 Yosemite has a Mediterranean climate ( Köppen climate classification Csa ) , meaning most precipitation falls during the mild winter , and the other seasons are nearly dry ( less than 3 % of precipitation falls during the long , hot summers ) . Because of orographic lift , precipitation increases with elevation up to 8 @,@ 000 feet ( 2 @,@ 400 m ) where it slowly decreases to the crest . Precipitation amounts vary from 36 inches ( 910 mm ) at 4 @,@ 000 feet ( 1 @,@ 200 m ) elevation to 50 inches ( 1 @,@ 300 mm ) at 8 @,@ 600 feet ( 2 @,@ 600 m ) . Snow does not typically persist on the ground until November in the high country . It accumulates all winter and into March or early April . 
