what is the best time of year to go to yellowstone national park?

Yellowstone National Park is ane of the busiest national parks in the United States, with millions of visitors every twelvemonth. From the trademark geyser basins to immense wildlife, at that place'due south then much to see and do here. As yous plan your trip, you lot may exist asking yourself, what is the best time to visit Yellowstone National Park?

Each flavour in Yellowstone has something unique to offering. From the peaceful, snowcovered grounds in wintertime to the busy geyser basins in the summer, there'south something for every type of national park traveler.

This guide covers everything you lot need to know nigh finding the best time to go to Yellowstone National Park, including an overview of each season and exclusive tips on avoiding crowds, what to await, and where to stay.

Are you lot looking for more ideas for your trip to Yellowstone National Park? Don't miss these posts!

• 22 Best Things to Do in Yellowstone
• Yellowstone Itinerary: How to Spend 1 to 5 Days
• Where to Stay in Yellowstone National Park
• Airports Near Yellowstone National Park

This post may incorporate chapter links, where I may a small commission at no additional cost to you lot. Read more in this disclosure policy.

Yellowstone National Park At-A-Glance

Before diving in, here are a few highlights to help you programme your trip:

• Best Time to Visit: Summertime is a not bad time to visit thank you to warm weather and all park amenities being open, simply it is as well the virtually crowded time of year. Avoid crowds by visiting in September or early on October.
• Where to Stay: Yellowstone has eight lodges inside the park, plus several campgrounds. The Onetime True-blue Inn and Canyon Lodge are my favorites, both shut to all the most popular places to see in the park. Outside the park, look for hotels in West Yellowstone, Montana.
• How to Go There: The closest aerodrome is in West Yellowstone (WYS), serviced by both United and Delta Airlines. Other major airports in the region include Jackson Hole (JAC), Bozeman (BZN), and Common salt Lake (SLC). Use Skyscanner to browse flights and notice the all-time cost.
• How to Get Effectually: The easiest style to get around Yellowstone is by machine. Employ Rentalcars.com to browse deals on rental cars or rent an RV or campervan with Outdoorsy.
• Best Self-Guided Tour: My favorite way to learn more virtually the park is with GyPSy Guides, a narrated cocky-guided tour perfect for road trips and scenic drives. The Yellowstone Guide and the Yellowstone/Grand Teton Packet both provide incredible commentary and detail nearly the history and geology of Yellowstone.
• Don't Forget: Be sure to get an America the Beautiful National Park Pass ahead of time. This $80 pass is valid for 12 months and get you into all 400+ national park sites (including both Yellowstone and K Teton!).

When is the best time to visit Yellowstone?

If you're looking for a unproblematic, straightforward respond virtually the best time of year to head to Yellowstone National Park: Summertime.

All park amenities are open up in the summer, including roads, trails, company centers, and lodging. The atmospheric condition is warm during the solar day and mild at night. But these amenities and perfect weather condition bring hoards of crowds.

Summertime is by far the busiest time of year in Yellowstone.

If you crave solitude, consider visiting during Yellowstone'due south harsh winter, when visitors can encounter a select few parts of the park and try winter sports.

If you lot're somewhere between, I recommend visiting in the shoulder months. May to early June and September to early on Oct offering mild weather, admission to park services and amenities, and avoid the heaviest crowds found in July and August.

Exercise you lot want to know more than about the pros and cons of visiting Yellowstone during each season? Then, continue reading to find the perfect time of year for you!

Are you lot visiting multiple national parks in the adjacent year? The America the Beautiful National Park Laissez passer gets you into 400+ national park sites, including all 63 national parks, for a full 12 months!

Get your national park laissez passer ahead of time for only $80.

Yellowstone National Park Weather & Visitors by Month

Before diving into the specifics of what'south open, where to stay, and more logistical considerations, permit's look at atmospheric condition and visitation each calendar month.

