United States, North America
Yosemite in October
Fall color in the Valley from black oaks and maples. The high country can close early if a storm arrives.
The straight answer
October is a good month to visit Yosemite. Fall color in the Valley from black oaks and maples. The high country can close early if a storm arrives.
- Weather
- Mild, highs near 72F (22C), cold nights
- Crowds
- 3 of 5
- Prices
- 3 of 5
What October is like in Yosemite
October is mild, with Valley highs near 72F (22C) and cold nights. From mid month, black oaks, bigleaf maples and dogwoods start turning gold and red around the Valley meadows. Crowds are moderate and prices ease. The high country is still open, but an early storm can close Tioga Road without much warning.
It suits photographers, couples and hikers who like crisp air and quieter trails. Waterfalls are usually low, so come in May if they are the priority. If you plan to drive Tioga Road, go early in the month and have a backup plan.
Make the most of October
What is especially good about Yosemite this month.
Fall color in the Valley
Black oaks, maples and dogwoods turn around the meadows from mid October into early November.
Crisp hiking days
Cool mornings and mild afternoons are ideal for longer hikes.
Quieter Glacier Point
With summer crowds gone, sunset at Glacier Point is more peaceful, while the road is still open.
What to pack for October
- A warm jacket for cold mornings and nights
- Layers you can shed as the day warms
- Hiking boots
- A hat and gloves for sunrise
Our timing tip
Come in the second half of October for the best leaves in the Valley, but check road status first since storms can close the high country.
Book Yosemite for October.
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- Hotels for October
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in YosemiteOpens a hotel search for Yosemite in October, 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 October. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in October
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 October, quick answers
Is October a good time to visit Yosemite?
October is a good month to visit Yosemite. Fall color in the Valley from black oaks and maples. The high country can close early if a storm arrives.
What is the weather like in Yosemite in October?
Mild, highs near 72F (22C), cold nights.
Is Yosemite crowded in October?
Crowds in Yosemite are moderate in October; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.
What is happening in Yosemite in October?
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 October
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