Sequoia National Park's extreme elevation range (from 1,400' to 14,494') causes a great range of weather conditions.
Mid-summer temperatures in the heart of the Park where the Giant Forest is located are typically mild upper-70s to low-80s during the day while temperatures at lower elevations down in the foothills fluctuate from the low 70s to more than 100°F. Regular summer evening temperatures are surprisingly cool (40-50°F) in the main part of the park. Visitors should always be prepared for changes in the weather at Sequoia National Park and dress in layers.
In the winter, Sequoia Park weather conditions provide plenty of snow, but temperatures rarely dip below 0°F.
The Foothills: 1,000' - 4,000'
The Sierran foothills are characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Precipitation usually occurs from January to mid-May; rain in the summer is rare. Average rainfall is approximately 26".
The Middle Elevations: 4,000' - 7,000'
Summer in the middle elevations is characterized by warm days and cool evenings. During the summer, occasional afternoon thunderstorms may occur. These elevations receive an average of 40-45" of precipitation annually. Much of this falls during the winter, resulting in a deep blanket of snow from December to May. Sub-zero temperatures are rare.
The High Country: 7,000' - 14,494'
Summer days vary from warm to cold; nighttime temperatures often drop to low 30's. Winters are frigid.
Highway 198 and all roads around Sequoia are generally kept clear of snow throughout the winter season; however the Generals Highway connecting Kings Canyon National Park to Sequoia National Park closes regularly throughout the winter in times of heavy snowfall. During these closures, travelers will not be able to enter Sequoia National Park from the Highway 180 entrance. Guests traveling to Wuksachi Lodge® and the Giant Forest/Wolverton areas are advised to use Highway 198 from Visalia.
All major roads are kept well plowed throughout the season when snowstorms occur. Remember that icy conditions exist on park roads during the winter. Slow down and watch for icy patches, especially in the shady areas. Call the National Park Service general information 24-hour recording for current road and weather conditions at 559-565-3341.
For road conditions outside of the park, please visit these CalTrans webpages:
Chain Concierge
Wuksachi Lodge is pleased to announce that when chains are required we will be offering a chain concierge to assist guests with installing their snow chains at the chain-up area along the General's Highway between the southern park entrance (Highway 198) and the hotel. This service will be available on Fridays from noon to 5:00 pm, and on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The chain concierge will install chains for Wuksachi Lodge overnight guests free of charge, or for a $20 fee for non-hotel guests.
Assistance is also available at Wuksachi Lodge on Sunday mornings for departing guests beginning at 8:00 am.