Source: Yellowstone National Park Service

Yellowstone in January

Jan is the centre of winter in Yellowstone National park, with frigid days rarely in a higher place freezing and fifty-fifty colder nights. Snowfall is heavy, making much of the park inaccessible except past snowmobile. Nevertheless, those who venture to Yellowstone are greeted with unprecedented confinement and incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing, like wolves and bighorn sheep.

• Boilerplate High: 29°
• Boilerplate Depression: ten°
• Rain: 1.1″
• Snowfall: 14.5"
• Average Daily Visitors: 1,140

Yellowstone in February

February in Yellowstone is similar to Jan, with freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall. Therefore, Feb is the ideal time for those that want to stay at the unique Old Faithful Snow Lodge and feel the park in deep wintertime.

• Average High: 34°
• Average Low: xiii°
• Rain: 0.75″
• Snowfall: 10.iv"
• Average Daily Visitors: 1,445

Yellowstone in March

The atmospheric condition begins to warm up (although many days are nevertheless below freezing). Snow is still heavy just less than meridian winter months. March is an excellent time to view bears equally they emerge from the cold wintertime atmospheric condition.

• Average Loftier: twoscore°
• Average Low: 17°
• Rain: 1.one″
• Snowfall: 13.1"
• Average Daily Visitors: ane,150

Yellowstone in April

Snowfall begins to taper off in mid-April, and visitors who don't mind the cold conditions and route closures render to the park. Past the end of April, daily visitors climb ahead of the busy summer tourism season. Like March, Apr is a great fourth dimension to run across bears in Yellowstone.

• Boilerplate Loftier: 49°
• Average Depression: 26°
• Rain: 1.ii″
• Snow: 5.ix"
• Average Daily Visitors: two,250

Yellowstone in May

May is i of the best months to visit Yellowstone National Park. As the snowfall melts, wildlife is out in full force. You can look to see newborn bison and immature elk, every bit well as wildflowers. There's a considerable jump in daily visitors starting in May, but crowds are still much thinner than in summer.

• Boilerplate High: 60°
• Average Low: 34°
• Pelting: 2.0″
• Snowfall: 1.five"
• Average Daily Visitors: fifteen,285

Yellowstone in June

After Memorial 24-hour interval, visitorship starts to hit its summertime high. All park amenities and trails are open, and attractions like Former Faithful and Thou Prismatic Leap stay busy all mean solar day long. That said, this is a spectacular time to visit atmospheric condition-wise. The temperatures are mild during the day, wildflowers are in full bloom, and it's an excellent time for hiking.

• Average High: 70°
• Average Low: 41°
• Rain: 1.5″
• Snowfall: 0.1"
• Average Daily Visitors: 31,295

Yellowstone in July

July is the busiest month in Yellowstone National Park, with over a million visitors (nigh 35,000 per day!). Expect lodging to be booked far in advance, crowded trails, and long wait times at restaurants. The weather is excellent, and all paths are snowfall-free, but be prepared to battle the crowds. If y'all visit in July, the best way to avoid crowds is to explore effectually sunrise or sunset.

• Average High: 80°
• Average Low: 47°
• Rain: one.5″
• Snowfall: None
• Average Daily Visitors: 34,875

Yellowstone in August

August is likewise one of the most popular months to visit Yellowstone, although crowds tend me fewer than in July. Wildlife, like bison, is everywhere. Like July, expect trails and geyser basins to be crowded. However, yous tin explore around sunrise or dusk to avoid crowds.

• Average High: 78°
• Average Depression: 45°
• Pelting: i.4″
• Snow: None
• Boilerplate Daily Visitors: 26,511

Yellowstone in September

The Labor Day holiday brings a spike in crowds to Yellowstone. Nonetheless, subsequently Labor Day, crowds drop off, making mid-September one of the all-time times to visit Yellowstone National Park. In addition, September is the mating season, and so elk, bison, and bear sightings are frequent.

