Best Time to Visit Yellowstone National Park: A Season-by-Season Guide
When’s the best time to visit Yellowstone National Park? It’s a question I get all the time from travelers eager to experience the park’s incredible landscapes, iconic wildlife, and stunning geothermal features.
After spending countless hours exploring Yellowstone, I’ve learned that the best time to visit really depends on what you’re hoping to experience. Whether it’s snow-covered bison in winter or vibrant wildflowers in summer, each season brings something special.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best times to visit Yellowstone, helping you choose the perfect season based on your interests, the weather, and crowd levels.
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Quick Overview: Best Time to Visit Yellowstone National Park
Here’s a quick breakdown of the best times to visit Yellowstone based on your preferences:
- Best Overall Time: Late May to Early October – Mild weather, full access to roads, and peak wildlife viewing make this the best window to experience all Yellowstone has to offer. June and September offer a great balance of pleasant weather and smaller crowds.
- Best Time for Wildlife Viewing: Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) – Spring is the best time to see baby animals like bison calves and elk calves, while fall sees increased wildlife activity during the elk rut.
- Best Time for Avoiding Crowds: Late Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) – Visit in these months for fewer visitors, but note that weather can be unpredictable.
- Best Time for Budget Travelers: Mid-May or Mid-September – Shoulder seasons have lower lodging prices and fewer crowds while still providing access to most park areas.
- Best Time for Hiking and Outdoor Activities: Summer (July to Early September) – Warm, sunny days make summer ideal for exploring Yellowstone’s trails and lakes, though be prepared for crowds.
Easily Plan Your Perfect Yellowstone Trip with My 87-Page Guide
Join hundreds of travelers who’ve used this guide to plan a stress-free, unforgettable trip.
- Detailed, hour-by-hour itineraries for all must-see sights.
- Insider tips to help you skip the crowds and find hidden gems.
- Easy-to-follow maps and regional guides.
- Trusted advice from my years of exploring the national parks.
Summer in Yellowstone (June to Mid-September)
Summer is the busiest time to visit Yellowstone, with warm weather and full access to the park’s roads, trails, and amenities. It’s the ideal season for first-time visitors since everything is open and easily accessible.
Daytime temperatures range from 50°F to 80°F, making it great for hiking and exploring, but be prepared for cooler nights and the occasional afternoon thunderstorms.
Personally, I love how alive the park feels in summer. Wildflowers bloom across the meadows, and you can see wildlife throughout the day.
However, the crowds can be intense, especially around popular spots like Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring. I always recommend starting your days early or heading out in the late afternoon to avoid the peak crowds and catch the wildlife when they’re most active.
If you’re visiting in the summer, aim to visit the most popular spots, like Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring, before 9 AM or after 4 PM to avoid the largest crowds.
The early mornings and late evenings are also prime times for wildlife spotting. I always bring my binoculars for spotting elk or bison along the roadside!
What’s Open or Closed in Summer:
By late May, all park roads are fully open, making summer the best time to explore the park without worrying about road closures. Lodges, campgrounds, and visitor centers are in full swing by mid-June, so this is the most accessible time of year to visit
Wondering where to base yourself for easy access to all the park’s attractions? I’ve got you covered with tips on the best lodges, cabins, and campgrounds in every region of the park.
Fall in Yellowstone (Late September to October)
Fall is one of the most magical times to visit Yellowstone. The crisp air, vibrant fall colors, and fewer crowds make it my personal favorite season to explore the park.
Temperatures range from 30°F to 60°F during the day, with chilly mornings and evenings, so it’s important to dress in layers. As the summer crowds thin out after Labor Day, the park feels more peaceful, making it a perfect time for wildlife watching or seeing popular sites without the crowds.
Fall is also elk rutting season, and you’ll hear the distinctive bugle of bull elk echoing through the valleys. The colors peak in late September, with aspens and cottonwoods turning shades of gold, transforming the landscape into a photographer’s dream. However, early snowfall is always a possibility in October, so be prepared for sudden weather changes.
Fall is my absolute favorite season in Yellowstone. If you’re visiting in late September, I recommend focusing on Lamar Valley or Hayden Valley for wildlife watching. The elk rut is incredible —bring binoculars and get up early to hear the bulls bugling at dawn.
I also love mid-to-late September for the fall foliage. Don’t forget to pack plenty of layers and a good pair of waterproof boots, as fall mornings can be cold and occasionally snowy!
