Curry Village
Campground · Yosemite corridor
Curry Village sits at 4029 feet in Yosemite's Valley corridor, a mid-elevation campground sheltered by granite walls. Typically calmer and warmer than higher Sierra passes.
Morning hours bring the calmest conditions; afternoon wind picks up but remains moderate. Temperature swings are sharp between sun and shade. Crowding clusters on weekends, especially after Highway 120 opens. Watch for sudden afternoon thermals off the valley floor.
Over the last 30 days, Curry Village has averaged a NoGo Score of 16.0 with temperatures around 41 degrees Fahrenheit and winds averaging 7 mph. The week ahead mirrors that pattern. Use the chart below to spot the few days when wind or crowds spike above the typical range.
30 days back / 7 days forward
Today's score by factor
About Curry Village
Curry Village is a year-round campground and lodging hub in the heart of Yosemite Valley, 4029 feet elevation. Access is via Highway 120 from the east (Lee Vining, Tioga Pass) or Highway 140 from the west (Mariposa). The site sits on the Valley floor, surrounded by granite cliffs that provide shelter from sustained wind but funnel thermals in afternoon hours. From San Francisco, the drive takes 4 to 5 hours via Highway 120; from Los Angeles, 5 to 6 hours via Highway 395 and Highway 120. Highway 140 offers a lower-elevation route in winter and spring when Highway 120 is closed, adding 1 to 2 hours to the journey.
Conditions at Curry Village track Yosemite Valley's microclimate closely. Spring and early summer bring warming trends and increasing afternoon wind as solar heating intensifies. The 30-day average wind of 7 mph masks afternoon gusts that can reach 17 mph, particularly between late morning and early evening. Winter sees snow and ice; Highway 120 closes typically from November through April depending on snowpack, forcing traffic via Highway 140. Temperature extremes range from 7 degrees Fahrenheit in deep winter to 62 degrees in midsummer. Crowding peaks on weekends year-round and surges in late spring and summer; the first weekends after Highway 120 reopens in late April or early May bring sustained high volumes.
Curry Village suits visitors seeking Yosemite Valley access without backcountry logistics. Climbers, day-hikers, and families prefer it for proximity to trailheads and relatively moderate weather compared to higher passes. The campground operates year-round but many tent cabins close in winter. Parking is limited; arriving before 9 AM or after 3 PM improves availability. Afternoon wind is a planning factor for exposed activities; morning hours from sunrise to noon are optimal for climbing, photography, and creek access. Smoke from fires outside the park occasionally blankets the Valley; check air quality before committing.
Yosemite Village sits immediately adjacent, offering stores, dining, and ranger services. Mirror Lake (seasonal) and Valley View are minutes away by foot. Tenaya Lake, 30 miles north via Highway 120, offers colder water and stronger afternoon wind but lower crowds outside peak season. Wawona, south of the Valley, sits lower and experiences warmer conditions but requires a longer drive. For rock climbing, Curry Village anchors trips to El Capitan and Camp 4; for backpacking, the High Sierra camps accessed via Highway 120 are the natural continuation.