Yosemite Weather In March: Is It A Good Time To Visit?

When looking up Yosemite weather in March, the first query that comes up is, “Is there snow in Yosemite in March?” While March is not the snowiest month of the year in Yosemite, there are typically still some on the ground.

The snow normally starts to melt in Yosemite in late March. In March, there are typically nine days with either snow or rain.

Be ready for ice and frigid temperatures even though there is less snow on the ground. The temperature ranges from the lowest of about 34 degrees Fahrenheit, or 1 degree Celsius, to the maximum of around 58 degrees Fahrenheit, or 14 degrees Celsius. I will show you Yosemite weather in march in the post.

What Is The Weather In The Park Like During March?

In March, Yosemite experiences a wide range of temperatures, from the low 30s to the high 50s. Intermittent snowfall seldom accumulates to more than a foot in height. Naturally, the altitude affects how deep the snow is. Yosemite typically experiences persistent rain for ten days out of every month.

March doesn’t have many sunny days, but the winter’s low lighting makes for clear photos. The majority of the park can be enjoyed without crowds by visitors who are accustomed to cloudy and rainy days. March could be cloudy because the National Park Service recommends regular fires to simulate natural fires for forest health. 

Temperature Of Yosemite Weather In March

The typical high rises from a chilly 53 degrees in March.1°F (11.7 °C) in February to a comfortable 58 °C.6°The typical low in March is 30 degrees Fahrenheit (14.8 degrees Celsius).9°F (-0.6°C).

Daylight Of Yosemite Weather In March

In Yosemite National Park, the day lasts, on average, 11 hours and 59 minutes in March.

Sunrise occurs at 6:29 am and sunset at 5:51 pm PST on the first day of the month. Yosemite National Park in California experiences sunrise at 6:44 am and sunset at 7:20 pm PDT on the last day of March.

Note: On March 13th, Sunday. 2022, at 2:00 am, The time zone shifts from PST to PDT as Daylight Saving Time begins. The end of Daylight Saving Time is this coming Sunday, November 6. 2022, at 2:00 am; consequently, the time zone reverts from PDT to PST.

Read about: Portland Maine To Acadia National Park For Vistors – Global Travel Idea

Sunshine Of Yosemite Weather In March

Yosemite National Park has 9 hours of sunshine on average per day in March.

Rainfall Of Yosemite Weather In March

Yosemite National Park receives rain for ten days in March. 5.39″ (136.9mm) of precipitation is accumulated. There are 65 days with rain and 36 dry days each year.26″ (921mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

Snowfall Of Yosemite Weather In March

Yosemite National Park receives snowfall from January through May and from October through December. Yosemite National Park regularly gathers up to 12 people in March.9″ (327.7mm) of snow. 65 visitors visit Yosemite National Park annually.3″ (1658.6mm) of snow is accumulated.

UV Index Of Yosemite Weather In March

In Yosemite National Park, the maximum UV index on a daily average in March is 6. A UV Index of 6 to 7 denotes a high risk to a person’s health from being exposed to the sun’s UV rays.

Note: The average daily UV index of 6 in March transform into the following instructions:

Use sun safety measures and take precautions. It is necessary to wear protection from harm to the skin and eyes. The strongest UV radiation from the Sun occurs between 10 and 11 a.m.m. and 4 p.m. Limit your time in the sun during these hours as much as you can. In order to reduce the negative effects of UV radiation, it is especially beneficial to wear sun-protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and UVA and UVB-blocking sunglasses. The reflection of the snow increases the UV rays’ intensity by almost a factor of two, so use caution.

Is Yosemite Open In March?

Yosemite National Park does indeed open in March. March is a great month to visit the park without encountering a lot of visitors.

