Does it snow in Mariposa, CA? Mariposa is a really nice town famous for being the starting point for trips to Yosemite National Park.
It is a great place to go if you want to experience the beautiful nature of California.
While the weather is really nice, many people wonder, “Is there snow in Mariposa, CA, if they travel in winter?”
Let’s find out more about it to determine when to plan your trip to Mariposa to have an outstanding winter vacation.
Yes, it snows in Mariposa, CA, but it is not more than 3 inches a year, which means you have to visit the nearby Yosemite Park for winter activities.
Where Does It Snow in Mariposa CA?
In Mariposa, CA, it actually snows sometimes, even though California is known for its sunny beaches and nice weather.
People who enjoy hiking and being outside can check out places like Horsetail and Fireplace Creek Falls.
The mountains around the town get a lot of snow, so if you are visiting in the winter, make sure to bring warm clothes if you want to explore.
The Sierra Nevada mountains are close to Mariposa and a great place to see this amazing winter sight. These mountains are famous for their stunning tall peaks and the beautiful view they have when covered in snow.
Also, if you are in Mariposa, you definitely should not miss the chance to check out Yosemite National Park.
It becomes a beautiful winter landscape with lots of snow late in the year. The park looks even more beautiful with the snow, so it is a popular place for people who love nature and want a peaceful getaway.
Fact: If you want to learn about the history of Mariposa's natural wonders, you can visit the Mariposa Museum and History Center.
How Much Does It Snow in Mariposa, CA?
Okay, so, does it snow in Mariposa, California? There probably will not be much snow in Mariposa, if any at all.
The town is not very high up, with an elevation of just under 2,000 feet. If you go up higher, you are more likely to see snow.
The data shows that it hardly snows at all in December, with an average snowfall of less than 1 inch.
That is the usual amount, so if you are lucky, you might experience a storm that brings a few inches of precipitation.
Here is a bit about some recent historical snow events in Mariposa, CA:
| Date | Summary |
| Mar 29th, 2023 | Rain / Snow Mix Event |
| Mar 5th – 6th, 2023 | Rain With Light Snow Showers |
| Feb 27th – 28th, 2023 | Rare Periods Of Snow |
| Feb 22nd – 25th, 2023 | Major Snow Event |
| Jan 29th, 2023 | Rain / Snow Mix |
| Mar 5th, 2022 | Intermittent Snow Mixed With Rain |
| Feb 22nd – 23rd, 2022 | Intermittent Wet Snow |
| Dec 25th – 27th, 2021 | Snow and rain |
Although there have been some recent snow events in Mariposa, you will not find much of it throughout the year.
On average, the town gets 3 inches of snow, which is much less than the average snow in the United States.
Here is more about it:
| Climate Avg | United States | Mariposa |
| Rainfall | 38.1 in. | 31.3 in. |
| Snowfall | 27.8 in. | 2.9 in. |
| Precipitation | 106.2 days | 54.2 days |
| Sunny | 205 days | 269 days |
| Avg. July High | 85.8° | 93.1° |
| Avg. Jan. Low | 21.7° | 31.4° |
| Elevation | 2443 ft. | 1949 ft. |
Is Mariposa a Good Place for Winter Vacations?
Mariposa, CA, is a really great place to go for a winter vacation.
One of the main reasons people love it here is because it is really close to the Sierra Nevada mountains. These mountains are famous for their beautiful views, especially when covered in snow.
Also, during the colder months, Yosemite National Park, which is very close to Mariposa, becomes a beautiful winter landscape.
The park has lots of things to do, like walking in the snowy mountains or enjoying the peaceful snowy fields.
You can also find some spots where families can have fun playing in the snow, like Goat Meadow in Fish Camp.
Can You Ski in Mariposa, CA?
Mariposa, CA is not a ski resort town, but it is in a good spot if you like skiing.
There are a bunch of skiing places nearby, so it is a good place to stay if you are into winter sports.
