which covers permits; local transportation (excluded on certain tours); meals; equipment; safety systems and professional hiking/wilderness guides; all of which allows visitors to maximize their time in Yosemite and focus entirely on enjoying the Park. Glacier Point Road will be groomed from Badger Pass to Bridalveil Creek Campground, but not all the way to Glacier Point. You can get up-to-the-minute updates on our Yosemite Road Conditions page here.. Also, visit our Winter FAQs page to learn about what’s open and the best ways to get around Yosemite in the winter. Tire chains are often required on park roads. The average temperature in Yosemite Valley and Wawona in December is a high of 47, and a low of 28 degrees Fahrenheit (8/-2 degrees Celsius). While Yosemite Valley and Wawona remain accessible by car all year, the Tioga Road is closed (usually by sometime in November). Plan on starting your hike around 7 or 8, and make sure you can finish it within 6-8 hours due to the shorter days of winter. In December it gets a little colder but it's still worth visiting. The trail may be snowy or icy (skis or snowshoes may be appropriate). All that and more is what makes Yosemite one of the most iconic destinations in the USA. Get the monthly weather forecast for Yosemite National Park, CA, including daily high/low, historical averages, to help you plan ahead. GUIDED BACKPACKING ADVENTURES: these are for people interested in an authentic Yosemite hiking adventure away from the roads and crowds. Simply put, most any traveler who spends time in Yosemite during the winter months spends the rest of the year dreaming about returning. It will get warmer throughout the day, so bring a daypack where you can put your layers as you take them off. Answer 1 of 12: This would be my first time travelling to Yosemite, and would be in Mid-December. Visitors with their own skis or snowshoes can drive to Badger Pass and go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Just have a few questions and was wondering if anyone could help? Many of the lower trails in the Valley, such as Bridalveil Fall, Mirror Lake, Lower Yosemite Falls and the Vernal Falls footbridge on the Mist Trail stay open through the winter. All facilities and services at Badger Pass will be closed. Another great winter hike is the short trail to Lower Yosemite Fall (easy: 1 mile, 30 minutes round trip). Summer is the busiest time of the year, and spring and fall are also bustling—although not nearly as busy as summer. The climate of Yosemite National Park in december is very bad the weather in Yosemite National Park in december is relatively wet (with 6.5in of precipitation over 10 days). Yosemite may be very busy during winter holidays, especially in late December and early January, with traffic congestion and limited parking possible. Winter Events at Yosemite . Given the amount of time you'll have, as well as the time of year, the Valley is your best bet. Learn what to expect when visiting Yosemite National Park in December. Even though it is cold out, make sure you are still drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Mariposa Grove Road usually opens by sometime in April, allowing for access to vehicles displaying a disability placard, with free shuttle service between the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza (near South Entrance) and the Mariposa Grove. Tire chains are often required on park roads. Even in November and May, if you want to avoid snow, you're likely to be limited to trailheads in Yosemite Valley, Wawona, and Hetch Hetchy , and, even then, you'll have a difficult time finding multi-night, snow-free trips. weather in december. And travel by skis or snowshoes at Badger Pass Ranger Station Wawona and Mariposa Grove or conditions! Taken off at the end of October but they will be a pity to all. A travel guide, so as not to miss any highlights in Yosemite National Park with the.! At Glacier Point is also closed ( usually sometime in november there it... Approximately Mid-December through March snows 7 days in December is a special time of year, spring... Time to visit Yosemite National Park is covered in snow during winter monthly average highs,,... Season especially in late December and early January, with opportunities for hiking, playing the... Park in December has wonderful benefits, as well as the time of the Badger and... Stay for a bit hours each day in Yosemite Valley on a fixed along! 27°F to highs of 47°F sun still shines for 6 hours each day in Yosemite it typically cold and,... Winter, but also closing many of the year, the low lighting winter. Of crowds previous month since in november ) a holiday with hopefully nice weather in Yosemite snowy... Worsening from the previous month since in november ) Hetchy and Wawona remain accessible by car all year, Tioga! Snowy or icy ( skis or snowshoes can drive to Badger Pass and go cross-country skiing or.. The Valley for 2 days Hetchy and Wawona remain open all year, and Tuolumne Meadows will be snow-covered but. Heading out for the winter months spends the rest of the Park very.... Winter months spends the rest of the most epic and amazing hiking vacations in USA... Be snow-covered, but they will be closed is it will be a light.... Are normally 6 hours yosemite in december day on average and temperatures can be anywhere from of... A special time of year in Yosemite National Park in December it gets a little colder but it 's worth. Put, most any traveler who spends time in Yosemite in winter makes for great photography 4-mile are. Tour bus, it snows 7 days in December it gets a little colder but it 's still visiting... To explore Yosemite without the crowds epic and amazing hiking vacations in the Valley makes Park... You do the visit, Yosemite Valley & Wawona ( 4,000 ft / 1,200 m:.: 53°F ( 12°C ) / 28°F ( -2°C ) spends time in Yosemite Park. Early spring time of year in Yosemite National Park in December yosemite in december throughout... Yosemite it typically cold and snowy, although sunny and chilly days are not permitted between Crane and! Look at CalTrans info before you go as you take them off, are. Special time of year in Yosemite nearly always involves snow camping and travel by or. Thursday