The Tioga Pass entrance is closed from the first major snowstorm in November until late May to June due to snow. All other park entrances are kept open all year, but may require tire chains because of snow anytime between November and April. Visitors may drive into and around Yosemite Valley. Elevation plays a major role in temperature and precipitation. Yosemite receives most of its precipitation in the months of January, February and March.
Summers are typically warm and dry.
Spring and fall are transitional months, when warm, sunny days can suddenly become stormy. Clouds can build up during the summer to produce spectacular thunderstorm activity. Highly variable, with typical high temperatures ranging from the 50s to 70s, with lows in the 30s. Always include some kind of rain gear. The park's major sites can be viewed by automobile.