• Average High: 68°
• Average Low: 37°
• Rain: 1.3″
• Snow: 0.5"
• Boilerplate Daily Visitors: 29,400

Yellowstone in Oct

If you want to escape crowds and still come across Yellowstone snow-free, October is a swell fourth dimension to visit. Early October weather condition is chilly, but daytime temperatures remain above freezing. Park roads and lodging shut past the terminate of October, preparing for the harsh wintertime alee.

• Boilerplate High: 56°
• Boilerplate Low: 29°
• Pelting: i.0″
• Snowfall: 3.7"
• Boilerplate Daily Visitors: 11,610

Yellowstone in Nov

Compared to October, visitorship drops significantly heading into November. Fewer guests visit considering heavy snow begins in November, and much of the park is non accessible (with the expectation of Mammoth that stays open all year).

• Boilerplate High: 39°
• Boilerplate Depression: 19°
• Rainy: 1.0″
• Snowfall: 9.0"
• Boilerplate Daily Visitors: i,105

Yellowstone in December

December is the to the lowest degree visited month in Yellowstone National Park. With fewer than one,000 daily visitors, this is the time to visit for unparalleled solitude. The Old Faithful Snow Lodge opens in mid-December, perfect for those looking for a unique fashion to spend the holidays.

• Average Loftier: 31°
• Boilerplate Low: 12°
• Rain: i.0″
• Snowfall: thirteen.five"
• Boilerplate Daily Visitors: 925

Read More: How to Spend 1 to 5 Days in Yellowstone

Visiting Yellowstone National Park in the Bound

Unlike many other places in the United States, Spring in Yellowstone is however characterized past snowy landscapes. But compared to wintertime, wildlife and flowers start to brand their resurgence in spring.

Wintertime travel restrictions are in identify from March to belatedly April, but allowing over-snow vehicles like snowmobiles to travel throughout the park. The exception is the Mammoth and Lamar Valley areas, which remain open year-round.

Spring is an excellent time for skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. You'll too take a slap-up take a chance of spotting Grizzly bears and wolves in Lamar Valley.

Past late Apr, park roads begin to open up to regular vehicle traffic. For Jump 2022, hither are the expected route opening dates:

• April 15: West Archway to Madison Junction, Mammoth Hot Springs to Erstwhile Faithful, Norris to Coulee Village
• May half dozen: Eastward Entrance to Lake Village (Sylvan Pass), Coulee Village to Lake Village
• May 11: Cooke Metropolis to Chief Joseph Breathtaking Byway
• May 13: South Entrance to West Thumb, Lake Hamlet to Due west Thumb, West Thumb to Sometime Faithful (Craig Laissez passer), Tower Junction to Belfry Fall
• May 27: Tower Autumn to Canyon Junction (Dunraven Pass), Beartooth Highway

Belatedly April and May are splendid times to see wildlife in Yellowstone. Expect to run into bison calves, moose calves, and black bears in Lamar Valley. You'll also find elk calves in Mammoth, grizzly bears throughout the park, and wildflowers sprouting everywhere.

All park roads are open by the end of May, and some park services brainstorm to open up.

Important Annotation
Visiting in Spring is remote every bit most company centers, park services, and lodging exercise not open until May. However, the Due north Entrance almost Gardiner remains open all year. The West Archway near West Yellowstone opens in tardily Jump, and the South Entrance usually opens in mid-May.

Pros of Visiting Yellowstone in the Spring

• Spring is one of the best times to see wildlife. Starting in April, newborns are out in full force. Expect to see bears, elk, bison, and moose.
• In that location are few visitors in Leap. However, with only a few thousand visitors a day, tardily spring is an ideal time to visit for those that want to avoid top summer crowds.
• Wildflowers begin blooming in May. Yellowstone comes back to life in late spring, filled with vibrantly colored vegetation and beautiful wildflowers.

