United States, North America

Yosemite in February

The Horsetail Fall firefall draws big crowds for about two weeks in mid to late February, when clear skies and flow allow. Otherwise quiet.

TradeoffsCool, highs near 55F (13C), storms possible

Three Brothers above Yosemite Valley — YosemitePhoto: Glenn Scofield Williams, CC BY 2.0

The straight answer

February is a month of real tradeoffs in Yosemite. The Horsetail Fall firefall draws big crowds for about two weeks in mid to late February, when clear skies and flow allow. Otherwise quiet.

Weather: Cool, highs near 55F (13C), storms possible
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 2 of 5

What February is like in Yosemite

February is cool, with highs near 55F (13C) and storms possible. For most of the month the Valley is quiet, but for about two weeks in mid to late February, the Horsetail Fall firefall draws big evening crowds when skies are clear and water is flowing. The high country roads remain closed.

It suits photographers chasing the firefall and anyone who wants a calm winter Valley outside those two weeks. Be ready for special parking and viewing rules during the firefall. If you want waterfalls at full power and green meadows, come in May instead.

Make the most of February

What is especially good about Yosemite this month.

Horsetail Fall firefall

On clear evenings in mid to late February, sunset can light the thin fall on El Capitan's east edge a glowing orange. It depends on water flow and clear skies.

Winter walks in the Valley

The meadows and Lower Yosemite Fall loop are easy and quiet on weekdays.

Snow days at Badger Pass

Skiing and snowshoeing usually continue while there is snow.

What to pack for February

Warm layers and a waterproof jacket
Tire chains
A headlamp for walking back after the firefall
A camera with a tripod

Our timing tip

For the firefall, check the park's current viewing and parking rules, and go on a weekday evening with a clear forecast.

Book Yosemite for February.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Yosemite
Opens a hotel search for Yosemite in February, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for February
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Vacation rentals in Yosemite
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
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Tours and tickets in Yosemite
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Yosemite for February. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in February

Horsetail Fall firefall

Mid to late February, on clear evenings

Sunset can light the thin fall on El Capitan's east edge orange. It needs water flow and clear skies, and the park puts special parking and viewing restrictions in place.

Things to do in Yosemite

Full guide

Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls

Best in May and June, when the spray soaks you on the granite steps. Start early; it is the most popular hike in the park.

Tickets and tours →

Glacier Point

The best view of Half Dome and the Valley. The road is seasonal, typically open from late May or June into November.

Tickets and tours →

Tuolumne Meadows and Tioga Road

The high country, typically open from late May or June into November depending on snow.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

Park at the welcome plaza and take the seasonal shuttle, or walk in off-season.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Half Dome

The cables are typically up from late May to mid October, and a permit, awarded by lottery, is required to climb them.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Tunnel View

The classic view of El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Half Dome at the Valley's west end. Best in late afternoon light or after a storm clears.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Enter the park before 8am in summer; parking in the Valley fills by mid morning on busy days, and the free Valley shuttle is the way around.
Visit midweek. The park's own analysis found that most weekdays kept available parking, while weekends and holidays are where congestion builds.
Spend summer days in the high country along Tioga Road or at Wawona and Hetch Hetchy instead of Yosemite Valley.
Book in-park lodging and campgrounds the moment they open for your dates; they sell out quickly for summer.

Know before you go

Yosemite is open all year, but Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road are seasonal: typically open from late May or June until the first major storm in November. Opening dates vary widely with snowpack.
Timed-entry or peak-hours reservations have been required in some recent years and not in others. Yosemite did not use a timed reservation system in 2026. Check the park's current entrance rules before any trip.
Half Dome cables are typically up from late May to mid October, and a permit, awarded by preseason and daily lottery, is required to climb them.
Winter storms can require tire chains on park roads at short notice, even in the Valley; carry them from November through March.

Yosemite in February, quick answers

Is February a good time to visit Yosemite?

February is a month of real tradeoffs in Yosemite. The Horsetail Fall firefall draws big crowds for about two weeks in mid to late February, when clear skies and flow allow. Otherwise quiet.

What is the weather like in Yosemite in February?

Cool, highs near 55F (13C), storms possible.

Is Yosemite crowded in February?

Crowds in Yosemite are moderate in February; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.

What is happening in Yosemite in February?

Horsetail Fall firefall (mid to late february, on clear evenings).