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El Capitan

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El Capitan Weather, Climate and Best Time to Visit

Data source：Meteostat
Update date：2025-09

El Capitan year round climate

  • Spring (March–May): Average -2°C–8°C, cold and dry climate with low rainfall. Common activities: Hiking (dress warmly), viewing early spring plants. Recommended clothing: Warm jacket, sweater, hat, gloves, waterproof shoes.
  • Summer (June–August): Average 16.4°C–20.2°C, warm and dry climate with very little rainfall. Common activities: Rock climbing, camping, hiking. Recommended clothing: Lightweight breathable clothing, sun protective clothing, sun hat.
  • Autumn (September–November): Average 11°C–14.6°C, cool and dry climate with low rainfall. Common activities: Hiking, viewing autumn scenery. Recommended clothing: Light jacket, long-sleeved shirt, comfortable walking shoes.
  • Winter (December–February): Average -2.6°C–1.5°C, cold and dry climate with low rainfall. Common activities: Skiing (nearby areas), viewing snowy landscapes. Recommended clothing: Heavy warm jacket, warm hat, scarf, gloves, waterproof snow boots.

El Capitan climatological average

Annual average temperature: approx. 7°C / Annual rainfall: approx. 48 mm / Summer humidity: 20%–30% / Rainiest month: February

El Capitan monthly average temperature and precipitation

Month
Air temperature (°C)
Precipitation (mm)
January
-1.7°C
5.5
February
-2.6°C
10.6
March
-2°C
8.3
April
2.1°C
3.6
May
8°C
2.1
June
16.4°C
0.8
July
20.2°C
0.8
August
17.1°C
0.3
September
14.6°C
1.3
October
11°C
0.3
November
1.2°C
8.2
December
1.5°C
6.6

El Capitan weather for the next seven days

5/16
Saturday
Sunny
14.8°C/6.1°C
5/17
Sunday
Sunny
11.3°C/2.4°C
5/18
Monday
Sunny
13.5°C/0.8°C
5/19
Tuesday
Sunny
16.5°C/4.6°C
5/20
Wednesday
Sunny
18.7°C/8°C
5/21
Thursday
Sunny
20.6°C/10.1°C
5/22
Friday
Sunny
20.5°C/10.6°C

El Capitan Frequently Asked Questions and Useful Information for Travel

How many climbers have died on El Capitan?

Between 1905 and 2023, there have been at least 32 climber fatalities on El Capitan. The most recent incident occurred in 2018. Causes of death vary and include falls, rockfall, and environmental factors such as hypothermia and extreme heat. Approximately 100 accidents and 15-25 rescues are estimated to happen annually within the park.

What does the name El Capitan mean?

El Capitan is Spanish for 'the captain' or 'the chief'. The name was given to the massive granite rock formation in Yosemite National Park in 1851 by the Mariposa Battalion. They named it after a Spanish translation of the local Native American name for the cliff, Tutokanula, which also meant 'Rock Chief' or 'Captain'.

Is Alex Honnold the only person to free solo El Capitan?

Yes, Alex Honnold is the first and only person to have successfully free soloed El Capitan. In June 2017, he achieved this monumental feat by climbing the Freerider route without any ropes or safety equipment, an accomplishment that remains unique.

What makes El Capitan so special?

El Capitan is uniquely special due to its immense size and sheer granite face, making it the largest exposed monolith on Earth. This 3,000-foot formation is a world-renowned destination for big wall rock climbing, drawing experienced climbers. Its iconic status is further cemented by its historical significance in the climbing world and its global recognition, notably popularized by the documentary 'Free Solo'.

What are the key geological features of El Capitan?

El Capitan is the largest exposed granite monolith on Earth, distinguished by its formidable sheer vertical face that extends over 3,000 feet high. Its smooth and massive wall formations were sculpted by ancient glaciers, creating a unique geological marvel.