United States, North America
Yosemite in March
Waterfalls start to build and the Valley is uncrowded. High country still closed.
The straight answer
March is a quiet, good-value month to visit Yosemite. Waterfalls start to build and the Valley is uncrowded. High country still closed.
- Weather
- Mild, highs near 59F (15C), showers
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 2 of 5
What March is like in Yosemite
March is mild in the Valley, with highs near 59F (15C) and passing showers. Snowmelt starts to feed the waterfalls, which grow stronger through the month. Crowds are light and prices low. The high country is still closed, and chains may still be needed after a storm.
It suits budget travelers, photographers and families who want an uncrowded Valley with waterfalls on the rise. It is not for hikers wanting Tuolumne Meadows or Glacier Point. If you want peak waterfalls with more trails open, plan for May. Carry chains until the storms are clearly over.
Make the most of March
What is especially good about Yosemite this month.
Waterfalls building
Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Fall gain strength as the snow starts to melt.
An uncrowded Valley
Parking is easy and the main viewpoints are calm, even on weekends.
Tunnel View after rain
Clearing storms bring mist and light to the classic view of El Capitan and Half Dome.
What to pack for March
- A waterproof rain jacket
- Layers for cool mornings
- Waterproof hiking shoes
- Tire chains for storm days
Our timing tip
Plan your Valley walks for the late afternoon after a shower, when the light and the waterfalls are at their best.
Book Yosemite for March.
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- Hotels for March
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in YosemiteOpens a hotel search for Yosemite in March, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in YosemiteWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in YosemiteTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Yosemite for March. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Things to do in Yosemite
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.
Glacier Point
The best view of Half Dome and the Valley. The road is seasonal, typically open from late May or June into November.
Tuolumne Meadows and Tioga Road
The high country, typically open from late May or June into November depending on snow.
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Park at the welcome plaza and take the seasonal shuttle, or walk in off-season.
Half Dome
The cables are typically up from late May to mid October, and a permit, awarded by lottery, is required to climb them.
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.
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 March, quick answers
Is March a good time to visit Yosemite?
March is a quiet, good-value month to visit Yosemite. Waterfalls start to build and the Valley is uncrowded. High country still closed.
What is the weather like in Yosemite in March?
Mild, highs near 59F (15C), showers.
Is Yosemite crowded in March?
March is one of the quieter months in Yosemite; most sights can be done without long waits.
Keep planning Yosemite.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in March
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