Yosemite in January: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Shoulder · VisitWhen score 57/100 · #9 of 12 months

January is a solid shoulder-season month to visit Yosemite National Park: crowds run 21% of the August peak (115,014 average visits), days average 48°F with 9.8 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 January

Yosemite averages 115,014 recreation visits in January — 21% of what August, the peak month, draws — the quietest month of the year. Trailheads and parking fill accordingly — this is genuine quiet-season territory.

Average visits (January)

115,014 (mean 2021–2025, NPS)

Share of the year

3% of annual visitation

vs. peak (August)

21%

Weather & daylight

Days are cool (highs average 48°F), and nights drop below freezing (lows average 29°F). This is one of the wetter months (7.0″ of precipitation on average). Mid-month daylight runs 9.8 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 January.

What to pack for Yosemite in January

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

Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 29°F, below freezing
Rain shell + pack cover — 7.0″ of precipitation is normal this month
Headlamp — only 9.8 hours of daylight in mid-January
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 January

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

Channel Islands in January — 35% of peak crowds, highs 66°F, score 76/100
Zion in January — 23% of peak crowds, highs 54°F, score 76/100
Carlsbad Caverns in January — 38% of peak crowds, highs 56°F, score 73/100
Mammoth Cave in January — 15% of peak crowds, highs 48°F, score 70/100

Common questions

Is Yosemite crowded in January?

No — January is one of the quieter months: 21% of the August peak, averaging 115,014 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).

What is the weather like in Yosemite in January?

Average highs of 48°F, lows of 29°F, 7.0″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, YOSEMITE PARK HQ, CA US station).

What should I pack for Yosemite in January?

Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves; Rain shell + pack cover; Headlamp — the full weather-computed list is on this page.

Is everything open at Yosemite in January?

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 January · Last verified 2026-09-12