Visiting Sequoia National Park: What To Expect Throughout The Year

If you want to see the huge trees and other natural features in this part of California, then you’ll need to decide when is the best month to visit Sequoia National Park for your trip.

I’m James and I’m a national park expert. In this guide, I’ll go into detail for each month about exactly what to expect, so you can plan a trip that suits your needs.

Covered here is a seasonal and monthly breakdown of the weather conditions you can expect, what things are open and activities available, so you can work out when to visit Sequoia National Park.

If you just want a quick snapshot about my thoughts on the best time to visit Sequoia National Park, check out my Best Time to Go To Sequoia National Park guide.

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“Visiting Sequoia National Park Throughout the Year”

Something to keep in mind is that conditions at Sequoia can vary widely between different parts of the park even at the same time of year. The park lies in the Sierra Nevada mountains and the weather can vary with the altitude.

In the foothills you can expect hot summers and mild, rainy winters, while at higher elevations, temperatures are lower all year round. Plus there is lots of snow during winter in the mountains.

Sequoia National Park in Spring (April – May)

Spring in Sequoia National Park is between April and May. At that time of year, as with any season, you can expect a variety of temperature ranges depending on the elevation. The Giant Forest could be snowy, for example, while at lower levels wildflowers may be in bloom.

Here’s what to expect at Sequoia during the months of April and May.

Visiting Sequoia National Park in April

The weather in Sequoia National Park in April is variable according to the elevation.

In the foothills, the Sequoia National Park weather in April brings mild to warm average temperatures between 46°F (8°C) and 70°F (21°C). However it’s wise to expect the unexpected, as it could be as chilly as 29°F (-2°C) , or as hot as 92°F (33°C).

In the Sequoia Groves, expect cold lows of around 30°F (-1°C) with milder highs of about 51°F (11°C). Again, there can be much higher or lower temperatures, though, from 8°F (-13°C) to 77°F (25°C).

There can be about as much snow on the ground in April as in January – the average snowfall levels for the month are around 26 inches, with a depth of 25 inches or so. Snow is thus to be expected at higher levels, but is uncommon on lower ground.

So is April a good time to visit Sequoia National Park? You might see wildflowers in the foothills at Sequoia in April, while the mountains remain covered in a fairly thick blanket of snow. At all levels, though, the snow does generally begin to melt in April.

Pros

Hot spring days aren’t unheard of
It’s generally mild to warm at lower levels
Wildflowers may be blooming in the foothills

Cons

It can be cold in the Sequoia Groves
Temperatures can be tricky to predict
The mountains are still covered in snow

Visiting Sequoia National Park in May

By May, the weather in Sequoia National Park in May means that much of the snow will have melted away. Both snowfall levels and the depth are much lower, at around 5 inches each.

At the lower elevations, expect temperatures between 52°F (11°C) and 79°F (26°C) on average. The range could reach between 31°F (1°C) and 104°F (40°C), however, on rare occasions. Make sure you pack layers so you can adjust your clothing accordingly!

In the Giant Forest, Grant Grove and Lodgepole areas, average temperatures range between 36°F (2°C) and 58°F (14°C). But it could be as chilly as 13°F (-11°C), or as warm as 83°F (28°C).

So is May a good time to visit Sequoia National Park? Snowfall is minimal, and far less than in April. Sub-zero temperatures are now fairly unusual, even at higher elevations, though it tends to be colder earlier in May and warmer by the end of the month.

The park is less crowded now than in summer, and access is much better than during winter, early spring and late fall. This is also the spring wildflower season.

Pros

Spring wildflower season
Snowfall levels and depth are minimal
Temperatures at lower elevations are warm

Cons

There may still be some snow on the ground
Temperatures may fluctuate quite a lot
It’s still chilly at higher levels

Sequoia National Park in Summer (June – August)

Summer in Sequoia National Park falls between June and August. This three month season is the busiest time at the park, as access is at its most unrestricted. Expect mild to hot temperatures on average, though the range can be broad and varies by elevation.

Read on to find out what Sequoia in summer is really like.

