Yosemite in February: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
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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 boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kitSee it on AmazonWhy: 6.5″ of rain is normal this month.
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Crowds in February
Yosemite averages 129,412 recreation visits in February — 24% of what August, the peak month, draws — 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 rain 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).
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).
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.
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