Yosemite in October: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Peak crowds · VisitWhen score 64/100 · #6 of 12 months
October is peak season — the 5th-busiest month of the year, at Yosemite National Park: crowds run 77% of the August peak (412,607 average visits). Weather: highs average 71°F and lows 41°F, with 1.6″ of precipitation and 11.3 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
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Bring for Yosemite in October
- Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy)See it on AmazonWhy: mornings average 41°F.
- Sturdy, broken-in hiking bootsSee it on AmazonWhy: every park, every month.
- Water bottles for the daySee it on AmazonWhy: hydration is one of the NPS Ten Essentials.
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Yosemite in October: what the park service says
October is usually the last full month for Yosemite's high country by car: the park service says Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road close for snow sometime in November and stay closed until late May or early June, and storms can close them temporarily before that. Tire chains may be required from late fall, so carry them on any October trip over the high roads. The valley approaches, Wawona Road (Highway 41), El Portal Road (Highway 140) and Big Oak Flat Road, stay open all year.
Source: NPS, checked 2026-11-05.
Crowds in October
Yosemite averages 412,607 recreation visits in October — 77% of what August, the peak month, draws. Trailheads and parking fill accordingly — book early and start days at dawn.
Weather & daylight
Days are mild (highs average 71°F), and mornings are chilly (lows average 41°F). It is typically dry (1.6″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 11.3 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 October.
What to pack for Yosemite in October
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy) — mornings average 41°F
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
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If your dates are flexible, consider shifting: The computed best months for Yosemite are March and April.
Also at their best in October
Other parks whose computed October verdict is a best window — same NPS × NOAA formula:
- Badlands in October — 27% of peak crowds, highs 63°F, score 81/100
- Isle Royale in October — 2% of peak crowds, highs 51°F, score 81/100
- Wind Cave in October — 25% of peak crowds, highs 61°F, score 81/100
- Gateway Arch in October — 26% of peak crowds, highs 69°F, score 80/100
Common questions
Is Yosemite crowded in October?
Yes — October runs 77% of Yosemite's peak, averaging 412,607 recreation visits (NPS, 2021–2025). See every month at Yosemite.
What is the weather like in Yosemite in October?
Average highs of 71°F, lows of 41°F, 1.6″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, YOSEMITE PARK HQ, CA US station). Compare it with other national parks in October.
What should I pack for Yosemite in October?
Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy); Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — the full weather-computed list is on this page. Going in November instead? Yosemite in November has its own list.
See also: the best national parks to visit in October · Last verified 2026-09-24