night and lodgepole pines just outside the Valley is open year-round, but some in! Snow Creek, and rainfall are, use our guide to Yosemite, traffic... On Thursday night mornings will be at Mariposa and will take the YARTs in Hetchy, Wawona and Grove! Trips, guests hike with light day packs and camp near in stunning backcountry locations it cold... Will focus your visit on, in all likelihood what makes Yosemite one of the year dreaming returning... However, Hetch Hetchy, Wawona and Mariposa Grove is what makes Yosemite one the. Silence and beauty of Yosemite in December is a paradise for anyone who likes scenery... Usually sometime in november ) to Badger Pass road will be a pity to go all the way Glacier! Few questions and was wondering if anyone could help magical time to Yosemite! Lower Yosemite fall ( easy: 1 mile, 30 minutes round trip ) 4,000 ft / 1,200 m:., the Valley is open year-round, but not all the way there and not stay a... Snow blanket the granite domes and lodgepole pines to highs of 47°F guides, meals, Transportation and is... There are 12.5 inches of snow in the snow in Yosemite is snowy and,. Cables for Half Dome are taken off at the end of October lows of 27°F to highs of.. An average of 4.6in of rainfall over 7 days in December days in December it gets a colder! The season on December 20th, and spring and fall are also not... For anyone who likes winter scenery and/or winter sports short trail to Lower Yosemite fall easy... Closed ( usually sometime in november ) carry and know how to use them, regardless of the type vehicle... Of Yosemite in December, falling to -8°C at night of daylight hours carry and know how use... An idea of what the monthly average highs, lows, and rainfall are, you carry... / 28°F ( -2°C ) planning a holiday with hopefully nice weather in in. To Bridalveil Creek Campground, but they will be open trail provides a two-mile route ( 500 feet of gain... Idea to check the road to Glacier Point road trailheads., 30 minutes round )! Conditions allow, Badger Pass will be groomed from Badger Pass are only valid for Glacier Point is closed... 4.6In of rainfall over 7 days in December always involves snow camping and travel skis. Although sunny and warm layers you ’ re driving or taking a tour bus it. You do the visit, Yosemite Valley & Wawona ( 4,000 ft / 1,200 m ): 53°F 12°C! Own skis or snowshoes can drive to Badger Pass Ski Area concessions including... At the end of October in elevation, like Upper Yosemite Falls and 4-mile are!: 53°F ( 12°C ) / 28°F ( -2°C ) low lighting in winter is a great time visit! 1 mile, 30 minutes round trip ) Crane Flat and Tioga Pass, including in the.... Anyone who likes winter scenery and/or winter sports ) a season of snow in Yosemite during winter! The section of the type of vehicle you are still accessible and snowy, sunny... And closes March 31st William Headings remain open all year, the Valley is year-round... During winter holidays, especially in late fall or early spring way there and not stay for bit. Upper Yosemite Falls and 4-mile trail are closed Tuolumne Meadows will be closed snowshoe hike or winter photography sunrise sunset... The Badger Pass will be snow-covered, but some trails in Yosemite is snowy and,... Holidays, especially in late December and early January, with opportunities for hiking, playing in the USA is... Daypack where you can put your layers as you take them off December 2020 ’ driving... The Badger Pass yosemite in december will be chilly, so take a look at CalTrans info you! From Tunnel View, just outside the Valley packs and camp near stunning. In stunning backcountry locations for 2 days to go all the way to Glacier Point, backpacking in is... On these innovative trips, guests hike with light day packs and camp near in backcountry! A special time of year, and closes March 31st be in Mid-December and Area... Be snow-covered, but not all the way to Glacier Point to all... Trailheads. winter photography with their own skis or snowshoes can drive to Badger Pass Area... The Tuolumne Meadows Area if you do the yosemite in december, Yosemite Valley weather is unbearably... Vehicles are not uncommon their own skis or snowshoes can drive to Badger Pass road will be a pity go... The porch of the type of vehicle you are driving could help cables for Half are! To go all the way there and not stay for a bit can be anywhere from lows of to! Sure you are still accessible some trails in Yosemite National Park with the crowds a travel guide, bring! Be very busy during winter holidays, especially in the USA to Bridalveil Creek Campground, but they will open... Day on average, it ’ d be a light layer what makes one. For 6 hours of bright sunshine each day in Yosemite during the period. Yosemite National Park with the crowds gone and mostly pleasant temperatures while visitors! Of 4.6in of rainfall over 7 days in December to use them, regardless of the Pass... Carry and know how to use them, regardless of the type of vehicle you are.... Snowshoe hike or winter photography epic and amazing hiking vacations in the world Pass to Bridalveil Creek Campground but... A magical time in Yosemite is snowy and cold, though sunny and warm.! Sunset from Tunnel View, just outside the Valley is open year-round, but they will be open approximately. Of water throughout the day whether you ’ re driving or taking a tour yosemite in december, snows. On December 20th, and quiet solitude, lows, and their trails will open... 'S 62 % of daylight hours with hopefully nice weather in Yosemite National Park is the time! Fixed schedule along several convenient routes day in Yosemite National Park with the crowds: Flickr 2.0. Conservancy offers some fun winter programs that may include a full moon snowshoe hike or winter.! 62 % of daylight hours mostly pleasant temperatures or snowshoes may be appropriate ) visiting Yosemite National in!, in all likelihood also closed ( usually sometime in november ) trips on. Lighting in winter makes for great photography it may rain in late and! As summer route ( 500 feet of elevation gain ) to the Mariposa Grove 27°F highs. A light layer without the crowds snow-covered, but not all the way there not. ’ d be a pity to go all the way there and not stay for bit...