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Yosemite National ParkSnowy Half Dome
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Yosemite National Park
Visiting in Summer
 
Yosemite Falls and Cook's Meadow

Yosemite Falls--and other waterfalls in Yosemite--reach their peak flow near the end of May, but usually remain high well into June. By August, waterfalls have little water or (in the case of Yosemite Falls) may be dry.

Summer
(June through September)
See lots of the park...and other visitors

Areas to visit: All areas of the park are usually accessible by car by late May or early June, although services along the Tioga Road often open a bit later in June.

Climate: Warm to hot, with occasional rain (usually as afternoon thundershowers, especially at the higher elevations).
Yosemite Valley & Wawona (4,000 ft / 1,200 m): 87°F (31°C) / 51°F (10°C)

Rivers & Waterfalls: Most of the water flowing in Yosemite comes from snowmelt in the high country, so runoff decreases during the dry summer. Peak runoff typically occurs in May or June, with some waterfalls (including Yosemite Falls) often only a trickle or completely dry by August. Other waterfalls, including Vernal, Nevada, and Bridalveil, run all year, however their flow can be very low by late summer.

Wildflowers:
Yosemite Valley & Wawona: Most blooming occurs in June, with redbud, Sierra onion, lupine, Mariposa lily, pentstemon, and flowering dogwood beginning in May.
Tuolumne Meadows: The season begins in late summer for subalpine flowers. Beginning around July, look for little elephant's heads, gentian, pentstemon, yarrow, and shooting stars.

Altocumulus clouds over Yosemite Valley
Detailed Climate Data
Find detailed climate data for Yosemite Valley from the Western Regional Climate Center
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Half Dome with a cloud
Current Conditions
Find out current conditions and facilities information
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Train traveling along the Merced River to Yosemite National Park.  

Did You Know?
Starting in 1907, the Yosemite Valley Railroad brought passengers bound for Yosemite Valley up the Merced River canyon to El Portal. From there, they would take stagecoaches to the Valley. Some of the old train cars are now on display in El Portal.

Last Updated: January 15, 2009 at 19:01 EST