Best Time to Visit Yellowstone National Park 2024 Guide

Located in northwest Wyoming and extending into Montana and Idaho, Yellowstone National Park is famous for being the first National Park in the world. Established on March 1st, 1872, the national park is widely known for natural attractions such as its geysers and hot springs, as well as its closeness to Grand Teton National Park.

This ever-popular park is one of few in the United States that stays open year-round. There are also plenty of things to do in Yellowstone that you’ll soon find out about. Some attractions and activities are available throughout the year, and others are season-specific.

With that in mind, you’re probably wondering: “When is the best time to visit Yellowstone?” Below, you’ll find an in-depth guide for when to visit Yellowstone and information on its weather, seasons, and activities.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, I may receive a small commission (for which I am very grateful for) at no extra cost to you.

How to Get to Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone lies across three states. The park has several entrances, and you can get there in several ways. The entrance you use depends on where you fly in from.

If you’re coming from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport near Bozeman, Montana, it would be an hour-and-a-half drive from Yellowstone’s north entrance and a two-hour drive to the west entrance. The west entrance is close to Yellowstone Airport in West Yellowstone, Montana.

Next, you’ll find the east entrance under an hour’s drive from Yellowstone Regional Airport in Wyoming. Finally, the Jackson Hole Airport is an hour’s drive to Yellowstone’s south entrance in Grand Teton National Park.

Best Time to Go to Yellowstone National Park

The best season to visit Yellowstone Park will largely be based on personal preference. However, summer, which falls from June to August, is the high season and the busiest time to go. Thanks to the park’s warmer weather, it offers full access to all the best attractions, sights, and hiking trails.

But the shoulder seasons (April to May) and (September to October) are also great for those who enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Overall, the best times to visit Yellowstone are spring to fall, with winter falling short being the low season.

Worst Time to Visit Yellowstone National Park

Again, the worst time to go will depend on several personal factors and what you intend to do at the park. However, the winter months (from November to March) are the least popular times to visit.

But, if you’re not afraid of snowy days, limited access, and cold nights, you’ll find that winter is the best time to visit Yellowstone to avoid crowds. During this period, the north entrance is the only entrance to the park.

Visiting Yellowstone in Spring

Spring at Yellowstone typically starts from April to May, as March is still chilly and is designated a winter month due to high snow levels. That said, by early April, the park is usually open, and with winter over, you’ll see the beginnings of spring in bloom.

Early spring sees fewer crowds but also mild to cool weather. The pleasant weather lets you view baby animals and the grizzly and black bears emerge from their winter hibernation.

Hiking is best at low elevations during this season, as the higher routes remain snow-covered until summer. Expect slightly more pleasant weather with temperatures ranging from 30°F to 60°F (0°C to 16°C).

Things to Do in Yellowstone in Spring

As the park awakens for spring, you’ll find many activities, sights, and hikes available. Here are a few.

Lamar Valley

Located in the northeast corner and accessible year-round, Lamar Valley is a gorgeous landscape known for its abundant wildlife. Known as the “American Serengeti,” you’ll have a wonderful time spotting bears, wolves, bison, elk, pronghorn, and many other animals. 

Bring your binoculars and camera to capture wildlife sightings as you drive down the 29-mile stretch of road through the valley.

Grand Prismatic Hot Spring Overlook Trail

• Distance: 1.5-mile out-and-back
• Elevation Gain: 200 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Guide: Link

The Grand Prismatic Hot Spring Overlook trail is a great, easy out-and-back hike that will take you straight to the main attraction. Opening in April, this hike is a great spring path that takes an average of 38 minutes to complete. Since you’ll be trekking to the Grand Prismatic Hot Spring, no dogs are allowed on this trail.

Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop

• Distance: 4.9-mile loop
• Elevation Gain: 358 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

This popular trail is moderately challenging and takes 1 hour and 46 minutes to complete. It’s a popular birding and walking loop that opens in May, allowing you to see the Upper Geyser Basin and watch Old Faithful erupt from Observation Point. You’ll be able to see many of the park’s active geysers and possibly bison, too.

Visiting Yellowstone in Summer

A Yellowstone summer spans from June to August and is the peak season. Expect summer crowds, warm weather, and extended daylight hours. Summer is best for hiking in Yellowstone, especially in higher elevations, and it’s ideal for all outdoor activities available at the park.

The weather typically sits at around 70°F (21°C) and occasionally 80°F (27°C) at lower elevations. Nights are generally cooler, so pack layers if you intend to camp, and prepare for rain and unpredictable weather at higher elevations.

Things to Do in Yellowstone in Summer

Most, if not all, activities, landmarks, hikes, and areas are open to exploration during summer. Let’s look at some favorites for the season.

Old Faithful

Old Faithful is Yellowstone’s most well-known cone geyser due to its highly predictable nature. People visit the geothermal feature year-round as it’s erupted every 44 minutes to two hours since 2000. It’s an awe-inspiring sight, with eruptions reaching 106 to 180 feet. You can view the geyser on the boardwalks around the site’s perimeter or get a bird’s eye view by hiking the Observation Point trail.

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is the Yellowstone River’s first large canyon. It’s 24 miles (39km) long and was formed through centuries of erosion caused by hydrothermal activity, water, and other natural forces. You can view this attraction by driving along the scenic north and south rims of the canyon and accessing various viewpoints, lookout spots, and hiking trails like Artist Point. Visit early or late in the day to avoid crowds.