Cons of Visiting Yellowstone in the Jump

• Early leap is still snowcovered. Most park roads are closed until late April, and the park remains covered in snow. So unless you lot are interested in snowshoeing or skiing, this isn't an ideal time to visit.
• Most lodging doesn't open until May or June. So if y'all program on visiting in early on to mid-spring, you'll accept to stay outside the park in Gardiner or Cooke City and drive into the Mammoth or Lamar Valley areas.
• Well-nigh of the park services are airtight in March. This month marks the transition from wintertime lodging to summer lodging. The few lodges open in the wintertime shut down for a few months and snowmobile travel stops to allow for road plowing.
• Snowfall continues through May. Winter storms are still possible through early June. Weather can be unpredictable, so you always need to set up for inclement weather when visiting in spring.

Best Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park in the Spring

• Encounter wildlife and babe animals, like bears, bison, elk, and moose
• Breathtaking drive on Grand Loop Road in May once most areas are open
• Hiking in lower elevation areas starting in tardily April, like Mammoth Hot Springs and areas most West Yellowstone
• Skiing and snowshoeing in March in Mammoth Hot Springs

Where to Stay in Yellowstone in Leap

These are the best lodges inside the park open during bound:

• Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel (opens on April 29, 2022)
• Old Faithful Snowfall Lodge (opens on Apr 29, 2022)
• Old True-blue Inn (opens on May 6, 2022)
• Sometime Faithful Lodge (opens on May xiii, 2022)
• Lake Yellowstone Hotel (opens on May 13, 2022)

These are the best campgrounds inside the park open up during spring:

• Mammoth Campground (FCFS until April 30, reservations starting May 1, 2022)
• Madison Campground (opens on May five, 2022)

For more on camping, read this mail on the 12 all-time campgrounds in Yellowstone.

Are you looking for the best hotels exterior Yellowstone? Check out this post on where to stay near Yellowstone National Park.

Visiting Yellowstone National Park in the Summer

Summer is the most popular fourth dimension of year to visit Yellowstone National Park. Past June, all park lodging and roads are open up. Amenities like dining and company centers are bachelor past June too.

Visitors spike in June and hit total summer levels by mid-June, staying elevated through Labor Day in September. July is the busiest calendar month in Yellowstone, with over one million monthly visitors.

Summer is an fantabulous time to hike and explore Yellowstone'south geyser basins despite the crowds. The trails are snowfall-free (although sometimes a fleck muddy through June), and road conditions are ideal.

In summer, you tin can look to run across enough of elk in Mammoth Hot Springs, wildflowers blooming, and bison roaming throughout the park.

If yous want to see the well-nigh popular attractions in Yellowstone, like Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, and Grand Coulee of the Yellowstone, summer is a good time to visit!

Important Note
If you want to visit Yellowstone in the summertime, y'all'll need to book lodging within the park 12 to 13 months out. Campground reservations are too released a year in advance. Accommodation outside the park tends to make full up 3 to half-dozen months in accelerate.

Pros of Visiting Yellowstone in the Summer

• The weather is excellent, with warm daytime temperatures and cool nights. Most days have sunshine, but occasionally there's an afternoon thunderstorm.
• All park roads, services, and lodging are open. If you lot want to stay in the park, plan your trip from June through September, when almost park lodging is available.
• Wildflowers cover Yellowstone in cute colors. If you want to meet the park come to life, there'south no better time than early summer when the park is in bloom.
• All park trails and activities are available. They are all open in summer if you want to see all the quintessentially Yellowstone destinations.

Cons of Visiting Yellowstone in the Summer

• Summer is the most crowded fourth dimension to visit Yellowstone. From mid-June to Labor Day, crowds are high, especially at the most popular attractions like Quondam Faithful.
• Rainstorms are relatively common. Summertime tends to exist prone to afternoon thunderstorms. You can avoid the pelting by exploring earlier in the day, starting at sunrise.
• Wildfires can touch air quality. Unfortunately, wildfire season only seems to be getting worse. Given its unpredictable nature, you lot may or may not have poor air quality and visibility due to wildfires on the westward declension (even ones every bit far west as California!).
• Lodging is in loftier need, and you lot need to book far in advance. For case, if you program to visit in summer and want to stay in the park, y'all'll demand to volume lodging about a twelvemonth in accelerate.

