Visiting Yosemite National Park in January can be a magical experience, with snow-blanketed granite domes, lodgepole pines, and the serene beauty of the park in winter. However, it also comes with some drawbacks, such as limited access to roads due to snow.
Weather in Yosemite National Park in January
Yosemite in January is typically very cold across the park, with a good amount of snow. The average temperature in Yosemite Valley and Wawona in January is a high of 48 and a low of 28 degrees Fahrenheit (9/-2 degrees Celsius). It snows eight days in January on average. The gateway to Yosemite on the southwest side, the town of Oakhurst, has lows in the 20s and highs in the 60s in January with less snow than the valley, while the northeastern gateway, Lee Vining, has lows in the low 20s and highs in the 40s.
Must-See Attractions in Yosemite National Park in January
Yosemite in January offers a wealth of sights and scenes that will take your breath away. Here are some of the must-see attractions:
- Granite Monoliths: Half Dome and El Capitan are the most famous, but the granite cliffs surrounding Yosemite Valley are staggeringly beautiful in the winter.
- Waterfalls: Yosemite Falls and Horsetail Falls both flow during winter, though not at their spring levels. Seeing these waterfalls surrounded by snow is a magnificent sight.
- Wildlife: Animals are still active in the winter months, and you might be able to spot some wildlife that you wouldn’t see in the summer.
- Yosemite Valley Chapel: This active Christian church is a picturesque sight, with its red brick walls and simple steeple, covered in a fresh blanket of snow.
- Yosemite Falls Snow Cone: The mountain of snow that builds at the bottom of Yosemite Falls each winter is a unique and impressive sight.
Benefits of Visiting Yosemite National Park in January
Visiting Yosemite in January has its advantages, such as avoiding the crowds. However, it also comes with some drawbacks, like limited access to roads due to snow. If you can make it to Yosemite in January, you’ll be rewarded with an amazing trip and a newfound appreciation for the snow and solitude of winter in the park.
Lodging in Yosemite National Park in January
The Redwoods in Yosemite offers a full range of rental cabins, from small to large and from simple to lavish. Because January is a quiet season in Yosemite, it’s a great time of year for availability and excellent lodging deals.
Photography and Sightseeing in Yosemite National Park in January
Winter snows create some of the most stunning landscapes Yosemite has to offer. The play of winter light and the blanket of white on the peaks add relief and drama to the views, making for excellent photos and unforgettable memories.
Safety Measures in Yosemite National Park in January
While natural wildfires are less likely to occur in the winter months, the National Parks Service does occasionally burn mimic wildfires for the health of the forest, which can create hazy or smoky afternoons. It’s essential to prepare for the toughest conditions you might face when traveling to Yosemite in the winter, as the weather can change quickly.