Last updated: February 24, 2025
January in Yosemite Valley presents a striking contrast in weather, with temperatures ranging from a chilly -18°C (0°F) at night to a maximum of 11°C (51°F) during the day. The average temperature settles around -3°C (27°F), creating a crisp winter atmosphere. Visitors can expect 227 mm (9.0 in) of precipitation over 9 days, contributing to the valley's serene, snow-laden landscape. With a high humidity level of 82%, the air feels rich and invigorating, making Yosemite a captivating destination for winter adventurers eager to explore its breathtaking beauty.
In Yosemite Valley, January weather sets the stage for the winter charm of this stunning locale. With temperatures ranging from a brisk –18°C (0°F) at night to a maximum of 11°C (51°F) during the day, this month showcases a chilly yet captivating landscape. The average temperature hovers around –3°C (27°F), hinting at the cold snap that envelops the valley. As the month transitions to February, a slight drop in nighttime temperatures is noted, with lows reaching –21°C (-5°F). Despite this chill, the daytime warmth shows a gradual upward trend, peaking at 13°C (56°F) by the close of February. This pattern reveals the valley's chilly winter climate, marked by cold nights and mild afternoons, creating a magical winter wonderland perfect for exploration and photography.
In Yosemite Valley, January is marked by a significant precipitation level, averaging 227 mm (9.0 in) over the month, making it one of the wettest times of the year. This atmospheric bounty typically arrives across 9 days, creating a vibrant, lush landscape that is striking in its winter beauty. Following January, February sees a slight drop in precipitation to 226 mm (8.9 in), while the days of rainfall increase slightly to 11. As the season progresses, March experiences a decrease in total precipitation to 209 mm (8.2 in), although the number of rainy days goes up to 13. By April, the precipitation sharply declines to 102 mm (4.0 in), a trend that continues through the spring and summer months, with levels falling to just 20 mm (0.8 in) by June. This trend highlights the dramatic seasonal shift in Yosemite, where winter's wet embrace yields to the drier, sunnier days of summer, offering a stunning contrast to the valley's breathtaking natural scenery.
In Yosemite Valley, January ushers in a rather damp atmosphere with an average humidity of 82%, setting the stage for a winter wonderland. As the year progresses into February, humidity reaches its peak at 85%, making it one of the most humid months. This high moisture content gradually wanes in March, dropping to 80%, before a more significant decrease in April to 72%. The progression into spring brings a continued decline, with May plunging to 58%, followed by the summer months, where July sees a striking low of 36% humidity. As autumn approaches, humidity levels begin to rise again, peaking in November at 78%. This cycle showcases the valley's notable seasonal humidity fluctuations, highlighting a transition from the chill of winter to the dry warmth of summer, before welcoming the dampness of fall once more.
In Yosemite Valley, January experiences a moderate UV Index of 4, which signifies a burn time of 30 minutes under direct sun exposure. As winter transitions into spring, the UV radiation levels begin to rise, peaking in April and May with an extreme Index of 11-12, drastically reducing burn times to just 10 minutes. Interestingly, this pattern illustrates a clear trend where UV exposure escalates as the season progresses, compelling visitors to be mindful of sun protection, especially from March to August when levels are at their highest. As the year winds down, the UV Index gradually declines, returning to moderate levels by December. To stay informed and plan your adventures wisely, check the detailed UV Index for each month in Yosemite Valley here.
UV Risk Categories
In January, Yosemite Valley begins the year with 170 hours of sunshine, a cozy backdrop for winter explorations. As the months progress, the sun graces the valley more generously, peaking in July with an impressive 392 hours. This gradual increase showcases a delightful trend, as nature awakens and flourishes. With 366 hours in May and over 300 hours maintained through the fall, Yosemite offers visitors a striking contrast between summer's warmth and the serene beauty of winter. As the year winds down, a gentle decline in sunshine hours is observed, culminating in December's 210 hours, yet each season casts its unique charm over this breathtaking landscape.
