Best Times to Visit Yellowstone All Year
Yellowstone is beautiful year-round, but the National Park has four defined seasons that appeal to different types of adventures. From the warm summers to the frigid winters, you always have a reason to check off an item on your bucket list. Regardless of the season, we recommend you pack for all seasons as nighttime temperatures in the park can get chilly quickly.
For more ways to make the most of your time in Yellowstone, be sure to request access to our complimentary Area Guide.
Fall
Weather Report
In the fall, Yellowstone gets progressively colder with each month. While September maintains averages of 64F high and 30F low, October’s 51/22F and November’s 34/12F are wicked cold. October and November see light snowfall and little rain. Note that in the fall and winter, the days become shorter and darker, so plan accordingly!
Things to Do
Animals in Yellowstone, such as bull elk, enter their “rut” and can be observed bugling and fighting for breeding rights. This is a great time to photograph herds of bull elk herds that can include 30 or more cow elk. Unfortunately, as the snow starts to fall in late October, roads begin closing, and only Yellowstone’s North Entrance remains open.
Winter
Weather Report
The winter brings even colder highs and lows and a mass amount of snow. December is the worst as the high and low of 24/2F is perfect for a mix of ice and snow. December sees 72 inches of snowfall on average and 15 inches of rain. In January, the weather remains cold 24/1F, but the snowfall decreases on average to 14.5 inches. In February, the weather starts to warm (!) to 30/3F with less snowfall (10.4 inches) that will gradually melt.
Things to Do
If you are into snowmobiles or snowshoe tours, this is the ideal time for you. Several companies run snowcoach tours into the park to see frozen waterfalls and the beauty of Yellowstone under a blanket of white. You can also kick it old school with a sled dog tour.
Spring
Weather Report
The spring season brings more snowfall, but attractions like Yellowstone Lake remain frozen till around July. While spring is warmer than winter, it is not warm until May. March still sees significant snowfall (13 inches) with a high/low of 37/10F. In May, the temperatures rise to 58/29F.
Things to Do
This is a great time if you are looking to see the result of all that rutting in the fall. Look to see baby bison, elk, bear, and wolves adapt to their new environment. Hiking is still limited as much of the park remains closed due to the conditions. Make sure to check conditions for any part of the park you plan on visiting before you book your stay.
Summer
Weather Report
Warm weather! Yellowstone’s tourist season comes during the summer as the temperatures in July and August average 77/40F with no snow and little rain. Like we warn earlier, those highs are deceptive as the nights can be colder than you think.
Things to Do
This season is when our park is fully open, and the crowds are large. This is a great time to start checking off fun activities on your Yellowstone bucket list. Despite the increase in crowds, the vast size of the park means you can find some time to quietly enjoy everything Yellowstone has to offer.