Yosemite in February: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Shoulder · VisitWhen score 63/100 · #7 of 12 months
February is a quiet month with trade-offs at Yosemite National Park: crowds run 24% of the August peak (129,412 average visits). Weather: highs average 51°F and lows 30°F, with 6.5″ of precipitation and 10.8 hours of daylight. Roads and services are only partly open this month — see the access note below. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
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Bring for Yosemite in February
- Insulated jacket, beanie and glovesSee it on AmazonWhy: nights average 30°F, below freezing.
- Rain shell + pack coverSee it on AmazonWhy: 6.5″ of precipitation is normal this month.
- Waterproof bootsSee it on AmazonWhy: 6.5″ of precipitation is normal this month.
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Yosemite in February: what the park service says
February is ski season on the Glacier Point Road: from about mid-December through March the first five miles stay open to the Badger Pass Ski Area, though the road beyond to Glacier Point is shut. Yosemite Valley averages about 51°F in the afternoon and 6.5 inches of precipitation, while Tuolumne Meadows, at 8,600 feet, sits around 12°F at night. Most of the park is under snow from November through May.
Source: NPS 1, NPS 2, checked 2026-11-05.
Crowds in February
Yosemite averages 129,412 recreation visits in February — 24% of what August, the peak month, draws — this is the second-quietest month of the year. Plan lodging and entries with that in mind — crowds are thin by this park's standards.
Weather & daylight
Expect cool days (highs average 51°F), and nights drop below freezing (lows average 30°F). This is one of the wetter months (6.5″ of precipitation on average). Mid-month daylight runs 10.8 hours.
NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station YOSEMITE PARK HQ, CA US (3 mi from park coordinates, 4,018 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of February.
What to pack for Yosemite in February
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 30°F, below freezing
- Rain shell + pack cover — 6.5″ of precipitation is normal this month
- Waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kit — 6.5″ of precipitation is normal this month
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Looking for a better window? The computed best months for Yosemite are March and April.
Also at their best in February
Other parks whose computed February verdict is a best window — same NPS × NOAA formula:
- Zion in February — 25% of peak crowds, highs 58°F, score 80/100
- Shenandoah in February — 9% of peak crowds, highs 47°F, score 77/100
- Capitol Reef in February — 10% of peak crowds, highs 47°F, score 76/100
- Carlsbad Caverns in February — 39% of peak crowds, highs 61°F, score 76/100
Common questions
Is Yosemite crowded in February?
No — February is one of the quieter months: 24% of the August peak, averaging 129,412 visits (NPS, 2021–2025). See every month at Yosemite.
What is the weather like in Yosemite in February?
Average highs of 51°F, lows of 30°F, 6.5″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, YOSEMITE PARK HQ, CA US station). Compare it with other national parks in February.
What should I pack for Yosemite in February?
Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves; Rain shell + pack cover; Waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kit — the full weather-computed list is on this page. Going in March instead? Yosemite in March has its own list.
Is everything open at Yosemite in February?
Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road typically close November–late May; Yosemite Valley is open year-round. Always check the park's live NPS alerts for current conditions.
See also: the best national parks to visit in February · Last verified 2026-09-24