Frequently Asked Questions About Yosemite

WEATHER

How much snow do you get in a year?
How cold does it get?
How much cooler is it in Tuolumne Meadows than the Valley?

How much snow do you get in a year?
Snow depths vary in amount depending on elevation and the severity of the winter/spring season. In Yosemite Valley, snow is generally intermittent, rarely accumulating to more than one or two feet. Storms often bring more rain than snow to the Valley floor (4,000 feet). The greatest snow depths occur above 7,000 feet. In March, when snow depth is usually greatest, average depths are four to nine feet above 7000 feet. Record amounts are near 20 feet (1982-83 at Snow Flat along the May Lake Road, approximately 8700 feet.)

How cold does it get?
Although the mountain weather is generally mild in the Sierra, it can change rapidly. In Yosemite Valley during winter, average daytime temperatures are 30-55°F and 20-35°F at night.

How much cooler is it in Tuolumne Meadows than the Valley?
Typically, temperatures change 3-5°F per 1,000 feet of elevation change. On average, Tuolumne Meadows is 15-20*F cooler than the Valley. However, there is a greater chance of thunderstorms and wind at the higher elevations, so wind chill can make it feel much colder. During winter, nighttime temperatures can often be -10 to 10°F.