Visiting Sequoia National Park in June

By June, you can expect dry weather at Sequoia National Park, with under half an inch of precipitation. A tiny amount of snow may remain on the ground in some locations, but it’s almost all melted away by now.

The foothills of the park see June temperatures between 61°F (16°C) and 89°F (32°C) on average. In some cases, though, they can range from 3°F (38°C) to 114°F (46°C).

In the mountains, expect the usual range to be between 7°F (44°C) and 68°F (20°C). In more extreme cases, though, you could see lows of 22°F (-6°C), or highs of 91°F (33°C).

June is a popular time to visit, as access is far better and temperatures much warmer than in winter, spring or summer. This means that the park can get very busy, but you will be less limited regarding where you can go.

Pros

Under half an inch of rain
Expect mild to hot weather
Roads are open and it’s good for hiking

Cons

The park can start to get crowded
You’ll need to book accommodations in advance
Below freezing temperatures are still sometimes possible in the mountains

Visiting Sequoia National Park in July

The weather in Sequoia National Park in July is the hottest and driest of the year. Midsummer brings crowds to the park, too, so expect it to be busy if you visit in July.

Again, the weather in Sequoia in July varies according to the elevation. At lower levels, temperatures tend to range between 68°F (20°C) and 97°F (36°C). When it’s unusually cold or hot, though, you could experience temperatures between 42°F (6°C) and 113°F (45°C).

In the highlands, you can expect a temperature range between 51°F (11°C) and 76°F (24°C). Historic temperatures, however, have been as low as 34°F (1°C) or as high as 92°F (33°C).

By July, temperatures lower than freezing are unheard of, even in the mountains. This is the busiest time for the park as all US schools are out, so don’t come now if you’d prefer peace. On the plus side, it’s generally warm to hot, with no rainfall whatsoever. Do note that fire bans may be in place during July.

Pros

Little to no rain
No below freezing temperatures
Expect warm to hot weather at all levels
Free park shuttle starts beginning of July

Cons

Fire bans may be in place
It can get too hot at lower elevations
The park is at its busiest in midsummer

Visiting Sequoia National Park in August

The Sequoia National Park weather in August is similar to July, though temperatures are very slightly lower. It’s dry, with any rain at all being a rarity indeed.

Average minimums in the Sequoia foothills in August are between 67°F (20°C) and 96°F (36°C), though extremes as low as 46°F (8°C) and as high as 44°F (111°C) have been recorded. So it’s usually warm to hot both day and night.

In the highlands, cooler temperatures between 10°F (50°C) and 76°F (24°C) are the norm. The range could be in the region of 28°F (-2°C) to 94°F (34°C), however. So again, pack a mix of light and warmer layers so you’re prepared!

Summer is busy in Sequoia, and you can expect crowds accordingly. With dry and warm to hot weather throughout the area as the norm, this is a pleasant time to visit. It can get too hot at times in the lower elevations; however, and fire bans can be placed due to the risk of wildfires.

Pros

No rainfall on average
Good hiking conditions
The weather tends to be mild to hot
Free park shuttle runs

Cons

It can be crowded
Extreme highs can be uncomfortably hot

Sequoia National Park in Fall (September – October)

Fall in Sequoia is between September and October. Like spring, it’s a short season, before the long winter sets in. In fall, expect typical temperatures that sway between warm, mild and crisp. There’s also increasing precipitation, but considerably less than in winter.

As Sequoia trees are evergreen, fall colors aren’t really a thing as much as in other places, though some deciduous trees within the park may display red, orange or golden foliage.

Visiting Sequoia National Park in September

Huge trees and colorful leaves in Sequoia National Park.

The weather at Sequoia National Park in September is starting to cool down a little, following the summer highs. On average, it’s only slightly cooler than in June, and similarly you can also expect under an inch of rain.

Average temperatures in September range from 52°F (11°C) to 91°F (33°C) in the foothills. At these lower elevations, lows of about 37°F (3°C) and highs of around 112°F (44°C) have previously been recorded. So it can still be cold here – or very hot indeed!

In the Sequoia highlands, expect averages of around 45°F (7°C) to 71°F (22°C). In the past, extreme lows of 23°F (-5°C) and highs of 90°F (32°C) have occurred here historically.

