So, you're looking at the webcam and seeing that glorious, crisp Sierra Nevada granite, and you're thinking about a drive. Honestly? Most people see "sunny" on a weather app and assume Yosemite is just a colder version of the California coast. It isn't. Not even close.
As of right now, January 17, 2026, the current weather in Yosemite National Park is basically a tale of two worlds. Down in the Valley, it’s actually kind of pleasant for mid-winter—we're looking at a high of 52°F today. But don't let that fool you into packing light. The overnight low is a bone-chilling 12°F. That is a 40-degree swing. You've got to be prepared for that transition because once that sun slips behind the cathedral walls of the Valley, the temperature doesn't just drop; it plummets.
The Ground Truth on Snow and Ice
If you’re heading up to the high country—or trying to—you’re going to hit a literal wall. Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road are shut tight for the season. This isn't just "we might close it if it snows." They are done until spring, probably late May or June 2026.
The snowpack is real this year. Up at Tuolumne Meadows, the winter rangers reported a settled snow depth of 36 inches just a few days ago. That’s three feet of the white stuff. While the Valley floor might have some patchy ice and slush, the high country is deep in its winter sleep.
📖 Related: Dallas vs New Orleans: What Most People Get Wrong About the Big Easy and Big D
Current conditions for Saturday, January 17:
- Sky: Sunny (mostly), but becoming cloudy tonight.
- Valley High: 52°F.
- Valley Low: 12°F.
- Wind: Light, around 3 mph from the North.
- Precipitation: 10% chance of a stray snow flurry, but mostly dry.
Why "Sunny" Can Be Dangerous
People get into trouble in Yosemite during January because they underestimate the "feels like" factor. With humidity sitting around 44%, the air is dry. It saps the moisture right out of you.
✨ Don't miss: June 29 2026: Why This Monday is Wrecking Your Summer Travel Plans
Also, the UV index is a 3. That sounds low, but when you’ve got sun bouncing off white snow or reflective granite, you’ll get a "Yosemite Burn" faster than you’d think. Wear the sunscreen. Seriously.
If you're planning on hitting the trails, stick to the lower elevations. The Mist Trail and John Muir Trail have their usual winter diversions in place because the "Mist" turns into "Ice Sheets" this time of year. If you want a real hike, the Mariposa Grove is your best bet, but you'll be walking or snowshoeing the two miles from the parking lot just to get to the trees since the shuttle is off for the season.
💡 You might also like: Asiana Airlines Crash SFO: What Really Happened On Flight 214
Navigating the 2026 Winter Restrictions
The park is open, and thankfully, the 2026 "Firefall" event in February won't require those annoying reservations this year. But for right now, the biggest hurdle is just the physical road.
- Big Oak Flat Road (Hwy 120 West): Open.
- Wawona Road (Hwy 41): Open, but carry chains. Even if it's 50 degrees in the sun, shady turns at higher elevations stay iced over.
- Highway 140 (El Portal): This is the "all-weather" highway. It’s the lowest elevation entrance and your safest bet if you’re worried about mountain driving.
Basically, if you aren't carrying tire chains in your trunk, you're rolling the dice. The rangers can (and do) check, and if a sudden flurry hits, they'll turn you around faster than you can say "Half Dome."
Actionable Winter Tips for Your Visit
Don't just show up and hope for the best. Yosemite in January is rewarding, but it's unforgiving.
- Check the 24-hour road line: Call 209-372-0200 (press 1, then 1). Do not rely on Google Maps; it doesn't always know when a gate was locked two hours ago due to ice.
- Layers are everything: Wear a base layer of wool or synthetic (no cotton!), a fleece, and a windproof shell. You'll be peeling them off at noon and shivering back into them by 4:00 PM.
- The "Alpine Start" is for driving, too: If you want to see the Valley without the crowds, get to the gates before 8:00 AM.
- Ice spikes for your boots: If you're walking Cook’s Meadow or headed toward Lower Yosemite Fall, the paved paths turn into skating rinks. A $20 pair of traction cleats will save your tailbone.
The current weather is gorgeous for photography right now—that low winter sun hits the granite at an angle that makes the whole Valley glow. Just make sure you're back in your car or your cabin before that 12°F low starts to bite.