In Yosemite Valley, January presents a 44% chance of sunny weather, marking it as one of the cloudier months of the year. As winter recedes into February, the likelihood of sunshine increases to 58%, hinting at the gradual transition towards clearer skies. This upward trend continues through the spring months, peaking in May with an impressive 80% chance of sunny days. Interestingly, as summer approaches in June and July, the likelihood of sunshine remains robust, with percentages around 81% and 72%, respectively. However, this sunny disposition takes a slight dip in the fall, with October and November bringing 62% and 65% chances of sunshine. Finally, December wraps up the year with a return to cloudiness, dropping back to 40%. Overall, while January's weather may be less predictable, the subsequent months promise a significant increase in sunny escapades for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
In Yosemite Valley, January marks the start of the year's daylight cycle with approximately 9 hours of sunlight, setting a tranquil winter scene. As winter gives way to spring, daylight gradually increases, reaching 10 hours by February and expanding to 11 hours in March. This trend continues into the warmer months, where April sees a substantial boost to 13 hours and May delights visitors with 14 hours of vibrant daylight, which persists through June and July. As summer begins to transition to fall, daylight starts to wane, dropping to 13 hours in August and gently tapering to 12 hours in September. October and November maintain a steady decline, with daylight shrinking back to 10 hours and culminating once again at 9 hours in December. This natural ebb and flow of daylight not only enhances Yosemite's picturesque landscapes, but also invites adventure and exploration throughout the seasons.
In Yosemite Valley, January brings a gentle breeze with an average wind speed of 2.1 m/s (5 mph), consistent with the winds felt throughout the previous and following month of February. This mild wind pattern continues through March, maintaining the same speed, before a slight dip to 2.0 m/s (4 mph) in April and May. As summer approaches in June, the winds pick up again, returning to a refreshing 2.1 m/s (5 mph), before settling back to 1.8 m/s (4 mph) in the heat of July. Notably, the onset of fall in September sees a return to the steadier 2.0 m/s (5 mph), a trend that holds throughout the rest of the year, with December experiencing a mild rise to 2.2 m/s (5 mph). Overall, Yosemite's winds exhibit a charming rhythm, offering visitors a blend of calmness and invigorating freshness throughout the winter season.
The weather in Yosemite Valley changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of January's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Yosemite Valley and find detailed weather information for every month.
January and February exhibit similar average temperatures, both hovering around -3°C (27°F), but February experiences slightly colder minimum temperatures, dropping to -21°C (-5°F) compared to January's -18°C (0°F). Notably, February also boasts slightly milder maximum temperatures, reaching 13°C (56°F) versus January's 11°C (51°F). Precipitation levels remain consistent between the two months, with January recording 227 mm (9.0 in) over 9 days and February slightly lower at 226 mm (8.9 in) over 11 days. Additionally, February sees a slight boost in humidity levels at 85%, compared to January’s 82%. For a detailed look at weather trends, you can check Yosemite Valley weather in February.
In comparing the weather between January and March, both months exhibit cold temperatures, but with slight variations. January typically sees a minimum temperature of -18°C (0°F), an average of -3°C (27°F), and a maximum of 11°C (51°F), while March has a slightly milder minimum of -17°C (1°F), averaging -2°C (29°F), and reaching a maximum of 13°C (56°F). Precipitation is quite similar, with January receiving 227 mm (9.0 in) over 9 days, compared to March's 209 mm (8.2 in) spread over 13 days. Humidity levels are also comparable, with January at 82% and March slightly lower at 80%. For those interested in specific conditions during March, you can find more detailed information at Yosemite Valley weather in March.
The weather in January is notably colder and wetter compared to April. In January, temperatures can drop to a minimum of -18°C (0°F), with an average of -3°C (27°F) and a maximum of 11°C (51°F). This month sees significant precipitation at 227 mm (9.0 in) over 9 days, combined with high humidity at 82%. In contrast, April experiences a milder climate, with temperatures ranging from -18°C (0°F) to a more comfortable average of 2°C (36°F) and a maximum of 16°C (60°F). Precipitation decreases to 102 mm (4.0 in) over 8 days, along with a drop in humidity to 72%. This shift reflects the transition from winter to spring, which can be observed in the Yosemite Valley weather in April.
January and May present contrasting weather conditions in Yosemite Valley. In January, temperatures can plummet to a brisk minimum of -18°C (0°F), with an average of -3°C (27°F) and a maximum reaching only 11°C (51°F). This winter month also experiences substantial precipitation, totaling 227 mm (9.0 in) over about 9 days, resulting in a higher humidity level of 82%. In stark contrast, May showcases a more temperate climate, with minimum temperatures of -13°C (9°F) and a pleasant average of 6°C (43°F) that can peak at 24°C (75°F). The precipitation significantly decreases to 68 mm (2.7 in) across 11 days, and the humidity drops to 58%. For more detailed insights on the weather in May, check out Yosemite Valley weather in May.