With comparable weather to July, the advantage of a September visit is that the park will be more peaceful. The temperatures don’t start to cool down significantly until October, so conditions now can be very pleasant. Park roads and Crystal Cave should remain open this month, too. In all, September is a great time to visit Sequoia.

Pros

Only half an inch of rain
The park is more peaceful than in summer
Temperatures are still comparable to June

Cons

It’s starting to cool down by the end of the month
It can still get too hot in the foothills
There may be a little rain
Park shuttle stops mid-September

Visiting Sequoia National Park in October

The weather in Sequoia National Park in October reflects the fact that summer is well and truly over – but winter has not yet set in. Rain and snowfall levels are starting to creep up. Averages for October are between 1.5 and 2 inches of rain or snow, though not much, if any, tends to settle as yet.

Average low temperatures for October in the lowlands are around 43°F (6°C), with the highs of about 80°F (27°C) expected. More unusually, temperatures can range between lows of 26°F (-3°C) and highs of 82°F (28°C). This is similar to May.

In the highlands, lower temperatures are to be expected, as usual. These typically range from 38°F (3°C) to 61°F (16°C), though they can reach between 11°F (-12°C) and 82°F (28°C). So it can be warm during the day, and very chilly at night – or anywhere in-between.

Is October a good time to visit Sequoia National Park? By the end of the month, road closures may occur as winter takes hold. But earlier in the month, crisp days and fewer visitors can make this a good time to head here. It really depends on your priorities.

Pros

Pleasant temperatures for the main part
Less rainfall than in winter
The park is generally peaceful

Cons

Roads may close by the end of the month
The highlands can be chilly overnight
It’s generally mild rather than warm

Visiting Sequoia National Park in Winter (November – March)

If you’re thinking of heading to Sequoia in winter, then you can certainly expect to have more of the park to yourself. For the answers to questions such as when does it snow in Sequoia National Park, read on for the month-by-month breakdown. Due to unfavorable road conditions, do note that Cedar Grove closes during winter in Sequoia National Park.

For snow sports, winter is the time to head to the mountains of Sequoia.

Visiting Sequoia National Park in November

The Sequoia National Park weather in November sees colder temperatures setting in, as well as more rain or snow than in early fall. Again, the weather in Sequoia in November varies according to how low or high up you are.

The Sequoia National Park November weather results in averages, in the lower elevations, of around 37°F (3°C) to about 67°F (19°C). In more extreme cases, these may fall as low as 18°F (-8°C), or reach as high as 82°F (28°C). So even in the foothills, it can start to get chilly during the day, and colder still at night. A few inches of snow may settle during this month.

In the mountains of Sequoia, the average range is about 31°F (-1°C) to 50°F (10°C). More unusual lows and highs may reach between -20°F (-4°C) and 73°F (23°C), however. So again come with clothing that you can adjust as the day wears on!

Is November a good time to visit Sequoia National Park? If you don’t mind the increasingly cold weather in Sequoia National Park in November, then this can be a tranquil time to visit. Just keep in mind that access might be limited, and be prepared for the cold. Particularly at high elevations and overnight.

Pros

There are few visitors in winter
It’s warmer and drier than December to March

Cons

Temperatures are really starting to drop
The weather is getting wetter
Expect road closures

Visiting Sequoia National Park in December

Is Sequoia National Park open in December, and if so is this a good time to be there?

The weather in Sequoia National Park in December brings snow to the mountains, so this is the beginning of the winter sports season. You can go sledding, snowshoeing or skiing now, as there will be around 11 inches of snow on the ground. There’s less snowfall than during the following three months, however.

In the milder foothills, expect temperatures of between 36°F (2°C) and 58°F (14°C) on average. In this area extremes aren’t uncommon, though, so you could see the mercury dip as low as 18°F (-8°C) or hit highs of around 82°F (28°C). Again, this is the time to be packing lots of layers.

On higher ground, temperatures between 27°F (-3°C) and 44°F (7°C) are typical in December. Here it could also reach a low of -20°F (-4°C) or a high of 73°F (23°C), though this is more unusual.

