The best months to visit Yosemite are May – Jun, Sep – Oct. Comfortable temperatures, lower crowds.
Quick facts
Currency USD (Dollar) US dollars widely accepted
Language English English in tourist areas
Timezone PST (UTC-8) No DST
Best Months May – Jun, Sep – Oct Comfortable temperatures, lower crowds
Daily Budget ~$50–120 USD Budget to mid-range
Visa ESTA required Check requirements for your nationality
When to go
A cathedral of granite: El Capitan, Half Dome, thundering waterfalls, and giant sequoia groves in California's most iconic national park.
Getting Around in Yosemite
- Shared transport or guided tours are the most practical options
- Download offline maps before arriving, as mobile data coverage can be patchy in remote areas
- Negotiate transport prices before departure or use metered taxis and ride-hailing apps
For itineraries, costs and practical travel advice, see the full Yosemite travel guide.
Timezone: PST (UTC-8) (No DST)
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Yosemite?
The best months to visit Yosemite are May – Jun, Sep – Oct (Comfortable temperatures, lower crowds), which makes for the most comfortable conditions for sightseeing and getting around. For what a trip costs day to day, see the Yosemite budget breakdown.
