What’s the Best Time to Visit Yellowstone?

While it’s true that Yellowstone is worth visiting year-round, many of the activities in the area are best enjoyed, or even limited, to a single season. Learn more about your best time to visit Yellowstone from our handy little guide. Spring – best for seeing the park come to life Summer – best for wildlife watching Fall – best for avoiding the crowds Winter – best for wolf spotting

Yellowstone comes to life in the spring

Spring is the shortest season in Yellowstone, but it’s also the most dynamic one: the park turns green, the wildflowers start popping up, and it’s the perfect opportunity to see the baby animals roam the landscape. While you can still find some snowshoeing and XC skiing, early-morning hikes are the best way to see wildlife. Keep in mind that the trails are still muddy and the weather can dip to the single digits, so bring a warm jacket, extra layers, and quality hiking boots.

Summer sees Yellowstone packed with adventure-and people

Between June and August, the weather is stable with the temps staying in the 70s, and all the trails and facilities are open making this the best time for outdoor activities. Wildlife watching is the obvious choice, but you can also observe the wildflowers, tour the park’s waterfalls, or even try horseback riding. Higher elevations still see some snow and there’s the occasional afternoon storm, but for most activities, a shirt and some shorts will do (though you’ll want to bring sunscreen!). Crowds are the biggest issue, especially on the popular trails—avoid the Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends like the plague.

Have a crowd-free fall in Yellowstone

With thinning crowds and vibrant foliage, Yellowstone has plenty to offer between September and November. When the temperatures drop in the mountains, many of the park’s most emblematic animals migrate to the lower elevations. This means that camping, backpacking, and hiking provide great opportunities to spot elk rut and bears preparing for hibernation. The temperatures vary wildly and snow starts to accumulate in late November, so make sure to layer up.

Experience Yellowstone’s wild winter wonderland

Between December and February, Yellowstone is at its wildest—most roads are closed, the rivers and lakes are frozen, and everything is covered by a thick layer of snow. That’s not to say that there’s nothing to do: try cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, spot free-roaming wolves, or watch the geyser basins steaming in the freezing cold.