Read More: Where to Stay in and Near Yellowstone

Best Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park in the Summer

• Encounter Yellowstone'southward Geyser Basins, particularly the Upper Geyser Basin, Biscuit Basin, Midway Geyser Basin, and Westward Pollex Geyser Bowl
• Encounter wildlife in Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley, best seen around sunrise or dusk
• Visit Grand Prismatic Spring, best seen at midday when the sun shines on the spring and steam is minimal
• Take a boat on Yellowstone Lake, either a guided tour or a renting your boat or kayak

Read More than: 22 Things to Practice in Yellowstone in Summer

Where to Stay in Yellowstone in Summer

These are the best lodges inside the park open up during summer:

• Old Faithful Inn
• Sometime True-blue Lodge
• Old Faithful Snow Lodge
• Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel
• Lake Yellowstone Hotel
• Canyon Lodge & Cabins (opens May 20, 2022)
• Lake Lodge Cabins (opens June ten, 2022)
• Roosevelt Lodge (opens June three, 2022)
• Grant Hamlet Lodge (opens May 27, 2022)

These are the best campgrounds inside the park open up during summer:

• Mammoth Campground
• Madison Campground
• Bridge Bay Campground (opens May 20, 2022)
• Canyon Campground (opens May 27, 2022)
• Line-fishing Bridge RV Park (opens May 27, 2022)
• Grant Village Campground (opens June 3, 2022)

For more than on camping, read this mail on the 12 best campgrounds in Yellowstone.

Are you looking for the best hotels outside Yellowstone? Check out this mail service on where to stay near Yellowstone National Park.

Visiting Yellowstone National Park in the Autumn

Later Labor Mean solar day, crowds drop off significantly. The weather stays reasonably warm through September before getting colder in October.

Early on to mid-Autumn is the all-time time to visit Yellowstone National Park if you don't listen dank days and want to avoid crowds.

Starting in late September, leaves alter color, and grasses turn a beautiful golden chocolate-brown. Cool autumn mornings produce mystical steam at the geothermal features. It'due south truly the most beautiful time of twelvemonth and my favorite time to visit Yellowstone.

Autumn is as well an excellent fourth dimension to come across wildlife in Yellowstone. September marks the starting time of the elk rutting season. Head to Mammoth Hot Springs to run across the bull elk and their impressive antlers. In Hayden Valley and Lamar Valley, wait to see lots of bison and moose, specially around sunrise or dusk.

Are yous planning a national park trip merely don't know where to beginning? Get my free 28-folio national park ebook where I suspension down everything you need to know to visit all 63 USA national parks.

Download your free ebook here.

Lodging in Yellowstone begins to shut for the winter in early October. Park roads shut starting in early on November. If you plan to visit Yellowstone in the autumn, I'd recommend staying in mid-September to early on Oct before the closures.

For Fall 2022, hither are the planned route closure dates:

• November 7: All roads shut at 8:00 am except the route betwixt the North Entrance and the Northeast Entrance.
• Oct xi: The Beartooth Highway (US-212) closes betwixt the Long Lake barricade, near the Top of the World store, and the Montana/Wyoming state line.
• Travel e of Cooke City, Montana, to Chief Joseph Scenic Byway is possible until early Nov. Check at WY DOT.

Pros of Visiting Yellowstone in the Fall

• Fall is a corking fourth dimension to run into wildlife since information technology is mating season. Don't miss the elk rutting season in September, best seen in Mammoth Hot Springs.
• Fall colors briefly cover the park. Capture the cute yellow aspens starting in September through early October.
• Crowds decrease significantly afterward Labor Twenty-four hours. Therefore, the best time to visit Yellowstone with fewer crowds is from mid-September to early October.

