The Best Time to Elope in Yosemite
Deciding when to elope in Yosemite can be a challenge. Yosemite gets ALL the weather due to its size and drastic elevation changes, so being prepared is the name of the game. The landscape is constantly changing. Wildflowers, snow levels, and even the strength of the waterfalls all depend on what time of year you are visiting. Click here for more information about WHERE to elope in Yosemite.
Other factors that fluctuate depending on the time of year are crowd levels, road conditions/closures, the price of lodging, and vendor availability.
The “best” time of year to elope ultimately depends on what you want to experience (or NOT experience). Let’s break it down by season!
Spring
Typical highs temps: low 60s (18°C)
Typical low temps: high 40s (9°C)
The spring can be a bit unpredictable as the weather transitions from winter. The occasional spring snow storm can happen, especially in the mountains.
If waterfalls are your top priority, head to Yosemite in the spring! The waterfalls at at peak strength thanks to the snowmelt. The powerful flows also mean it will be LOUD, so keep this in mind if you want your ceremony near a waterfall because it might be hard to hear each other. Lots of flowing water means the rivers will be at very high levels, too. Certain ceremony spots in the valley, like Cathedral Beach, will be completely underwater in the spring. If wildflowers are a must, aim for late spring. This is also a great time to spot wildlife.
Spring is also when visitation really picks up again, increasing the closer it gets to summer. I recommend eloping at sunrise on a weekday in the spring.
Summer
Typical highs temps: as high as the low 90s (32°C), but it can occasionally exceed 100°F (37°C)
Typical low temps: mid 50s (13°C)
Summer is peak season in Yosemite, so expect CROWDS. Be aware that you might need a reservation to enter the park. Eloping at sunrise on a weekday is a must. Expect lodging to be at its most expensive, and vendors to be in-demand. Booking far in advance is key!
Although it can be hot in the valley, the higher elevations are really gorgeous in the summer and it’s easy to see why Yosemite is so popular. Expect plenty of sunny days and less rain than the spring. A dip in the Merced River is heaven on a hot day if you can’t get out of the valley. At this point in the year all the roads are open. Parking in the valley is limited and it can become very tough to find a spot during peak season.\
Autumn
Typical highs temps: 60s-80s (21°C)
Typical low temps: 40s-50s (10°C)
Fall in Yosemite is truly a hiker’s paradise. The days are sunny and warm but the nights are cool. The leaves begin turning on the valley floor as early as October, but usually the snow hasn’t started yet. Crowd levels diminish as the park transitions to winter.
Water levels are much lower in the fall, so expect waterfalls to be weaker or not flowing at all. However, this opens up beach options for ceremonies in the valley as the water levels drop.
As winter approaches expect roads like Tioga Pass and Glacier Point to close in anticipation of snow. Autumn is a fantastic time of year to elope in Yosemite!! If you are struggling to figure out when exactly to elope in Yosemite, early Autumn (September/October) is a wonderful choice.
Winter
Typical highs temps: 50s (13°C) on sunny days
Typical low temps: 20s (-2°C)
Winter in Yosemite is simply magical and one of the best times to explore the valley floor. Whether or not you’ll have snow on the ground is totally dependent on the year, but you’ll definitely see it dusting the granite all around you. Winter makes certain popular spots like Glacier Point, Taft Point, and Sentinel Dome completely inaccessible due to annual road closures.
This is the least crowded time of year and absolutely worth it if you don’t mind braving the cold! Imagine iconic spots like Tunnel View with FAR fewer visitors around you, and the iconic landscape draped in glittering white. If crowds are your top concern, winter is the season for you.
Best Days of the Week
No matter which month or location you choose for your elopement, I will always recommend eloping on a weekday. Even avoid Mondays and Fridays if you can. Tuesdays-Thursdays are the best days of the week to elope. Crowd levels are significantly lower during the week, you’ll have an easier time finding lodging, restaurants will have more reservations available, and some wedding vendors might be easier to book during the week.
My final tip: avoid holidays and big park events. In Yosemite the highest crowd levels are typically seen during long weekends like Memorial Day, Firefall/Horsetail Falls (February), Thanksgiving week, and Christmas through New Years Eve.
Where Can I Find Current Conditions for Yosemite?
No matter when you decide to elope in Yosemite, you should always keep an eye on the forecast. For the most up-to-date road and park conditions inside the park, check for possible advisories from the Park Service. To get the latest information on particular roads in the Yosemite area (but not inside the park), call the CalTrans hotline at 800-427-7623 or 916-445-7623. State the highway number you’re interested in and you’ll hear a recording of the latest conditions for that road.
The National Weather Service is an additional great resource for up-to-date weather information and I’ve found this to be far more accurate than the default weather apps on phones.
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