Depending on the season, you may experience autumn leaf color, spring and summer wildflowers in bloom, rushing waterfalls or a snowy winter wonderland. Remember, however, that you should always go to the mountains prepared for the unexpected. As is true of all mountainous regions, weather in the Sierra Nevada can change rapidly at any season of the year.
Elevation plays a major role in temperature and precipitation variability.
Since Yosemite varies in elevation from 2,000 feet to more than 13,000 feet, the lower foothills of the park can be experiencing the rebirth of spring while the higher elevations remain in the grip of winter. The higher you go, the colder and more temperamental the climate gets. March and November are transitional months when warm sunny days can suddenly become stormy. Although summer in the Sierra is known for its sunny days, it is not unheard of for clouds to build up suddenly creating a downpour that could last a few hours or possibly several days. The Tioga Road generally closes for the season with the first major snowstorm after November 1 and reopens by late May to early June, conditions permitting.