Cons of Visiting Yellowstone in the Fall

• Road closures begin in early on November. Similar to bound, much of the park becomes inaccessible starting in Nov. The only roads remaining open year-round are in Mammoth Hot Springs and Lamar Valley.
• Almost park lodging closes in early October, except Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, which close after in fall. Then if yous want to stay in the park, you should plan to visit in September.
• Fall weather tin can be unpredictable. Snowstorms can happen as early as September, although heavy snowfall doesn't usually come until November. If y'all programme to visit in the fall, you should be prepared for potentially freezing daytime temperatures.

Best Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park in Autumn

• Run across Yellowstone's Geyser Basins, particularly the Upper Geyser Basin, Beige Basin, Midway Geyser Basin, and West Pollex Geyser Basin
• Encounter wildlife in Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley, best seen around sunrise or sunset
• Run across the elk estrus in September in Mammoth Hot Springs. You tin't miss the incredible bull elk often seen here
• Visit Grand Prismatic Spring, best seen at midday when the lord's day shines on the spring and steam is minimal
• Spot fall colors throughout the park, particularly in Lamar Valley and Mammoth Hot Springs

Where to Stay in Yellowstone in Fall

These are the best lodges within the park open during fall:

• Old Faithful Inn (closes October x, 2022)
• Canyon Order & Cabins (closes October 10, 2022)
• Quondam Faithful Snow Society (closes October 30, 2022, reopens in December)
• Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel (closes Nov 27, 2022, reopens in December)
• Old Faithful Lodge (closes October 2, 2022)
• Lake Yellowstone Hotel (closes Oct 2, 2022)
• Lake Lodge Cabins (closes Oct two, 2022)
• Grant Hamlet Order (closes October 2, 2022)

These are the best campgrounds inside the park open up during fall:

• Mammoth Campground (moves from reservation to FCFS on October 16, 2022)
• Madison Campground (closes October 16, 2022)
• Fishing Bridge RV Park (closes Oct eight, 2022)

For more than on camping ground, read this mail service on the 12 best campgrounds in Yellowstone.

Are yous looking for the all-time hotels outside Yellowstone? Check out this post on where to stay near Yellowstone National Park.

Visiting Yellowstone National Park in the Wintertime

Yellowstone National Park is a wintertime wonderland from November through April. Unfortunately, this extended winter season is long and harsh. For that reason, it is the least pop time to visit Yellowstone.

On a typical winter solar day, there are only around i,000 visitors in the park (compared to 30,000+ in summer!).

If you lot crave a unique experience, don't mind the freezing temperatures, and want ultimate solitude, consider visiting Yellowstone in the winter!

Much of the park closes in early on November. So, starting in mid-Dec, the park shifts to winter operations.

In winter, only two areas of the park are open up:

• Mammoth Hot Springs to Lamar Valley. Attainable from the Due north Entrance, this is the only park area that is open to regular vehicles all year long. Y'all can snowshoe and cantankerous country ski at Mammoth Hot Springs and look for wolves in Lamar Valley. Visitors can stay at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel inside the park.
• Old True-blue. The Old Faithful Snow Lodge welcomes guests in the wintertime months and is just accessible via a park-run snow omnibus or snowmobile. Here yous tin can snowshoe, ski, and snowmobile to the remote, snowcovered areas of the park.

Roads in the park shift to oversnow travel only (either past snowmobile or snowcoach) on December 15, 2022, including these routes:

• West Archway to Old Faithful
• Mammoth to Old Faithful
• Canyon to Norris
• Canyon to Lake
• Old Faithful to West Thumb
• Due south Entrance to Lake
• Lake to Lake Butte Overlook
• Due east Archway to Lake Butte Overlook (Sylvan Pass)

If you visit in winter, you can expect to see wild animals at lower elevations. Keep your eyes peeled for bison and wolves in particular.