What’s Open or Closed in Fall:
While most lodges and services remain open through September, higher-elevation areas like Dunraven Pass may close in October due to snow. Roads and facilities generally begin shutting down by mid-October, and all roads except the North Entrance to Northeast Entrance route close by November 1.
Find out which airports are best for getting to Yellowstone quickly and conveniently, and plan your travel accordingly.
Winter in Yellowstone (November to Mid-April)
Winter in Yellowstone feels like stepping into a completely different world. The park is transformed into a snow-covered wonderland, with steaming geysers and frost-covered trees creating a surreal landscape.
Daytime temperatures range from 0°F to 20°F, and while the cold is intense, it’s a quiet and peaceful time to explore the park. If you’ve ever wanted to experience Yellowstone with hardly any crowds, winter is the time to visit.
One of the highlights of winter is seeing bison plow through the snow, their fur covered in frost. The wildlife in winter is more visible, especially in Lamar Valley, where wolves, elk, and bison can often be seen against the snowy backdrop.
Yellowstone’s winter activities revolve around snow sports and guided tours. Snowmobile and snow coach tours give you access to iconic spots like Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. If you enjoy snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, the areas around Mammoth Hot Springs are perfect.
What’s Open or Closed in Winter:
Most park roads close to regular vehicles in early November, except for the stretch between the North Entrance (Gardiner, MT) and the Northeast Entrance (Cooke City, MT). Snowmobile and snow coach tours are available, providing access to Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, and other key areas.
Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Old Faithful Snow Lodge remain open, but most other lodges, restaurants, and services are closed until spring.
If you’re planning a winter visit, make sure to book your snowmobile or snow coach tours well in advance, as spots can fill up quickly during the holiday season and weekends.
Spring in Yellowstone (Late April to May)
Spring is a season of renewal in Yellowstone, and while it’s one of the quieter times to visit, it’s also a time of change. Wildlife emerges from hibernation, baby animals begin to make their appearances, and the snow starts to melt—though not entirely!
Temperatures range from 20°F to 60°F, with snow still lingering through April, and milder weather arriving by late May. Spring is one of the best times to visit if you want to experience the park with fewer crowds, but it’s also important to be prepared for unpredictable conditions.
One of the main draws of spring is the incredible wildlife viewing, especially for newborn animals. If you visit in May, you’ll likely see bison calves and elk calves in Lamar Valley, often called “red dogs” because of their orange-tinted fur.
Geyser basins like Old Faithful are also quieter, making this an excellent time for sightseeing without the summer rush. However, be prepared for rapidly changing weather—spring in Yellowstone can bring snow, rain, and sunshine, all in the same day.
What’s Open or Closed in Spring:
Yellowstone starts to open up in mid-April, with some park roads and lodges gradually becoming accessible. However, full access is generally not available until late May. Roads like the West Entrance to Madison and Mammoth to Old Faithful open by late April, but higher elevation routes, such as the road to Tower-Roosevelt, often remain closed until late May due to lingering snow.
If you’re planning a visit in early spring, make sure to check road opening dates on the park’s official site to avoid any surprises.
- Open Year-Round: North Entrance to Northeast Entrance (Gardiner to Cooke City)
- Opens Late April: West Entrance to Madison, Mammoth to Old Faithful, Norris to Canyon
- Opens Early-to-Mid May: East Entrance to Canyon, South Entrance to Old Faithful and Lake Village
- Opens Late May: Canyon to Tower-Roosevelt
I love visiting Yellowstone in late May, right before Memorial Day weekend. You’ll enjoy more open roads and still avoid the summer crowds. For wildlife lovers, Lamar Valley is a must-visit this time of year—it’s filled with bison calves and elk calves.
Frequently Asked Questions About When to Visit Yellowstone
Final Thoughts on the Best Time to Visit Yellowstone
Choosing the best time to visit Yellowstone depends on what you want to experience—whether it’s wildlife, geysers, or fewer crowds. Each season has something unique to offer, from the wildflowers and baby animals of spring to the snow-covered beauty of winter.
As you plan your trip, keep in mind your preferences for weather, crowds, and activities to create the perfect Yellowstone vacation.
More Yellowstone Guides to Help Plan Your Trip:
Easily Plan Your Perfect Yellowstone Trip with My 87-Page Guide
Join hundreds of travelers who’ve used this guide to plan a stress-free, unforgettable trip.
- Detailed, hour-by-hour itineraries for all must-see sights.
- Insider tips to help you skip the crowds and find hidden gems.
- Easy-to-follow maps and regional guides.
- Trusted advice from my years of exploring the national parks.
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