When comparing the weather in January and June, there is a stark contrast in temperature and precipitation levels. January experiences much colder conditions, with average temperatures hovering around -3°C (27°F) and the potential for lows as frigid as -18°C (0°F). The month also sees significant precipitation, averaging 227 mm (9.0 in) over about 9 days, along with high humidity at 82%. In contrast, June brings a much milder climate, featuring average temperatures of 13°C (55°F) while reaching highs of 27°C (81°F). Precipitation drops significantly to just 20 mm (0.8 in) over 5 days, and humidity decreases to a comfortable 49%. For a more detailed look at weather patterns during this month, you can check out Yosemite Valley weather in June.
In January, temperatures in Yosemite Valley can plummet to a minimum of -18°C (0°F), averaging around -3°C (27°F), and occasionally reaching a maximum of 11°C (51°F). This cold month also sees significant precipitation, with 227 mm (9.0 in) spread over 9 days, resulting in a high humidity level of 82%. In contrast, July brings much warmer conditions, with minimum temperatures of 3°C (37°F), an average temperature of 17°C (63°F), and maximums soaring to 29°C (85°F). The summer month is much drier, featuring only 24 mm (0.9 in) of precipitation over 6 days and a significantly lower humidity level of 36%. For more information about the weather in July, visit Yosemite Valley weather in July.
The weather in January is a stark contrast to that in August. In January, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -18°C (0°F), with an average of -3°C (27°F) and a maximum reaching only 11°C (51°F). This cold month also sees significant precipitation, with around 227 mm (9.0 in) falling over approximately 9 days, and humidity levels are quite high at 82%. In comparison, August boasts much milder weather, where temperatures range from a minimum of 4°C (39°F) to a maximum of 29°C (84°F), with an average of 16°C (62°F). Precipitation is minimal in August, totaling just 17 mm (0.7 in) over 5 days, and humidity drops significantly to 30%. For a more detailed look at the August weather conditions, you can check out Yosemite Valley weather in August.
In comparing the weather of January and September, notable differences emerge in both temperature and precipitation. January experiences frigid conditions, with average temperatures around -3°C (27°F) and a chilling minimum of -18°C (0°F), accompanied by significant precipitation totaling 227 mm (9.0 in) over 9 days. This month sees high humidity at 82%, contributing to a cold and damp atmosphere.
In contrast, September offers a much milder climate, with average temperatures rising to 13°C (55°F) and a maximum of 28°C (83°F). Precipitation drops dramatically to just 17 mm (0.7 in) over 4 days, resulting in a notably lower humidity level of 42%. For a deeper look into what to expect during this time, check out Yosemite Valley weather in September.
January and October present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In January, temperatures typically range from a chilly -18°C (0°F) as a minimum to a moderate 11°C (51°F) at its peak, with an average of -3°C (27°F). The month is marked by high humidity at 82% and substantial precipitation, totaling 227 mm (9.0 in) over about 9 days. In contrast, October boasts a more pleasant climate, with temperatures varying from a minimum of -10°C (15°F) to a maximum of 24°C (75°F), averaging around 7°C (44°F). The month sees much less precipitation, only 43 mm (1.7 in) over 3 days, and a significant drop in humidity to 59%. For more detailed insights on the October climate, check out Yosemite Valley weather in October.
When comparing the weather in January and November, January tends to be slightly milder, with average temperatures hovering around -3°C (27°F), while November experiences an average of 2°C (36°F). However, November can have colder minimums, dipping down to -20°C (-4°F) compared to January's minimum of -18°C (0°F). Precipitation also varies significantly; January sees a higher amount of 227 mm (9.0 in) over 9 days, whereas November has only 98 mm (3.9 in) across 6 days. Humidity levels are relatively similar, with January at 82% and November slightly lower at 78%. For more details on November weather, check out Yosemite Valley weather in November.
In comparing the weather between January and December, both months experience very similar average temperatures, hovering around -3°C (27°F). However, January sees slightly colder extremes, with minimum temperatures dropping to -18°C (0°F) compared to December's -17°C (1°F). Precipitation is notably higher in January, totaling 227 mm (9.0 in) over 9 days, while December has 160 mm (6.3 in) spread over 10 days. Additionally, January exhibits a higher humidity level at 82%, versus December's 79%. For more detailed insights, you can explore Yosemite Valley weather in December.
January in Yosemite Valley brings a unique chill, with temperatures dipping significantly lower compared to other months. This time of year experiences increased precipitation, manifesting as both rain and snow, making the valley a serene winter wonderland. Despite the cold, the high humidity levels create a distinct atmosphere that enhances the beauty of the snow-capped vistas. Travelers in January can expect a quieter, more introspective experience, as the valley is less crowded and cloaked in a tranquil snow blanket. For more insights on how this month stacks up against the rest of the year, check out Yosemite Valley Climate.