Pros of Visiting Yellowstone in the Winter

• There are no crowds in Yellowstone during the wintertime. With less than one,000 visitors many days, yous can easily find confinement.
• Winter at Yellowstone is incredibly unique. The snow-covered landscape looks entirely different in the wintertime. Visiting this fourth dimension of year is an exclusive bucket listing experience that few consummate.

Cons of Visiting Yellowstone in the Winter

• Temperatures stay beneath freezing all winter. Dark temperatures are usually subzero or single digits. And so y'all'll need proper winter gear when visiting this fourth dimension of twelvemonth.
• Most lodges, park roads, and civilities are closed. Winter is an incredibly remote time of twelvemonth to visit Yellowstone, and yous must be prepared for the harsh weather.

Best Things to Practise in Yellowstone National Park in the Wintertime

• Participate in wintertime sports. Wintertime is an excellent time to cantankerous-country ski, snowshoe, and snowmobile in Yellowstone.
• See wildlife in Lamar Valley, one of the few areas you can admission by vehicle in winter.

Where to Stay in Yellowstone in Wintertime

These are the best lodges inside the park open up during winter:

• Old True-blue Snow Lodge (open December 16, 2021 to March 6, 2022)
• Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel (open Dec xv, 2021 to March 7, 2022)

These are the best campgrounds inside the park open up during winter:

• Mammoth Campground (FCFS all winter)

For more on camping, read this mail service on the 12 best campgrounds in Yellowstone.

Are y'all looking for the best hotels exterior Yellowstone? Check out this post on where to stay almost Yellowstone National Park.

All-time Time to Visit Yellowstone by Activity and Interest

Best Fourth dimension to Visit Yellowstone National Park to Avoid Crowds

The best time to visit Yellowstone to avoid crowds is May, September, and early October. Most park civilities, including lodging and roads, are open, wildlife is active, and the geyser basins are easily attainable in these months.

Best Time Visit Yellowstone for Good Conditions

The all-time time to visit Yellowstone for good conditions is in the summer. Nearly daytime temperatures are in the 70s or low 80s, with cooler overnight temperatures. Aside from the occasional afternoon thunderstorm, days are sunny, perfect for exploring.

All-time Time to Visit Yellowstone National Park for Wildlife

The best fourth dimension to visit Yellowstone for wild animals is leap and fall, when wildlife is most agile. As the snow melts in spring, bears, moose, bison, and elk emerge with their young seeking warmer weather. Likewise, fall in Yellowstone is mating season, bringing plenty of wildlife sightings.

Best Time to Visit Yellowstone for Hiking

Summer into early fall is the best time to visit Yellowstone National Park if you are interested in hiking or backpacking. Due to the harsh winters, well-nigh trails stay snowcovered until May or June. Past late June, snow has melted, trails are less muddy, and the weather is excellent for hiking.

Read More: fifteen Best Hikes in Yellowstone

All-time Time to Visit Yellowstone to See Waterfalls

Rivers and snowmelt fuel the waterfalls in Yellowstone National Park. The waterfalls, particularly in the Yard Coulee of the Yellowstone, are most powerful in spring or early summer. That said, waterfalls here stick around all year and photo well in the fall.

Best Time to Visit Yellowstone for Photography

At that place's no wrong time of year to photo Yellowstone National Park. However, photography in Yellowstone is at its best in fall or winter. You tin can photograph excellent autumn colors in September and Oct in the fall. In winter, you can capture a truly unique view of Yellowstone's snowcovered geyser basins.

Best Time to Visit Yellowstone for Fall Colors

The best time to visit Yellowstone National Park to see fall colors is in belatedly September to early October. You'll notice the best fall colors where aspens grow in Lamar Valley, Blacktail Plateau Drive, and Mammoth Hot Springs.

Nearly Affordable Fourth dimension to Visit Yellowstone

The virtually affordable time to visit Yellowstone is in the shoulder months. You'll find the best prices on flights and lodging from belatedly Apr to May (before Memorial Day) and from mid-September to early October (subsequently Labor Mean solar day).