Yellowstone Lake

Yellowstone Lake is the largest body of water in the park. It’s 20 miles (32km) long and 14 miles (23km) wide, with 141 miles (227km) of shoreline. The most popular activities at the lake are to admire the scenery via a hike, take a boat out on the water, or fish. The lake freezes over by December and can remain frozen until early June. It’s a compelling sight and worth the visit.

Visiting Yellowstone in the Fall

Fall at Yellowstone begins between September and October and offers mild weather, colorful changing foliage, and fewer crowds. Mid-September to early October is a popular time for photography, wildlife watching, and the annual elk rut.

The temperatures range from 30°F to 60°F (0°C to 16°C), much like spring, and will continue to drop as November approaches. September continues to have high to moderate visitation with full services and open roads. You can still go camping, hiking, backpacking, and fishing this month.

However, October is significantly less visited, services become limited, roads have begun closing, and though you can hike, aim for lower elevations.

Things to Do in Yellowstone in the Fall

Even as temperatures drop during this shoulder season, there are still many awesome things to do, from hiking to hot spring viewing.

Mammoth Hot Springs

The Mammoth Hot Springs are a sight to behold. The complex of hot springs sits on a hill of travertine (limestone deposits), creating a gorgeous stepped or terraced rocky landscape. 

Over centuries, the mineral-rich hot water bubbling up from the surface of the geothermal area created these formations. This colorful attraction is dotted with yellows, greens, and blues, depending on how hot or cold the water is, and is a must-see near the north entrance.

Grand Prismatic Spring

The Grand Prismatic Spring is the biggest and most colorful hot spring in the US. It measures around 370 feet (113m) in size and is around 121 feet (37m) deep.

It’s known for its striking rainbow waters. The center of the spring is blue, but encircling the edge of the spring are hues of green, yellow, orange, and red, which are fascinating natural sights to behold. Find it by following the Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail.

Fairy Falls Trail

• Distance: 4.8-mile out-and-back
• Elevation Gain: 171 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Guide: Link

The Fairy Falls Trail is an easy out-and-back trail that takes an average of an hour and 35 minutes to complete. It’s a popular hiking, camping, and running spot, so you’ll likely see other visitors there. The path is relatively flat and meanders through the forest to the Fairy Falls — a spectacular waterfall with a 200-foot (61m) plunge and beautiful views.

Visiting Yellowstone in Winter

The winter season is certainly not the easiest time to visit Yellowstone due to its limited access. Most facilities are closed, and seasonal road closures happen from roughly December to March. The park starts slowing down from early November to mid-December.

Expect temperatures from zero to 20°F (-18°C to -7°C) during this season, especially at night and higher elevations. Despite the cold, you’ll still see incredible winter wildlife and frozen waterfalls; those brave enough can embark on some ice climbing.

Be sure your car has the appropriate snow tires if you plan to visit anytime between November and March.

Things to Do in Yellowstone in Winter

There is still plenty to do if you’re happy to explore the parts of Yellowstone that are still open. Let’s look at some activities you can enjoy during winter.

Mammoth Terraces Loop Trail

• Distance: 2.5-mile loop
• Elevation Gain: 384 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Guide: Link

The Mammoth Terraces Loop Trail is an easy route that takes over an hour to complete. See the Mammoth Hot Springs during your hike and enjoy the stunning hot spring complex on a travertine terraced hillside. 

You’ll sometimes walk steep stairs and slopes and see limestone in this hydrothermal zone. This trail is subject to wildlife and road closures, so check before you go. 

Snowshoeing 

During your winter visit, you can still access certain parts of the park via snowshoeing. It’s a great low-impact workout where you can stroll and see Yellowstone dusted in snow blankets. There are plenty of guided tours available on the National Park Service website.

Cross Country Skiing

Another great activity is the cross-country skiing offered at Yellowstone. With more than 100 miles of ski trails, you’ll have endless opportunities to see picturesque landscapes and wildlife and get the chance to explore the park on skis. You’ll also find information on the NPS website on how to book a guided skiing tour.

FAQs About Yellowstone National Park Best Time to Visit

You may have questions about when to go to Yellowstone and what you need to know while there. Take a look at these frequently asked questions and their answers.

How Do You Stay Safe From Bears in Yellowstone?

The best way to stay safe from bears in Yellowstone is by never feeding the bears, keeping at least a 100-yard (93m) distance from any bears you see, and keeping bear spray on hand. 

It’s good to note that while the black bears and grizzly bears in Yellowstone don’t like interacting with humans, that won’t deter them from attacking if you come into their domain or near their cubs.

What Is the Best Month to Visit Yellowstone National Park?

The best month to visit Yellowstone National Park depends on your interests and what you hope to experience during your trip. If you go during the high season, June is popular for its extended daylight hours and warm temperatures, and it’s ideal for hiking and other outdoor activities. 

But many people also enjoy the shoulder months like May and September for cooler temperatures and sparser crowds. Ultimately, the choice is yours.

Do I Need a Reservation to Enter the Park?

No, if you’re driving into Yellowstone, you don’t need vehicle reservations. All you need is a park entrance pass, which you can get at any entrance station or by purchasing your pass online. It’s ideal to book online, especially during the peak summer season. 

Wrapping Up the Best Time to Visit Yellowstone Park

There you have it, a comprehensive guide that hopefully answers the question: “When is the best time to visit Yellowstone National Park?” At the end of the day, when you go is dependent on your preferences and what you’re interested in. 

However, the most active time to visit the park is between June and September. With its endless geothermal sites, beautiful verdant forests, and abundant wildlife, Yellowstone is worth visiting.

Read Next: See this Grand Teton to Yellowstone itinerary to plan the perfect trip between these iconic national parks.

Pin For Later: Best Time to Visit Yellowstone National Park