Planning a trip to park starts with one important question: When is the best time to visit Yellowstone National Park? The answer depends on what you want to see and do. Each season in Yellowstone offers unique experiences, from spring wildlife sightings to winter snow-covered landscapes.
This guide will walk you through each season in Yellowstone, highlighting weather conditions, crowds, and seasonal activities.
Visiting Yellowstone in Spring (April to May)
Spring is a beautiful time to see Yellowstone come back to life. Melting snow fills rivers and waterfalls, while meadows turn green with fresh grass.
Highlights of spring:
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Wildlife viewing is excellent, especially for bison calves, elk, and bears coming out of hibernation.
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Waterfalls are at peak flow, making the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone especially dramatic.
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Cooler temperatures keep many visitors away, so crowds are lighter.
Things to consider:
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Some roads and trails may still be closed due to snow.
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Weather is unpredictable, ranging from sunny days to sudden snowstorms.
For official road opening dates, check the NPS Yellowstone seasonal road page.
Visiting Yellowstone in Summer (June to August)
Summer is the most popular time to visit Yellowstone. Warm weather and long days make it easy to explore the park fully.
Highlights of summer:
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All park roads and major attractions are open.
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Ideal conditions for hiking, boating, and sightseeing.
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Ranger programs and guided tours are widely available.
Things to consider:
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Expect heavy crowds, especially around Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring.
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Accommodations inside the park book up months in advance.
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Afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August.
For ideas on how to maximize your trip, read our guide to the best things to do in Yellowstone National Park.
Visiting Yellowstone in Fall (September to October)
Fall is a favorite for those who prefer fewer crowds and cooler weather.
Highlights of fall:
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Brilliant autumn colors in the forests and valleys.
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Elk mating season, with bugling males often spotted in Lamar Valley and Mammoth Hot Springs.
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Cooler temperatures make hiking more comfortable.
Things to consider:
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Many services begin to close in late September.
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Snow can arrive as early as October, affecting travel plans.
If hiking is on your agenda, this is one of the best times of year to tackle trails like Mount Washburn or Lamar Valley. See our guide to the best hikes in Yellowstone National Park.
Visiting Yellowstone in Winter (November to March)
Winter transforms Yellowstone into a snowy wonderland. While much of the park is closed to regular vehicle traffic, it offers a completely different experience.
Highlights of winter:
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Snowcoach and guided snowmobile tours to Old Faithful and other key areas.
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Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities.
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Wildlife like bison and wolves are easier to spot against the snow.
Things to consider:
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Only the road between Mammoth Hot Springs and the northeast entrance remains open to cars.
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Temperatures are very cold, often below zero at night.
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Limited lodging options inside the park.
For updated conditions, check the NPS current conditions page.
When Is the Best Overall Time to Visit Yellowstone?
If your goal is to see everything the park has to offer, June through September provides the best access to roads, hikes, and attractions. However, if you want to avoid crowds, late May or mid-September are excellent choices. For those who enjoy solitude and winter activities, visiting between December and February will give you a unique experience.
To get the most out of your trip, also see our main guide to Yellowstone National Park, our overview of the Yellowstone volcano, and our resources on the best Yellowstone National Park hikes.
Final Thoughts
The best time to visit Yellowstone National Park depends entirely on your travel style and interests. Spring is great for wildlife, summer is perfect for full access, fall offers stunning colors and fewer crowds, and winter provides a magical snow-covered landscape.
Whenever you decide to go, plan ahead, book early, and prepare for changing weather. With the right timing, your Yellowstone adventure will be unforgettable.
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