Weather in Yosemite during July 2026
“Mild and bright — an underrated time to visit.”
Roughly 4 rainy days across the month, on average.
Yosemite in July is dry and warm—highs around 22°C (72°F) with cool mornings dropping to 8°C (46°F). With only 20mm of rain expected across 4 to 5 days, you're looking at largely clear skies and 13.8 hours of sunshine daily. The granite peaks gleam, and trails dry out completely by mid-month. Evenings cool fast once the sun dips behind the ridgeline, so that light jacket matters even when afternoon heat feels intense.
This is peak season in Yosemite. Half Dome and Glacier Point roads are fully open, waterfalls are still flowing (though thinner than spring), and every pullout is packed. Campgrounds fill months in advance. Lodging prices spike, restaurants run at full capacity, and parking becomes a genuine puzzle. That said, the energy is infectious—families, hikers, and photographers converge, and the valley hums with activity from dawn until dusk.
Over the past decade, July temperatures have held fairly steady around 22°C, with slight year-to-year variation. Precipitation patterns are consistent too—a handful of afternoon thunderstorms, mostly in the high country. 2026 looks to track with the historical norm, so expect reliable heat and minimal rain. Climate trends suggest July heat may creep slightly higher in future years, but this year should feel familiar to anyone who's visited in recent summers.
July suits serious hikers, photographers chasing golden light, and families with school holidays. If you're planning a 2026 trip, book accommodation by spring and arrive early to snag parking. Sunrise hikes beat the crowds, and the cooler mornings make strenuous trails more manageable. Bring layers—the temperature swing between sun and shade is real.
The Valley is 1% of Yosemite's area but gets 95% of visitors — locals go to Hetch Hetchy (the reservoir that flooded a valley John Muir called equal to Yosemite Valley) which requires a permit and gets no crowds. The Ahwahnee Hotel was renamed 'The Majestic Yosemite' for years due to a trademark dispute with a former concessionaire; the original name returned in 2019. Half Dome cables require a permit lottery, and rangers pull unclipped hikers off in bad weather. Skip Curry Village pizza; drive to El Portal's Yosemite View Lodge or bring your own dinner.
What to pack for Yosemite in July
Dress in layers for Yosemite's dramatic temperature swings. Mornings and evenings are cool; midday sun is intense. Bring moisture-wicking basics, a fleece or light sweater for early starts, and sun protection. Rain is rare but afternoon thunderstorms happen, so pack a compact rain jacket.
- Merino wool t-shirt or moisture-wicking base layer
- Lightweight fleece or wool sweater
- Nylon rain jacket (packable)
- Wide-brimmed hiking hat or cap
- Hiking boots (broken in) and moisture-wicking socks
What to pack for Yosemite in July
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Where to stay in Yosemite
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Things worth doing
Half Dome or Mist Trail hike, Glacier Point sunrise visit, Yosemite Valley Loop Walk, backcountry camping in Tuolumne Meadows.
July vs. the rest of the year
How this month compares in Yosemite. Tap any month to read more.
highlighted months are among the best time to visit.
Best time to visit Yosemite
July is one of the best months to visit Yosemite — alongside June, August, September. 11-year climate data (2015–2025) confirms it: comfortable temperatures, manageable rainfall, and a healthy dose of sunshine.
See the full best-time-to-visit guide for YosemiteOther places with a similar climate right now
Yosemite in July — FAQ
Q01Is July a good month for Yosemite?
Is July a good month for Yosemite?
Yes — this is one of the best months of the year to visit. In July, Yosemite averages a high of 22°C (72°F) and a low of 8°C (47°F), with 20mm of rainfall across roughly 4 rainy days. Mid-May through early June the waterfalls hit peak flow from Sierra snowmelt — Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil, Vernal all thunder — and Tioga Pass opens without July's four-hour Valley entrance queues.
Q02How warm does Yosemite get in July?
How warm does Yosemite get in July?
The average high temperature in Yosemite during July is 22°C (72°F), with an average low of 8°C (47°F). These figures are averaged from 11 complete years of daily records (2015–2025, Open-Meteo Archive). July 35C on the Valley floor sends locals to the Merced River sandbars at Sentinel Beach or up to Tuolumne Meadows at 8,600 feet where it's 20 degrees cooler.
Q03Does it rain a lot in Yosemite in July?
Does it rain a lot in Yosemite in July?
Yosemite averages approximately 4 rainy days in July, with a total monthly rainfall of about 20mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04What clothes should I bring to Yosemite in July?
What clothes should I bring to Yosemite in July?
For Yosemite in July, pack layered clothing for changing temperatures, a merino base layer for evenings, sunscreen and sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on 11 complete years of weather averages for this specific month. Bear canister for backcountry (rentable at wilderness centers) — hanging food from trees is banned since 2004 because Yosemite bears learned to defeat every knot.
Q05Are there many tourists in Yosemite in July?
Are there many tourists in Yosemite in July?
Tourist crowds in Yosemite during July are typically moderate. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely. The Valley is 1% of Yosemite's area but gets 95% of visitors — locals go to Hetch Hetchy (the reservoir that flooded a valley John Muir called equal to Yosemite Valley) which requires a permit and gets no crowds. The Ahwahnee Hotel was renamed 'The Majestic Yosemite' for years due to a trademark dispute with a former concessionaire; the original name returned in 2019. Half Dome cables require a permit lottery, and rangers pull unclipped hikers off in bad weather. Skip Curry Village pizza; drive to El Portal's Yosemite View Lodge or bring your own dinner.