Weather in Yosemite during November
“Cool and moody. Best paired with warm rooms and long lunches.”
Roughly 7 rainy days across the month, on average.
November strips Yosemite down to its essentials. Highs hover around 5.5°C (42°F) while nights plunge to -5.9°C (21°F), so mornings arrive crisp and often frost-glazed. You'll see roughly 100.7mm of precipitation across 6.8 rainy days—some as wet snow at higher elevations—but sunshine still claims 8.5 hours daily, giving you decent windows between weather systems. The valley floor stays mostly liquid, though Tioga Pass and Glacier Point roads close as snow accumulates above 8,000 feet.
The park empties in November. Summer crowds vanish almost entirely, leaving you alone on trails that were jammed in September. Half Dome permits become easy to snag. Lodges stay open but at reduced capacity, and prices drop noticeably—hotel rooms run 20-30% cheaper than peak season. Locals and serious hikers arrive now precisely because of the solitude; you'll share trailheads with photographers chasing that rare low-angle light through bare granite and the first real snow.
Over the past decade, November's weather has remained consistent—early season snow at altitude is the norm, not an anomaly. Climate data shows the transition month behaving much as it did in 2015-2020, with occasional warm spells pushing highs into double digits Celsius but generally holding to the current pattern. 2026 should follow that rhythm, though watch forecasts weekly as the month progresses; late November can swing either warmer or wetter depending on Pacific storm timing.
November suits photographers, solo travelers on a budget, and hikers comfortable with variable conditions. Families with young kids should weigh the cold mornings and afternoon rain against the payoff of empty Mist Trail and Valley Loop hikes. Bring layers you can shed—afternoon sun warms exposed granite to a pleasant 10-12°C (50-54°F)—and waterproof everything. Road closures mean you won't reach Tuolumne or the high country in 2026, so plan valley and lower-elevation hikes.
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 November
November demands layers and waterproofing. Mornings freeze; afternoons warm slightly. Rain and early snow are real, and wind cuts through the valley. You'll want pieces you can peel off as the day climbs toward midday sun, then rebuild as evening approaches.
- Insulated hiking boots (waterproof, rated for wet terrain)
- Merino wool base layers (long sleeve and leggings)
- Fleece or down jacket (packable, 200-300g fill)
- Waterproof rain jacket (breathable shell)
- Wool beanie and gloves (exposed skin chills fast)
What to pack for Yosemite in November
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Where to stay in Yosemite
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Compare hotels on Booking.com→Estimated November 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 November 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
Half Dome hike, Mist Trail without crowds, sunrise photography at Glacier Point (if road open), Yosemite Valley Loop walk with minimal foot traffic.
November 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 November 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 November — FAQ
Q01Is November a good month for Yosemite?
Is November a good month for Yosemite?
It is a fair time to visit — expect variable conditions and plan flexibility. In November, Yosemite averages a high of 6°C (42°F) and a low of -6°C (21°F), with 101mm of rainfall across roughly 7 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 November?
How warm does Yosemite get in November?
The average high temperature in Yosemite during November is 6°C (42°F), with an average low of -6°C (21°F). These figures are averaged from 11 complete years of daily records (2015–2025, Open-Meteo Archive).
Q03Does it rain a lot in Yosemite in November?
Does it rain a lot in Yosemite in November?
Yosemite averages approximately 7 rainy days in November, with a total monthly rainfall of about 101mm. 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 November?
What clothes should I bring to Yosemite in November?
For Yosemite in November, 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 November?
Are there many tourists in Yosemite in November?
Tourist crowds in Yosemite during November are typically moderate. 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.