Due to restricted access and extreme cold, winter tends to be a time for snow sports at Sequoia rather than exploring. Though of course activities like snowshoeing can allow you to combine both. Later in the month is best for winter sports, and you can expect even more snow in January, February and March.

Pros

It’s the start of winter sports season
Less precipitation than in the following months

Cons

Roads remain closed
Very cold temperatures are usual
Not as much snow on the ground as later in winter

Visiting Sequoia National Park in January

If you want to experience Sequoia National Park in the snow, then January sees around 24 inches of snow on the ground. Throughout the month, about 37 inches of snow will fall, which is a little less than February and March, but enough to mean that the winter sports season is well underway.

Average lowlands temperatures at Sequoia in January range from 36°F (2°C) to 57°F (14°C). There can be big variations, though, and if this is the case then the mercury could hit anywhere between 20°F (-7°C) and 85°F (29°C).

Among the mountains of Sequoia in January, expect typical lows of around 24°F (-4°C), with highs of about 42°F (6°C). Extremes may be in the range of -6°F (-21°C) to 68°F (20°C). So though it can be mild on some days, very chilly day and night-time weather is more common.

In January, most people visit Sequoia for winter activities like skiing, sledding and snowshoeing.

Pros

More snow on the ground than in December
Winter sports season is well underway

Cons

Expect closed roads
It’s cold during the day and night
Access is very restricted by midwinter

Visiting Sequoia National Park in February

The Sequoia National Park weather in February continues in the same vein, so winter sports are still what most people flock to the park for. This is the second-wettest month, with slightly less snow than in March. Temperatures are pretty similar to those of December.

At Sequoia in December, you can expect the usual lowland temperatures to range between 39°F (4°C) and 61°F (16°C). When it’s considerably colder or warmer, temperatures as low as 22°F (-6°C) or as high as 85°F (29°C) have been recorded.

The mountains typically experience temperatures of between 25°F (-4°C) and 44°F (7°C), though they sometimes range from -4°F (-21°C) to 70°F (21°C). This means it can feel mild at times during the day, but is always very cold at night.

The snow sports season continues at Sequoia in February, and roads remain closed.

Pros

Snow sports season
The park looks very pretty

Cons

The second-wettest month (mostly in the form of snow)
Thick snow restricts access
Park roads are still closed

Visiting Sequoia National Park in March

Head to Sequoia National Park in March and you’ll find that the weather is more wintry than spring-like. So is March a good time to visit Sequoia National Park? Temperature-wise, it’s somewhere between December and November, so not as cold as midwinter.

The Sequoia National Park weather in March is the wettest of the year, however. 40 inches of snowfall are average, with around 39 inches on the ground. This restricts access and means that park roads remain closed. It also creates perfect winter sports conditions, though you might see some wildflowers by the end of the month at lower elevations.

In terms of temperature, the weather in Sequoia National Park in March in the lowlands sees average lows of 41°F (5°C), with highs of 64°F (18°C). When extremes fall outside of this range, they may hit between 26°F (-3°C) and 85°F (29°C). So it can get warm at times.

Up in the highlands, expect averages between 26°F (-3°C) and 46°F (8°C). Though at times it can get as cold as 0°F (-18°C), or as warm as 76°F (24°C).

Pros

March is the wettest month (mostly snow)
There may be wildflowers in late March at lower elevations
It’s getting slightly warmer by the end of the month

Cons

It’s still wintry in terms of temperature
Overnight lows can be extremely cold
Roads remain closed and/or unplowed

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“What To Expect Throughout the Year When Visiting Sequoia National Park”

Travel Insurance for Sequoia National Park

No matter when is the best time to see Sequoia National Park, you should definitely get travel insurance. This can protect you not only against medical and emergency repatriation, but can also cover things like trip cancellation, loss and/ or theft of property, etc.

A great insurance option is Travelex. It has coverage for all you’ll need. You can compare Travel Insurance plans here or get a quote right now:

Enjoy Sequoia National Park!

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About the Author

James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.

He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and all of the main national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.

Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for most of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, comprehensive camping and hiking gear reviews and buying guides, and helpful packing lists and gift guides will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.

As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.