Weather in Yosemite during February 2026
“Cool and moody. Best paired with warm rooms and long lunches.”
Roughly 10 rainy days across the month, on average.
Yosemite in February is genuinely cold. Daytime highs hover around 1.5°C (35°F), while nights plummet to -9.1°C (16°F)—cold enough for snow at higher elevations and occasional freezing on the valley floor. You'll see roughly 185mm of precipitation spread across 9.5 rainy days, so pack waterproof layers. The upside: roughly 8.2 hours of sunshine daily means you get decent light even in winter, especially on clear mornings when frost sparkles across meadows and Half Dome stands sharp against blue sky.
February is Yosemite's quietest month. Roads see minimal traffic, lodges operate at low occupancy, and you'll rarely queue for viewpoints or hiking trails. Locals describe it as the park's most contemplative season—waterfalls run full from snowmelt higher up, yet crowds are virtually absent. Prices dip noticeably for accommodation and campsites. The trade-off is that some higher-elevation trails close due to snow, and certain facilities operate reduced hours. If solitude matters to you, this is the sweet spot.
Historically, February in Yosemite has remained consistently cold over the past decade, though snowfall amounts vary year to year. Early February tends slightly colder than late February, and 2026 is tracking within normal winter ranges—no major climate anomalies expected. The 185mm average rainfall is typical for the season; heavier storms occasionally hit mid-month.
February suits photographers chasing moody light and snow-dusted granite, plus hardy hikers comfortable in cold conditions. Budget travelers love the low prices. Families with young children should consider warmer months instead—the cold and icy patches make valley walks less pleasant for toddlers. For 2026, plan around potential snow closures on Tioga Pass Road and Glacier Point Road; always check park conditions before driving.
The Valley is 1% of Yosemite's area but gets 95% of visitors — locals go to Hetch Hetchy (the reservoir that flooded a valley John Muir called equal to Yosemite Valley) which requires a permit and gets no crowds. The Ahwahnee Hotel was renamed 'The Majestic Yosemite' for years due to a trademark dispute with a former concessionaire; the original name returned in 2019. Half Dome cables require a permit lottery, and rangers pull unclipped hikers off in bad weather. Skip Curry Village pizza; drive to El Portal's Yosemite View Lodge or bring your own dinner.
What to pack for Yosemite in February
February demands layering. Temperatures swing from freezing mornings to slightly less frigid afternoons, and wind can bite hard. Waterproof outer layers are essential with nearly 10 rainy days expected. Insulated boots with good traction prevent slips on icy patches.
- Merino wool thermal base layers
- Insulated down parka or heavy fleece jacket
- Waterproof hiking boots with grip soles
- Wool beanie and insulated gloves
- Waterproof rain jacket or shell
What to pack for Yosemite in February
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Where to stay in Yosemite
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Compare hotels on Booking.com→Estimated February trip to Yosemite
Off-season pricing — good value if the weather works for you. Rule-based estimates from a couple based in London — actual prices vary.
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Delayed flight to Yosemite?
Flights to Yosemite in February can be delayed by storms. Claim up to €600 if yours is 3+ hours late. EU regulations cover flights departing from or arriving in the EU/UK.
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Things worth doing
Snowshoeing on valley trails, photographing waterfalls and granite cliffs in soft winter light, hiking lower-elevation paths like Mirror Lake loop, stargazing on clear nights.
February vs. the rest of the year
How this month compares in Yosemite. Tap any month to read more.
highlighted months are among the best time to visit.
Best time to visit Yosemite
While February has its own character in Yosemite, the data-backed best months to visit Yosemite are June, July, August, September. These months combine the most favourable temperatures, rainfall, and sunshine across an 11-year climate record (2015–2025).
See the full best-time-to-visit guide for YosemiteOther places with a similar climate right now
Yosemite in February — FAQ
Q01Is February a good month for Yosemite?
Is February a good month for Yosemite?
It is a challenging month — you may want to consider another time of year. In February, Yosemite averages a high of 2°C (35°F) and a low of -9°C (15°F), with 185mm of rainfall across roughly 10 rainy days. Mid-May through early June the waterfalls hit peak flow from Sierra snowmelt — Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil, Vernal all thunder — and Tioga Pass opens without July's four-hour Valley entrance queues.
Q02How warm does Yosemite get in February?
How warm does Yosemite get in February?
The average high temperature in Yosemite during February is 2°C (35°F), with an average low of -9°C (15°F). These figures are averaged from 11 complete years of daily records (2015–2025, Open-Meteo Archive). January dumps snow on the Valley floor; locals cross-country ski Badger Pass (California's oldest ski area, 1935) and watch Horsetail Fall's 'firefall' sunset glow late February.
Q03Does it rain a lot in Yosemite in February?
Does it rain a lot in Yosemite in February?
Yosemite averages approximately 10 rainy days in February, with a total monthly rainfall of about 185mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days. January-February atmospheric rivers dump 30 inches of snow above 6,000 feet; Wawona Road (Highway 41) closes for avalanche control and El Portal floods.
Q04What clothes should I bring to Yosemite in February?
What clothes should I bring to Yosemite in February?
For Yosemite in February, pack a warm winter coat, a merino base layer for evenings, a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on 11 complete years of weather averages for this specific month. Bear canister for backcountry (rentable at wilderness centers) — hanging food from trees is banned since 2004 because Yosemite bears learned to defeat every knot.
Q05Are there many tourists in Yosemite in February?
Are there many tourists in Yosemite in February?
Tourist crowds in Yosemite during February are typically low — winter is off-season, meaning quiet streets and better hotel deals. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely. The Valley is 1% of Yosemite's area but gets 95% of visitors — locals go to Hetch Hetchy (the reservoir that flooded a valley John Muir called equal to Yosemite Valley) which requires a permit and gets no crowds. The Ahwahnee Hotel was renamed 'The Majestic Yosemite' for years due to a trademark dispute with a former concessionaire; the original name returned in 2019. Half Dome cables require a permit lottery, and rangers pull unclipped hikers off in bad weather. Skip Curry Village pizza; drive to El Portal's Yosemite View Lodge or bring your own dinner.