Tips for Avoiding Crowds at Yellowstone National Park

If you lot're looking to avert crowds in Yellowstone when visiting during the tiptop flavor, follow these tips:

• Get-go your day early. Pop Yellowstone attractions, similar Old Faithful, are busiest at mid-day. So beat the crowds by exploring in the early forenoon or merely before sunset. This time of day is likewise when Yellowstone is most photogenic!
• Explore Yellowstone'due south hiking trails. Most visitors to Yellowstone choose to stick to the boardwalk paths through the geyser basins. However, if you want to avoid crowds, consider hiking instead. The Mountain Washburn Trail is one of the all-time hikes in Yellowstone. Read more than about the best hikes in Yellowstone.
• Explore off-the-browbeaten-path. There are and then many things to do in Yellowstone. You'll find the most crowds in the Former Faithful area. Consider spending more time nearly Yellowstone Lake, Tower-Roosevelt, and Lamar Valley if y'all want to avoid crowds.

Read More than: 22 All-time Things to Do in Yellowstone

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Month to Visit Yellowstone National Park

What is the best time to visit Yellowstone National Park?

The all-time time to visit Yellowstone National Park is during the shoulder months before Memorial Day or later on Labor Day. In May, September, and early October, Yellowstone is open up and attainable with fewer crowds compared to summer.

What is the busiest calendar month in Yellowstone?

July is the busiest month in Yellowstone, with over one one thousand thousand monthly visitors. June and August aren't far behind with heavy visitation as well. However, crowds tend to drop off afterwards Labor Solar day in September.

When should I go to Yellowstone to avert crowds?

The all-time time to become to Yellowstone to avoid crowds is in May, September, and early Oct. Most park amenities, including lodging and roads, are open, wild animals is active, and the geyser basins are hands accessible in these months.

When should you lot not visit Yellowstone?

The worst time to visit Yellowstone National Park is winter if y'all aren't interested in wintertime sports. The park is difficult to access equally most roads and lodges are closed. Temperatures remain below freezing for most of the wintertime flavour.

What is the best time of twenty-four hours to become to Yellowstone National Park?

The best time to go to Yellowstone is in the early morning, only after sunrise, or evening just before dusk. These "golden hours" create beautiful lighting, making the park incredibly photogenic. It's also an excellent fourth dimension for fugitive crowds at pop attractions.

Terminal Thoughts on the Best Fourth dimension to Visit Yellowstone National Park

The best time to visit Yellowstone National Park will depend on your interests and priorities. Staying in the wintertime requires much more planning and cold-weather condition gear, but visiting in summertime comes with crowds and higher prices.

Overall, the all-time time to visit Yellowstone National Park is in the shoulder months: mid-May to early June or mid-September to early October. Park roads and lodges are open during these months, but crowds are fewer than in peak summertime months.

If you desire to learn more nearly Yellowstone National Park, check out these posts!

• Itinerary: Yellowstone Itineraries for 1 to 5 Days
• Add together Grand Teton: vii Days in One thousand Teton and Yellowstone
• Things to Do: 22 All-time Things to Do in Yellowstone
• Hikes: fifteen Best Hikes in Yellowstone
• Getting In that location: 8 All-time Airports and Flights to Yellowstone
• Where to Stay: Where to Stay in and Near Yellowstone
• Camping ground: 12 Best Campgrounds in Yellowstone
• Airbnbs Nearby: 25 Incredible Airbnbs Near Yellowstone
• From Salt Lake City: 8-Day Table salt Lake to Yellowstone Route Trip

Are you planning a national park trip but don't know where to first? Go my free 28-page national park ebook where I suspension downward everything y'all need to know to visit all 63 USA national parks.

Download your free ebook here.

Don't Forget to Save This Post on Pinterest

ruizteplongues.blogspot.com

Source: https://www.wellplannedjourney.com/best-time-to-visit-yellowstone/

Share this post