Yosemite National Park in September
September at Yosemite National Park averages a daytime high near 83°F and an overnight low around 51°F, with about 0.4" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 1.5× the park's average month, which makes September a busy month here.
- Average low
- 51°F
- Average high
- 83°F
Range across the year: 28°F to 89°F
- Precipitation
- 0.4 in
- Daylight
- 12.2 hours
Roughly 13% of the park's yearly visitors come in September: about 517,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
That makes September the 4th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the July peak (1.7×) and the January low (0.4×).
On our Best Time to Visit score September rates 58/100 ("Fair"). Our recommended month is May: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 67°F is a comfortable range for hiking and being outdoors all day. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 7 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 42% of annual visitors, choosing September instead steps outside that summer crush — the single biggest lever on how crowded the park feels.
You'll have about 12.2 hours of daylight in September to explore — between the 9.4-hour midwinter low and the 14.6-hour summer high.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 4,278,413 recreation visits, up 3.8% from 4,121,807 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has eased about 12.3%, so September may feel a touch quieter than it once did.
How September compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| August | 89°F / 57°F | 1.7× Very busy | 42 Poor |
| September | 83°F / 51°F | 1.5× Busy | 58 Fair |
| October | 71°F / 41°F | 1.2× Busy | 50 Fair |
All twelve months at Yosemite, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Yosemite in September
The National Park Service tags 4 Yosemite activities for fall. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Ride a Bike in Yosemite Valley · 1-6 hours · reservation required
- Become a Yosemite Junior Ranger
- Visit the Yosemite Cemetery · 10-60 minutes
- Visit the Yosemite Museum · 30 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
September averages a daytime high near 83°F and an overnight low around 51°F at Yosemite National Park, with about 0.4 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 7 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
September is busy at Yosemite National Park (about 1.5× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Fair" at 58/100. Our recommended month is May.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is January. September sits at about 1.5× the park's average, or 13% of annual visitation.
A typical September sees about 517,000 recreation visits at Yosemite National Park, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Yosemite in September
Booking a September trip to Yosemite National Park? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live September availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Yosemite
Prices for Oct 30–Nov 1, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
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See the full ranking of the best national parks to visit in September.
Source: National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics (1979–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.