United States, North America
Yosemite in November
Tioga and Glacier Point roads typically close during the month. Quiet Valley and lower prices; carry chains.
The straight answer
November is a quiet, good-value month to visit Yosemite. Tioga and Glacier Point roads typically close during the month. Quiet Valley and lower prices; carry chains.
- Weather
- Cool, highs near 58F (14C), first storms
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 2 of 5
What November is like in Yosemite
November is cool, with Valley highs near 58F (14C), and the first winter storms arrive. Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road typically close during the month. Early November can still show fall color in the Valley. Crowds thin and prices drop, apart from Thanksgiving week, the fourth Thursday of November.
It suits budget travelers and photographers who want a quiet Valley and don't need the high country. It is not ideal for anyone set on Glacier Point or Tuolumne. For full access, come in September; for snow scenes, wait until winter.
Make the most of November
What is especially good about Yosemite this month.
Last of the fall color
The Valley's oaks and maples can still hold color in early November.
A quieter Valley
Parking is easy and trails like Mirror Lake are calm.
Storm light
Clearing storms can bring dramatic clouds and the first snow to the high granite.
What to pack for November
- Tire chains for your car
- A warm, waterproof jacket
- Layers for cold mornings
- Waterproof hiking shoes
Our timing tip
Carry chains and check road status daily, since the first big storm can close high roads and require chains in the Valley.
Book Yosemite for November.
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- Hotels for November
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in YosemiteOpens a hotel search for Yosemite in November, 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 November. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in November
Fall color in Yosemite Valley
Mid October into early November
Black oaks, bigleaf maples, and dogwoods turn around the Valley meadows.
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 November, quick answers
Is November a good time to visit Yosemite?
November is a quiet, good-value month to visit Yosemite. Tioga and Glacier Point roads typically close during the month. Quiet Valley and lower prices; carry chains.
What is the weather like in Yosemite in November?
Cool, highs near 58F (14C), first storms.
Is Yosemite crowded in November?
November is one of the quieter months in Yosemite; most sights can be done without long waits.
What is happening in Yosemite in November?
Fall color in Yosemite Valley (mid october into early november).
Keep planning Yosemite.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in November
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