Yosemite Valley and Wawona are accessible all year round by private vehicle, but there are a few internal road closures to be aware of. From mid-November to mid-April, Tioga Road is normally closed. The area around Tuolumne Meadows is accessible during this closure. Except for the snow-plowed path to the Badger Pass Ski Area, the road to Glacier Point is closed from November through mid-April. The seasonally closed Mariposa Grove Road usually reopens to traffic by the middle of April. When Mariposa Grove Road is closed, visitors can still reach the Mariposa Grove on foot by taking the two-mile Washburn Trail. Winter months bring ice and snow to this trail. It is recommended that travelers pack appropriate clothing and footwear.

On park roads during the winter, tire chains are required. Regardless of vehicle type or size, visitors are required to have tire chains and know how to use them.

It is advised that visitors take Highway 140 (All Weather Road) if traveling to Yosemite in March. Even though this is the winter’s safest entrance to the park, users may still need to put on tire chains.

Yosemite experiences a seasonal decline in snowfall around the end of March, so tourists who want to go skiing or snow-sightseeing are advised to travel there before the start of April.

Can I Hike In Yosemite In March?

Yosemite hiking is possible in March.

The higher elevation trails in Yosemite are some of those that are closed during the winter. Lower Yosemite Falls, Mirror Lake, Bridalveil Fall, and the footbridge over Vernal Falls on the Mist Trail are all frequently open for hiking in March. All year round, Hetch Hetchy and Wawona are open. Traditionally, the month of March is a closed season for the Upper Yosemite Falls trail.

Beginner winter hikers will love strolling the Bridalveil Fall Trail. The hike, which is just a fraction of a mile round trip, offers a breathtaking view of Bridalveil Fall’s impressive waterfall. It takes less than 30 minutes to complete the entire walk, making it the perfect winter activity on days when the temperature is especially arctic.

There aren’t many off-season options for backpacking, and snowfall may obscure trail markers. Only seasoned winter hikers should attempt the more difficult trails. Snowshoes are recommended, and can be rented at several locations throughout the park. Trekking poles are also a good idea.

While it may seem chilly and cloudy outside, hikers are advised to pack plenty of water to last them the entire journey.

Is March A Reliable Month To Travel To Yosemite?

The answer to the question “is March a good time to visit Yosemite?” is definitely yes! There are rumors that the summertime visiting hours at Yosemite National Park may be restricted.

Due to COVID19, the National Park sought to reduce crowds by requiring advance reservations from all visitors. In the park, there are a lot of construction projects going on. Crowds can be managed with a one-day visitation restriction.

This is reasonable and a great way to keep the park open while necessary work is being done.

But it’s challenging to fit everything Yosemite has to offer into a single day. To see the best of Yosemite a two or three-day itinerary is best.

Visiting Yosemite In March

December through March are considered Yosemite’s winter months. Yosemite has been white, calm, and still for the past five months. Although March is not by any means the park’s snowiest month, visitors should dress for subzero temperatures and ice ground. The months of May through September are considered to be Yosemite National Park’s busiest travel months because of the more comfortable weather. March is the best month to visit a tranquil Yosemite if you’re trying to avoid a lot of tourists.

Top Tips When Visiting Yosemite in March

In Yosemite, the weather can change drastically very quickly. Road and trail closures may result from this abrupt change. Despite Yosemite’s subpar service, the rangers are always available to inquire if anything changes.

Tire chains may need to be used on the roads. They are most likely covered in snow and icy patches. Despite the reduced number of cars, drivers should exercise caution. There are still some sharp turns and the possibility of animals escaping.

Despite seasonal limitations brought on by road closures, the shuttle service is always available. However, if guests plan to drive to many locations within the park, they should fill up their tanks before coming.

If driving worries are present, late March is a good time to visit Yosemite. the weather is likely to be better at this time of year making driving conditions better.

Conclusion

The absence of tourists is the main advantage of visiting Yosemite in March. The busiest season of the year is summer, followed by spring and fall, which are also busy but not quite as much as summer. It’s calm and peaceful during the winter. The majesty of the snow-covered domes in the Valley or the enormous sequoias in Mariposa Grove is another major advantage of traveling in March. Yosemite is a photographer’s paradise in the winter because of the dim illumination. A true winter paradise exists here.