USA & Canada · Best May–Jun & Sep
Yosemite packing list for families
Yosemite can be hot in the valley and cold up high on the same day, with waterfalls that soak anyone on the trail. Packing for layers and traction is what makes hiking with kids here a joy.
Photo by Aniket Deole on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Yosemite
- Waterfalls peak in May and June with snowmelt, and some, like Yosemite Falls, can slow to a trickle by late summer. If waterfalls are the dream, go in spring.
- The Mist Trail lives up to its name. Pack rain jackets and a dry layer for the kids, even on a sunny day, and wear shoes with real grip on wet granite.
- Check the park's website before you book. Yosemite has used peak-season entry reservations in recent years, and Tioga and Glacier Point roads typically close in winter.
Best timeMay–Jun & Sep
PlugsUS plugs, no adapter needed
MoneyUS dollar
PassportNot for US citizens
Your packing edit
Yosemite
This time of year
Check off what you already have. Tap "Add" on anything you still need, then send your whole list to your cart in one click.
Carry-on8
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Clothing7
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Packable rain jacketWaterfall spray on the Mist Trail soaks you.
Fleece layerMornings are cold, especially at higher elevations.
Light layers and a rain jacketSpring and fall weather changes fast.
Shoes2
Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Kids' hiking shoesKristina's pickGranite steps and wet trails need real traction.
Beach & pool1
Mineral sunscreen
Adventure2
Kids' hydration packValley trails get hot and dry in summer.
HeadlampsEvening ranger programs and stargazing happen after dark.
Little ones5
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Soft baby carrier instead of a strollerKristina's pickStairs, cobblestones, or trails make strollers hard here.
Health & toiletries3
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Documents & tech3
Phone lanyard or crossbody case
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Kids' ID bracelet with your phone number
The outfit edit
City neutrals
Navy, cream, camel, olive
For the grown-ups
- A trench or chore jacket
- White sneakers
- One dinner outfit that packs flat
For the kids
- Cozy knits that layer
- Navy or olive leggings and joggers
- A raincoat with a hood
For photos
- Neutrals plus one red scarf or hat
- Overcast days flatter everyone
Month by month
Yosemite weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 48°F 9°C | Cold and snowy at higher elevations, with chilly valley days and road closures | Snowy valley views, ice skating at Curry Village, and Badger Pass for beginner skiing |
| February | 52°F 11°C | Cold and snowy at higher elevations, with chilly valley days and road closures | Horsetail Fall's sunset glow in mid to late February, when conditions line up Snowy valley views, ice skating at Curry Village, and Badger Pass for beginner skiing |
| March | 57°F 14°C | Cold and snowy at higher elevations, with chilly valley days and road closures | Snowy valley views, ice skating at Curry Village, and Badger Pass for beginner skiing |
| April | 64°F 18°C | Snowmelt season, with roaring waterfalls, cool mornings, and warm afternoons | |
| May | 72°F 22°C | Snowmelt season, with roaring waterfalls, cool mornings, and warm afternoons | Peak waterfall season, with Yosemite, Bridalveil, and Vernal falls at their fullest |
| June | 81°F 27°C | Snowmelt season, with roaring waterfalls, cool mornings, and warm afternoons | Peak waterfall season, with Yosemite, Bridalveil, and Vernal falls at their fullest |
| July | 89°F 32°C | Hot, dry valley days with cool nights and possible wildfire smoke | High country wildflowers and Tuolumne Meadows once Tioga Road opens |
| August | 89°F 32°C | Hot, dry valley days with cool nights and possible wildfire smoke | High country wildflowers and Tuolumne Meadows once Tioga Road opens |
| September | 83°F 28°C | Hot, dry valley days with cool nights and possible wildfire smoke | |
| October | 72°F 22°C | Crisp, quiet fall with golden color, cold nights, and the first snows | Fall color in the valley and quieter trails after summer crowds |
| November | 57°F 14°C | Crisp, quiet fall with golden color, cold nights, and the first snows | Fall color in the valley and quieter trails after summer crowds |
| December | 47°F 8°C | Cold and snowy at higher elevations, with chilly valley days and road closures | Snowy valley views, ice skating at Curry Village, and Badger Pass for beginner skiing |
Questions families ask
Yosemite with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Yosemite with kids?
The best time is May–Jun & Sep. Snowmelt season, with roaring waterfalls, cool mornings, and warm afternoons
What's the weather like in Yosemite?
Typical daytime highs range from about 47°F (8°C) in December to about 89°F (32°C) in July. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Yosemite?
US citizens don't need a passport, but bring a government ID for adults.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Yosemite?
None. Yosemite uses the same plugs as the US.
What's your top tip for Yosemite with kids?
Waterfalls peak in May and June with snowmelt, and some, like Yosemite Falls, can slow to a trickle by late summer. If waterfalls are the dream, go in spring.
let's stay in touch
New destination lists, seasonal tips, and the gear we're loving.
Keep exploring
More family packing lists
Want the whole trip handled?
I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.