Yosemite in September: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Peak crowds · VisitWhen score 60/100 · #8 of 12 months
September is peak season — expect the year's biggest crowds at Yosemite National Park: crowds run 88% of the August peak (472,983 average visits). Weather: highs average 83°F and lows 51°F, with 0.4″ of precipitation and 12.5 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
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Bring for Yosemite in September
- A light layer you can shed by midday (long sleeve or windbreaker)See it on AmazonWhy: a 32°F swing between the average low of 51°F and high of 83°F.
- Sun protection and 2L+ water per personSee it on AmazonWhy: highs average 83°F.
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Crowds in September
Yosemite averages 472,983 recreation visits in September — 88% of what August, the peak month, draws. That crowd level sets the tone for parking, permits and lodging — book early and start days at dawn.
Weather & daylight
Days are warm (highs average 83°F), and nights stay mild (lows average 51°F). It is typically dry (0.4″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 12.5 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 September.
What to pack for Yosemite in September
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- A light layer you can shed by midday (long sleeve or windbreaker) — a 32°F swing between the average low of 51°F and high of 83°F
- Sun protection and 2L+ water per person — highs average 83°F
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
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Want quieter or kinder conditions? The computed best months for Yosemite are March and April.
Also at their best in September
Other parks whose computed September verdict is a best window — same NPS × NOAA formula:
- Wrangell–St. Elias in September — 25% of peak crowds, highs 56°F, score 84/100
- Guadalupe Mountains in September — 35% of peak crowds, highs 80°F, score 81/100
- Gateway Arch in September — 29% of peak crowds, highs 81°F, score 80/100
- Isle Royale in September — 39% of peak crowds, highs 65°F, score 79/100
Common questions
Is Yosemite crowded in September?
Yes — September runs 88% of Yosemite's peak, averaging 472,983 recreation visits (NPS, 2021–2025).
What is the weather like in Yosemite in September?
Average highs of 83°F, lows of 51°F, 0.4″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, YOSEMITE PARK HQ, CA US station).
What should I pack for Yosemite in September?
A light layer you can shed by midday (long sleeve or windbreaker); Sun protection and 2L+ water per person; Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — the full weather-computed list is on this page.
See also: the best national parks to visit in September · Last verified 2026-09-24