The best ski spot near Mariposa is the Badger Pass Ski Area. It is known for being affordable too. It has lots of fun things to do in the winter, like skiing downhill and on flat trails.
You can also find Yosemite National Park near Mariposa, known for skiing for a long time.
The park has the oldest ski resort in California and offers different types of skiing like:
- Cross-country
- Telemark
- Skate
- Alpine skiing
So, even though Mariposa is not really known for skiing, it is still a great place to go for a winter vacation because it is close to famous ski areas and the beautiful Yosemite National Park.
Best Ski Resorts in Mariposa, CA
If you are into winter sports, and skiing in particular, Mariposa can serve as a great entry point to an exciting skiing expedition.
Here are some great accommodation options for those interested in skiing:
5th Street Inn
If you are into winter activities and skiing, the “5th Street Inn” in Mariposa, CA, is a great place to stay.
It is close to the Badger Pass Ski Area, which makes it super convenient for hitting the slopes.
Badger Pass Ski Area is a place about an hour away from the inn where you can do all sorts of fun winter activities.
They have nice trails for skiing and also chairlifts for people who want to ski downhill.
Also, the inn is conveniently located in the historic area of Mariposa, which makes it a great place to stay if you want to visit Yosemite National Park, Bass Lake, and Don Pedro Lake.
It is a good starting point for exploring the cool things to do in the winter in this region.
Fact: San Francisco is a great place to visit during the winter because it is only a 3-hour drive from 5th Street Inn.
Mariposa Lodge
Mariposa Lodge is a cozy place to stay in Mariposa, California. It is only 48 km away from the Yosemite South Entrance, which is great for people who love being outside.
What makes it special is that it is really close to Yosemite National Park, which is a famous place in winter with amazing views and big rock walls.
What’s more, guests can go on trips to Glacier Point for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, taking advantage of the well-maintained Glacier Point Road.
In the winter, Yosemite National Park is much quieter and you can see amazing views of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Yosemite Valley.
Fact: In November, the road is closed to cars and becomes a beautiful winter playground.
The Yosemite Inn
The Yosemite Inn in Mariposa, CA, is yet another interesting accommodation option for a winter vacation.
It is in the Sierra Foothills, right across from the Mariposa Visitor Center. It is also only 2 miles away from the California State Mining & Mineral Museum.
Moreover, it is not far from the Yosemite National Park and Mammoth Lakes, which are both really cool places to visit in the winter.
If you are excited to see the beautiful winter scenery in Yosemite, you will be happy to know that the West Gate of Yosemite National Park is only 31 miles away.
If you want to go skiing or snowboarding, you can easily get to Mammoth Lakes.
Mammoth Lakes gets a ton of snow every year, about 400 inches. It is known for having an awesome terrain park called Unbound.
Because it is really high up at 11,053 feet, the snow is really good and you can ski there until July.
Fact: Yosemite Inn is a great place for people who love winter activities and want to explore different areas like Yosemite and Mammoth Lakes.
How Cold Does It Get in Mariposa, CA?
The climate in Mariposa, CA is quite like the Mediterranean.
Summers there are hot and dry, with temperatures around 85°F. Winters are mild and wet, with temperatures around 45°F.
In the summer, it is usually sunny but sometimes the area gets thunderstorms in the afternoon.
In the winter, it gets more rain and sometimes it even snows in the higher areas.
Here is a bit about the average temperatures in Mariposa, CA:
| Month | Avg Temperature (F) |
| Jan | 43.2 |
| Feb | 44.7 |
| Mar | 49.2 |
| Apr | 53 |
| May | 60.4 |
| Jun | 69.6 |
| Jul | 76.7 |
| Aug | 75.2 |
| Sep | 71.1 |
| Oct | 59.5 |
| Nov | 47.1 |
| Dec | 42.4 |
If you want to plan a visit, you may also want to learn a bit about the average high and low temperatures throughout the year.
For instance:
| Month | Average Low (F) | Average High (F) |
| Jan | 33.6 | 57.7 |
| Feb | 34.8 | 58.3 |
| Mar | 38.2 | 63.1 |
| Apr | 40.3 | 68.1 |
| May | 45.8 | 76.5 |
| Jun | 52.6 | 87.3 |
| Jul | 59.3 | 94.3 |
| Aug | 57.7 | 93.7 |
| Sep | 55.1 | 90.1 |
| Oct | 47.2 | 76.2 |
| Nov | 37.1 | 62.1 |
| Dec | 34.3 | 53.8 |
Mariposa gets about 20 inches of rain each year, which means it has a mix of weather that is good for lots of different things all year round.
Things to Explore in Mariposa During Winter
When you are in Mariposa and have already enjoyed skiing, know you can try much more to make your winter vacation truly exciting.
For instance:
Try Ice Skating
You can go ice skating indoors in Mariposa, CA, and have a really fun time during the winter.
Visiting the Curry Village Ice Skating Rink in Yosemite National Park has been a popular winter activity for visitors since the 1930s.
This place is great for families. They have smooth ice for skating and a nice fire pit where you can make s’mores and feel cozy.
The rink has a cozy hut where you can keep your shoes warm and safe.
Fact: The Long Barn Lodge Ice Skating Arena is also a cool place to ice skating indoors in winter.
Arrange Yosemite Close Up Tours
If you want a fun winter activity in Mariposa that lets you get up close to Yosemite’s beautiful nature, Yosemite Close Up Tours is a great option.
The tour gives you a special, hands-on experience while exploring the amazing beauty of Yosemite National Park during winter.
What makes them different is that they really care about giving you a special and customized tour experience.
Using smaller vans instead of big buses, they make sure that people can go to cool places in the park that are hard to get to with larger vehicles.
Explore Mariposa Marketplace
Checking out Mariposa Marketplace is a really fun thing to do during the winter in Mariposa.
Located in the old Trabucco Building, this marketplace has two floors filled with different kinds of stores. You can find shops selling all sorts of things like art, old stuff, and things people collect.
They also have stores with clothes, jewelry, and special products made from Alpaca.
Whether you are looking for a cool souvenir or just want to enjoy some shopping, the marketplace has something for everyone.
Fact: Besides shopping in Mariposa Marketplace, people can enjoy the warm and inviting atmosphere and lively activities in its big 4000 square feet area.
Try Skydiving
Skydiving in Mariposa, CA during winter is really exciting, and Skydive Yosemite gives you a one-of-a-kind adventure.
This skydive center offers amazing views of Yosemite Valley and Yosemite National Park. Anyone can do their tandem jumps, whether you are a beginner or an expert.
You will get a thrilling rush of adrenaline when you jump. They use the Mariposa-Yosemite Airport on Mt. Bullion Cutoff Road as the place where you will jump from.
Fact: If you are not into extreme adventures, you can still enjoy the beauty of Yosemite with scenic flight tours by Airborne Aviation.
What is the Best Time to Plan Your Visit to Mariposa, CA?
The fall is the perfect time to visit Mariposa because fewer cars are on the road, the weather is not too hot or cold, and you can easily get into the park from any entrance.
This time of year is perfect for exploring the area without too many people around. It is a great time to go hiking and enjoy the peaceful beauty of nature.
Summer is the busiest time for tourists in Mariposa.
But if you want warm weather and fun things to do, the fall months from mid-June to mid-September are a good choice.
However, if you want to enjoy skiing and other winter activities, you may want to plan your trip from December to February.
Takeaway
Does it snow in Mariposa, CA? It does snow in Mariposa, but it is not so much to facilitate winter sports.
Still, you can enjoy so many things in nearby areas, and even go skiing in various resorts close to Mariposa.
You can easily find many nice places to stay, like the 5th Street Inn, to be close to these resorts. So, plan your trip now to take winter fun to a new level.
