The world’s first national park and home to incredible biodiversity, Yellowstone is a natural magnet for nature lovers across the world.
Planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park is a daunting task because of its size and available activities. Even more difficult is selecting the right time to visit.
Honestly, there is no such thing as the right or wrong time to visit Yellowstone. It all boils down to three things – the things you want to do, the weather you prefer, and of course, your budget.
As a digital nomad or long-term traveler, for example, you’ll likely prefer to travel when prices for accommodation, flights, tours, etc., are low, which usually means before or after the peak tourist season.
If you are planning your Yellowstone trip anytime soon, this guide of the best time to visit Yellowstone will be of incredible value to you. Keep reading!
A Bit About Yellowstone
Opened on March 1, 1872, Yellowstone National Park became the world’s first national park. Known for its geological and hydrothermal features, the park is spread over 2.2 million acres, and it is ripe with wildlife and incredible flora.
Yellowstone is home to Yellowstone Lake centered over the Yellowstone Caldera – the continent’s largest supervolcano.
More than half of the world’s hydrothermal features and geysers can be found in Yellowstone National Park.
Many recreational activities such as boating, camping, hiking, sightseeing, and fishing are available within the park. Major geothermal areas, waterfalls, and lakes can all be accessed through paved roads.
The Best Time to Visit Yellowstone National Park
If you want to spot wildlife, you can visit Yellowstone any time of the year, but the species you’ll see will vary based on the season.
For cross-country skiing, ice climbing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling, winter (December to March) is the best time to visit.
If you want to enjoy low prices, shoulder seasons (April and May and September to November) and winter months are the best.
To enjoy all the main attractions and the national park’s geyser basins such as Midway Geyser Basin, Upper Geyser Basin, Biscuit Basin, etc., the summer months (June to August) are perfect. It is also the best time for outdoor activities and avoiding winter chill.
The Climate in Yellowstone
Yellowstone National Park experiences four seasons, namely:
- Spring (April and May): Average high temperatures in Yellowstone Lake are between 5°C and 10°C and average low temperatures are between -8°C and -3°C. In Mammoth Hot Springs, the average high temperatures are between 10°C and 15°C, while the average lows are between -2°C and 2°C.
- Summer (June to August): Average high temperatures are between 16°C and 22°C in Yellowstone Lake, while the average lows are between 1°C and 4°C. The summer months in Mammoth Hot Springs experiences average high temperatures between 21°C and 27°C, while the average lows are between 5°C and 9°C.
- Fall (September to November): In the autumn season, the average high temperatures are between 0°C and 16°C in Yellowstone Lake, and 4°C and 20°C in Mammoth Hot Springs. The average lows are -11°C to -1°C in Yellowstone Lake, and -6°C to 4°C in Mammoth Hot Springs.
- Winter (December to March): In winter months, the average high temperatures in Yellowstone Lake and Mammoth Hot Springs are between -5°C to 1°C and -1°C to 5°C, respectively. The average lows are -16°C to -13°C and -11°C to -7°C, respectively.
The four seasons can further be divided into:
Peak Season: Summer months of June, July, and August – this is when tourism is at its peak.
Shoulder Seasons: Spring (April and May) and Fall (September to November) – this is when tourism is low to moderate and prices drop a little.
Low Season: Winter months of December to March – this is when tourism is at its lowest and prices hit rock bottom.
The Best Time to Visit Yellowstone National Park – Month by Month
The best time to visit Yellowstone National Park depends on what you prefer and what you want to do. Wildlife can be spotted year-round, but available activities will differ as per the season.
Here is a month-by-month breakdown of the best time to visit Yellowstone National Park:
Visiting Yellowstone in January
January is the winter season in Yellowstone. It is a winter wonderland with a snow blanket everywhere.
The landscape is enchanting and dramatic with frozen waterfalls, snowy basins, and steaming geysers. Frozen rising mists form steam inversions and rime ice.
The best time for wolf-watching, Lamar Valley is the best place to spot wolves, elk, and bison. Trumpeter swans are on open river waters and the bizarre atmospheric optical phenomena known as sun dogs (bright spots that appear either side of the sun) can be seen now.
It is the best time for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing through quiet forests. Guided snowcoach tours are available and you can stay overnight at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel or Old Faithful Snow Lodge.
Visiting Yellowstone in February
It is still a winter wonderland. Lower elevations have a higher concentration of animals, increasing the chances of wildlife sightings.
Elk, wolves, foxes, bighorn sheep, etc. are found abundantly in the valleys. Hayden Valley is best to spot bison congregations. The chances of spotting lynxes, bobcats, badgers, and mountain lions are high.
While many lower-elevation trails are open for activities, many around the Canyon Village are closed.
Old Faithful and Norris Geyser Basin can be accessed by over-snow traffic. Mammoth Hot Springs and Lamar valley can be accessed by car.
Visiting Yellowstone in March
The ethereal and hushed winter atmosphere continues with abundant wildlife in the valleys and fewer crowds. The conditions are almost the same as in January and February.
Snow coach or snowmobile access to Grand Prismatic Spring, Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, and Old Faithful is possible before March 15 road closures to over-snow traffic.
After March 15, you can access Lamar Valley, the Tower Area, and Old Faithful.
If you are willing to brave the freezing temperatures, winter sports are also available, too!
Visiting Yellowstone in April
Late April is one of the best times to visit Yellowstone for digital nomads or long term travelers. Winter thaws and wildlife become more active because of relatively warmer temperatures. Wildlife viewing is more fun because of newly born baby animals. You can spot bison calves, moose calves, elk calves, and pronghorn fawns in early spring.
By mid-April, black bears and grizzly bears come out of their dens with cubs. Park roads will remain closed until the end of the month but it is a great time for backpacking and hiking at lower elevations.
Many campgrounds and accommodations are still closed and won’t open until mid-April. Road access to Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring is possible only after April 21.
Visiting Yellowstone in May
Yellowstone is now teaming with wildlife and some have already started taking the yearly migration route. Most roads are open but some may be closed depending on the previous winter snow they received.
The south entrance to West Thumb opens on May 12. The east entrance to Lake Village opens on May 5.
Many hiking trails are open now, and waterfalls and rivers are flowing tremendously. However, weather fluctuations are common ranging from clear & sunny to cloudy & cold. This is aggressive calving season, so caution is important.
Fishing season starts with Memorial Day weekend. Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, Lamar Valley, and Yellowstone Lake are prime attractions.
Visiting Yellowstone in June
Summer crowds start pouring in. Wildlife and wildflowers are abundant. Most trails are open even at higher altitudes, attracting hikers and backpackers.
It is the prime fishing season now and backcountry activities are open. The weather is very predictable. Warm weather means increased tourism and long queues for wildlife viewing, geyser watching, etc.
Popular spots are Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, Hayden Valley, and Mammoth Hot Springs.
Visiting Yellowstone in July
It is the peak summer season and one of the best times to visit Yellowstone. Wildlife is plenty and almost all trails are open. Elk and bison calving season is over. Warmer temperatures attract more visitors but expect 5 days of rain.
All park facilities are open, but prices for accommodation are very high. You can encounter bison jams or bear jams on the roads.
Fishing, whitewater rafting, bus tours, and kayaking are popular activities. Warm temperatures allow star photography at night.
Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and Mammoth Hot Springs are common attractions. Lamar Valley, Artists Paint Pots, and Black Growler Steam Vent are less popular attractions, but beautiful nonetheless.