United States, North America

Yosemite in January

Quiet Valley, snow-dusted granite, and skiing and snowshoeing at Badger Pass. Tioga and Glacier Point roads are closed; chains may be required.

Quiet valueCool in the Valley, highs near 49F (9C), snow possible

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

The straight answer

January is a quiet, good-value month to visit Yosemite. Quiet Valley, snow-dusted granite, and skiing and snowshoeing at Badger Pass. Tioga and Glacier Point roads are closed; chains may be required.

Weather: Cool in the Valley, highs near 49F (9C), snow possible
Crowds: 1 of 5
Prices: 1 of 5

What January is like in Yosemite

January in Yosemite Valley is cool and quiet, with highs near 49F (9C) and snow possible at any time. Snow on the granite walls makes the Valley look extraordinary, and you will share it with few people. Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road are closed for winter, and chains may be required on park roads. Lodging is at its cheapest.

This month suits couples, photographers and families who like snow play and don't need the high country. It is not for anyone hoping to see Tuolumne Meadows or big waterfalls. For roaring falls, come in May or June; for full road access, September.

Make the most of January

What is especially good about Yosemite this month.

Snow on the granite

After a storm clears, Tunnel View shows El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall and Half Dome frosted in white.

Badger Pass in winter

Skiing and snowshoeing at Badger Pass make a gentle winter day, good for beginners and kids.

A quiet Valley

Easy walks to Lower Yosemite Fall and Mirror Lake feel peaceful with so few visitors around.

What to pack for January

Tire chains for your car, even if you think you won't need them
A warm insulated jacket, hat and gloves
Waterproof boots with good grip
Traction devices for icy paths

Our timing tip

Check the park's road conditions the morning you drive in, and visit Tunnel View right after a storm clears for the best snow scenes.

Book Yosemite for January.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Yosemite
Opens a hotel search for Yosemite in January, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for January
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
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.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Yosemite
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Yosemite for January. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

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 January, quick answers

Is January a good time to visit Yosemite?

January is a quiet, good-value month to visit Yosemite. Quiet Valley, snow-dusted granite, and skiing and snowshoeing at Badger Pass. Tioga and Glacier Point roads are closed; chains may be required.

What is the weather like in Yosemite in January?

Cool in the Valley, highs near 49F (9C), snow possible.

Is Yosemite crowded in January?

January is one of the quieter months in Yosemite; most sights can be done without long waits.