Yosemite in April: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Best window · VisitWhen score 76/100 · #1 of 12 months

April is one of the best months of the year to visit Yosemite National Park: crowds run 48% of the August peak (256,083 average visits), days average 63°F with 13.2 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

Partial access: Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road typically close November–late May; Yosemite Valley is open year-round. Current NPS conditions →

Crowds in April

Yosemite averages 256,083 recreation visits in April — 48% of what August, the peak month, draws. Trailheads and parking fill accordingly.

Average visits (April)

256,083 (mean 2021–2025, NPS)

Share of the year

6.7% of annual visitation

vs. peak (August)

48%

Weather & daylight

Days are mild (highs average 63°F), and mornings are chilly (lows average 38°F). Average precipitation is 3.2″ for the month. Mid-month daylight runs 13.2 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 April.

What to pack for Yosemite in April

Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.

Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy) — mornings average 38°F
Packable rain jacket — 3.2″ of precipitation is normal this month
Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month

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Also at their best in April

Other parks whose computed April verdict is a best window — same NPS × NOAA formula:

Theodore Roosevelt in April — 7% of peak crowds, highs 56°F, score 92/100
Badlands in April — 16% of peak crowds, highs 60°F, score 90/100
Lake Clark in April — 0% of peak crowds, highs 46°F, score 89/100
Voyageurs in April — 0% of peak crowds, highs 49°F, score 88/100

Common questions

Is Yosemite crowded in April?

Moderately: April runs 48% of the August peak, averaging 256,083 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).

What is the weather like in Yosemite in April?

Average highs of 63°F, lows of 38°F, 3.2″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, YOSEMITE PARK HQ, CA US station).

What should I pack for Yosemite in April?

Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy); Packable rain jacket; Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — the full weather-computed list is on this page.

Is everything open at Yosemite in April?

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 April · Last verified 2026-09-12