Major city · United States
Madera
Skip Madera as a base unless you need a cheap Highway 99 stop between Fresno and Merced: one night, a car, and out by morning.
Madera is a San Joaquin Valley farm town of about 61,000 people, halfway between Fresno and Merced on Highway 99 and often called the gateway to the Sierra. It has almond groves, a large Latino community and a small Amtrak stop, but almost no sightseeing of its own. Treat it as a bed and a fuel stop on the way to Yosemite or the Sierra foothills, not a destination.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Mar–May, Oct–Nov
- avoid Jun–Sep (summer heat), Dec–Feb fog
- Airports
- FAT · MCE
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Madera911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Madera Police non-emergency559-675-4220
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Madera, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyMadera is a working farm town, not a resort: the real risks are summer heat, winter fog on Highway 99 and walking after dark.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 559-675-4220 Madera Police non-emergency
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportFAT Fresno Yosemite International (About 40 min south on Highway 99; the nearest airport with regular service.).
- Getting aroundYou need a car.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$3–5
- Sit-down mealSit-down dinner, one personAdd 18–22% tip.$15–30
- Street or quick mealTaco or burrito from a taqueria$4–12
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week$10–25
- Budget bedBudget motel room, a night, per roomUS$70
- Mid-range bedBudget motel room, a night, per roomUS$95
- High-end bedBudget motel room, a night, per roomUS$130
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$60 · Mid US$110 · High US$190
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- FAT Fresno Yosemite International (About 40 min south on Highway 99; the nearest airport with regular service.) · MCE Merced Regional (About 40 min north; very few flights, check schedules.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Feb
Avoid
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Mar
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Apr
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
May
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Jun
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jul
Avoid
37°C (99°F)99°F (37°C)
Aug
Avoid
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
Sep
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Oct
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Nov
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Dec
Avoid
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Best: Mar–May, Oct–Nov. Avoid: Jun–Sep, Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (37°C (99°F)99°F (37°C)), coolest Dec (3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C) low), wettest Jan (5 rain days), driest Jul (0). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Madera: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
5 rd
Feb
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
5 rd
Mar
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
5 rd
Apr
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
3 rd
May
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
1 rd
Jun
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
1 rd
Jul
37°C (99°F)99°F (37°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
0 rd
Aug
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
0 rd
Sep
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
0 rd
Oct
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
1 rd
Nov
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
3 rd
Dec
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
5 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
You need a car. The town is spread out, sidewalks are patchy and walking after dark is not advised. Highway 99 runs along the east side; downtown is a short drive west. Local transit and dial-a-ride exist but are slow and limited.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 2.5–3 h
Highway 145 east then Highway 41 north through Oakhurst
Too far for a comfortable return day; sleep in Oakhurst or in the park.
Door to door: About 1 h
Highway 145 east then Highway 41 north
The practical base for the Yosemite south entrance.
Coarsegold
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Highway 41 north
Small foothill stop on the way up to Yosemite.
Chowchilla
skipDoor to door: About 25 min
Highway 99 north
Nothing you need unless you are passing through.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Highway 99 / Marketplace Drive
Chain hotels and parking right off the freeway; best for one night with a car.
Downtown Madera
Older streets, few hotels; use it for food, not for sleeping.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $60–100 excl. bed
- Mid
- $100–170 excl. bed
- High
- $170+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Chain hotel room (Holiday Inn Express, SpringHill Suites)1 × 1 night × US$150 | US$150 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$110 | US$220 |
| Rental car, one day, compact1 × US$55 · check | US$55 |
| Fuel, about 150 km of driving1 × US$18 · check | US$18 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$15 | US$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$47 |
| Trip total≈ US$260 per person per day, bed included | US$520 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; sales tax is added at the till. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $3–5 |
| Taco or burrito from a taqueria | $4–12 |
| Sit-down dinner, one personAdd 18–22% tip. | $15–30 |
| Gallon of fuelcheck | $4–5 |
| Chain hotel room, one night | $110–220 |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | $10–25 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Summer afternoons regularly top 38 °C (100 °F); do not plan long walks in July or August.Summer afternoons regularly top 100 °F (38 °C); do not plan long walks in July or August.
- Winter tule fog on Highway 99 can cut visibility to a few car lengths; slow down and use low beams.
- Do not walk the town at night; drive or take a cab.
- Uninsured drivers are common locally: keep your rental car coverage and take photos after any bump.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Madera Police non-emergency
- 559-675-4220
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
MaderaMadera
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Madera Police non-emergency559-675-4220
Embassy
No consulates in Madera; nearest consulates-general are in San Francisco, and embassies are in Washington, DC.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Amtrak San Joaquins, Fresno → Madera: about $10–15, about 30 min (check)
- Taxi or rideshare, downtown → Highway 99 hotels: $10–18
- Fuel, Madera → Yosemite South Entrance and back: about $25–35 (check)
Say or show
- Gracias — Thank you (GRAH-syahs)
- Por favor — Please (por fah-VOR)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (KWAN-toh KWES-tah)
- ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the bathroom? (DON-deh es-TAH el BAH-nyoh)
- Un café, por favor — I would like a coffee, please (oon kah-FEH por fah-VOR)
- ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? — Can I pay by card? (PWEH-doh pah-GAR kon tar-HEH-tah)
Spanish is widely spoken; English works everywhere.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Madera. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Mar–May, Oct–Nov · avoid Jun–Sep (summer heat), Dec–Feb fog · month by month →
- 2 airports and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for FAT: last-mile drive times, rental desks and a late-arrival bed rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: downtown Madera food streets and the Highway 99 hotel strip.
- Place pages with verified hours for the Madera County Courthouse Museum and local parks.
- Heat and fog fixtures so summer and winter arrival gates can go green.
Sources
- officialCity of Madera
- officialMadera County — visit Madera County
- officialAmtrak — San Joaquins
- secondaryWikivoyage: Madera, revision 5311125 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Ask about Madera
Loading…