Given the huge concentration of natural wonders there, Yellowstone is one of the most fascinating American parks, but its size means organizing a visit is not so simple. There are many aspects to take into consideration and one of them is certainly the weather. The months of the seasons do not follow the natural order, precisely because there are some different considerations to take into account compared to other areas of the United States. So here are some tips for not being caught unprepared, and a guide on what Yellowstone offers during all times of the year. Let’s find out the best time to visit Yellowstone National Park for weather and to avoid crowds.
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Winter period (November, December, January, February, March)
As mentioned in many of our Yellowstone articles, this is the most complicated time of year. If you are planning an itinerary during these months, you will have to be very careful as you will face many limitations regarding access, roads, and the activities you intend to undertake. All roads will be closed to traffic with the exception of the road connecting Mammoth Hot Springs and the Northeast Entrance, which will be the only public access to the entire park. The only way to get around Yellowstone quickly will be by snowmobile, although there are those who prefer to opt for skis and snowshoes.
Therefore, if you want to visit the most popular attractions of the park, you’ll have to rely on these means of transportation through special tours available on this page. The probability of finding all the roads open will begin to increase from mid-April onwards. In addition to the difficulties of entering and moving around within Yellowstone, many stores, hotels, and accommodations will also be closed during the winter period. This is not only inside the park but also in the towns in the immediate area. One of the few facilities you will find open is The Old Faithful Snow Lodge, as well as a few visitor centers. During the winter months, the minimum temperatures will drop below 32° Fahrenheit with peaks in December, January, and February when it can be as low as 14°. In the coldest months of December and January, the maximum temperatures will remain constantly below zero.
Spring period (April, May)
In the spring, the park gradually opens up to visitors. In this period, however, the main thing is the mud caused by the melting winter snow and the frequent rain at this time of year. Keep an eye on the official website as the roads to the park’s main attractions generally begin to be fully open around the last week of April. Bear in mind that the temperatures will still be low, in the more temperate areas of the park it goes from about 26 minimum and 50 maximum in April to about 35 degrees minimum and 61 maximum in May. It is also not uncommon for snow to continue to fall in the higher areas of the park even during the month of May.
Summer period (June, July, August)
As you might have guessed from reading about the climate of the previous months, this is definitely the best period to visit the park from a climatic and logistical point of view. All roads will be passable and accommodation facilities will be operating at full capacity. The downside is that you will have to share your visit with about 2 million other visitors who will be pouring into Yellowstone during these months. The temperatures will be ideal, however, and will allow you to go hiking in the best possible conditions.
As a rule, in fact, even in the hottest month of July, the maximum temperatures will almost never exceed 79 degrees, while the minimum will be between 46 and 50 degrees. July and August will also be the only two months in which there will be no snowfall, while in June, in places at higher altitudes such as Yellowstone Lake, it may still be possible to see some rare snowflakes. However, since you will experience a wide range of temperatures throughout the day, be sure to bring appropriate clothing or layers that will allow you to deal with the various temperatures. The suggestion is to have with you at least a sweatshirt and long pants that can be easily replaced during the course of the day.
Autumn period (September, October)
During the month of September, temperatures will continue to be quite mild, ranging between 68 degrees maximum and about 37 minimum. In October, things will start to change, and at the top, it will be almost winter-like. The highs will rarely rise above 55 degrees, and the lows will drop to 25 degrees. During this period, snowfall will begin to appear even at low altitudes. Bear in mind that, usually around mid-October, the accommodations in the area and in the park will begin to close. If you are planning an itinerary during the month of September, you should not encounter too many problems, while you should take care to evaluate the implications of visiting in October.
So what is the best time to visit Yellowstone National Park?
If you want to visit Yellowstone with a climate as mild as possible while trying to avoid the peak tourist season, both to save some money on accommodation and to enjoy the most famous natural wonders of the park without too much overcrowding, you could try to organize a trip in early June or in the month of September. If, on the other hand, you don’t want to have any issues with possible prolonged closure of roads and attractions, and you want to enjoy a climate that is as mild and temperate as possible, you will have no choice other than to opt for the summer months.
