Skip to main content
Illustration

Park guide

Yosemitewhen to catch its peaks

When should I visit Yosemite to catch its natural highlights?

Yosemite's waterfall runoff typically peaks in May or June, and fall color is usually at its height in late October. Pick the one you want to see; each has its own guide below.

Checked Sep 29. Sources: National Park Service, Yosemite: Waterfalls ↗ (opens in a new tab), National Park Service, Fall color in Yosemite ↗ (opens in a new tab) National Park Service sources: no claim to original U.S. Government works.

The peaks through the year

In each source's words; never a forecast

On one calendar

Approximate months; the cards above give the timing
  • Waterfall runoffUsual peak: May or June
  • Fall colorUsual peak: late October
  • Yosemite Falls flowingSeason: approximately November through July

Solid: a usual peak, the best viewing time or when animals are most numerous. Hatched: a broader season, never a peak.

Choose what you want to catch

Each has its own full guide

Where to see it

Best spots from every event page, and official visitor points
Map: approximate positions; state lines US Census; spot positions USGS; spot positions NPS; visitor points from agency records.

Before you go

Check the park's own pages for today's conditions

Park alerts

NPS lists this notice for Yosemite. Read each notice for the affected area and dates.

Checked Tue, Sep 29, 1:28 PM EDT, source: National Park Service. No claim to original U.S. Government works.

  • Passes: An annual America the Beautiful pass covers entrance fees, but not reservation requirements or reservation fees when those are in place. Official page ↗

Make more of the visit

From the Park Service's own listings
  • Hiking in YosemiteFrom a short walk to the base of a waterfall to multi-day wilderness trips, over 800 miles of trails.Official page ↗
  • Yosemite Valley Welcome CenterThe main visitor information stop in Yosemite Valley: an information desk and exhibits, near Yosemite Village Parking.
  • Tuolumne Meadows Visitor CenterAn information desk and exhibits on the area's geology, plants, animals and history.

Other peaks nearby and other seasons

Yosemite in pictures

Illustrative photos, not current conditions
Upper Yosemite Fall above the Merced River
Upper Yosemite Fall and the Merced River in spring (year not given). Photo: NPS Photo · public domain · resized
Bridalveil Fall dropping from a cliff on the south side of Yosemite Valley, seen from Tunnel View
Bridalveil Fall seen from Tunnel View (USGS photo, published March 2014). Photo: USGS · public domain · resized
Lower Yosemite Falls pouring down a granite cliff in Yosemite Valley
Lower Yosemite Falls, the lowest of Yosemite Falls' three sections (USGS photo, published March 2014). Photo: USGS · public domain · resized

Questions people ask

When are Yosemite's waterfalls at their best?

Runoff usually peaks in May or June. By August some falls, Yosemite Falls among them, are often a trickle or completely dry.Source: National Park Service, Yosemite: Waterfalls ↗ (opens in a new tab)

When is fall color at its height in Yosemite?

Usually in late October. The color generally lingers until the first heavy winter storms or hard frosts, often in early December.Source: National Park Service, Fall color in Yosemite ↗ (opens in a new tab)

How long does Yosemite Falls flow?

Roughly November through July, with its peak flow in May.Source: National Park Service, Yosemite: Waterfalls ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Does an annual pass cover everything?

It covers entrance fees, but not reservation requirements or reservation fees when those are in place.Source: National Park Service, Yosemite fees and passes ↗ (opens in a new tab)

How we know

Every timing above, from these pages
Show all 5