Yosemite in October: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Peak crowds · VisitWhen score 64/100 · #6 of 12 months
October is peak season — expect the year's biggest crowds at Yosemite National Park: crowds run 77% of the August peak (412,607 average visits), days average 71°F with 11.3 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
Crowds in October
Yosemite averages 412,607 recreation visits in October — 77% of what August, the peak month, draws. Trailheads and parking fill accordingly — book early and start days at dawn.
Weather & daylight
Days are mild (highs average 71°F), and mornings are chilly (lows average 41°F). It is typically dry (1.6″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 11.3 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 October.
What to pack for Yosemite in October
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy) — mornings average 41°F
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
If your dates are flexible, consider shifting: The computed best months for Yosemite are March and April.
Common questions
Is Yosemite crowded in October?
Yes — October runs 77% of Yosemite's peak, averaging 412,607 recreation visits (NPS, 2021–2025).
What is the weather like in Yosemite in October?
Average highs of 71°F, lows of 41°F, 1.6″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, YOSEMITE PARK HQ, CA US station).
What should I pack for Yosemite in October?
Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy); 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 October · Last verified 2026-07-16