Yosemite weather
in January
“Cool and moody. Best paired with warm rooms and long lunches.”
Roughly 9 rainy days across the month, on average.
In january, Yosemite settles into its cold, contemplative stillness. The city keeps a different pulse than in summer or midwinter, and travellers who arrive with the right expectations are rewarded.
Days average around 2°C (35°F), cooling to -9°C after sunset. Expect meaningful rain — some 9 wet days across the month. Pack accordingly and let the weather choose your afternoons.
These figures are climatological averages, drawn from a decade of daily records via the Open-Meteo Archive — not a forecast. But they are honest, and they are the sort of thing a good travel guide ought to tell you before you book the flight.
What to pack for Yosemite in January
- •A properly warm coat — not a fashion piece
- •A compact travel umbrella — one you'll actually carry
- •A merino base layer for the cold evenings
- •Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes
- •A small daypack that won't look like a tourist beacon
What to pack for Yosemite in January
- →Merino wool base layerAmazon · shop this
- →Insulated puffer jacketAmazon · shop this
- →Thermal glovesAmazon · shop this
- →Packable rain jacketAmazon · shop this
- →Compact travel umbrellaAmazon · shop this
- →Waterproof dry bagAmazon · shop this
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Where to stay in Yosemite
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Yosemite in January — FAQ
Q01Is January a good time to visit Yosemite?
Is January a good time to visit Yosemite?
It is a challenging month — you may want to consider another time of year. In January, Yosemite averages a high of 2°C (35°F) and a low of -9°C (16°F), with 195mm of rainfall across roughly 9 rainy days.
Q02What is the average temperature in Yosemite in January?
What is the average temperature in Yosemite in January?
The average high temperature in Yosemite during January is 2°C (35°F), with an average low of -9°C (16°F). These figures are averaged from ten years of daily records (2015–2024, Open-Meteo Archive).
Q03How many rainy days does Yosemite have in January?
How many rainy days does Yosemite have in January?
Yosemite averages approximately 9 rainy days in January, with a total monthly rainfall of about 195mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04What should I pack for Yosemite in January?
What should I pack for Yosemite in January?
For Yosemite in January, pack a warm winter coat, a merino base layer for evenings, a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on the ten-year weather averages for this specific month.
Q05How crowded is Yosemite in January?
How crowded is Yosemite in January?
Tourist crowds in Yosemite during January are typically low — winter is off-season, meaning quiet streets and better hotel deals. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely.