Yellowstone National Park features a high-elevation, subalpine climate with dramatic temperature swings, unpredictable weather, and four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and dry with cool nights, while winters are long, cold, and snowy. Spring and autumn are brief and variable, bringing rain or snow in any month. Visitors should always prepare for rapidly changing conditions.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
Yellowstone’s climate is shaped by its high elevation – most of the park lies above 2,000 metres – and its vast, mountainous terrain. Summers (June–August) are warm and generally dry, with daytime highs around 21–27°C and occasional peaks above 30°C at lower elevations. Nights are cool, often dropping near or below freezing, especially at higher altitudes. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, and even in summer, snow is possible at higher elevations. The sun is strong due to the altitude, so sun protection is essential.
Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) are transitional and highly unpredictable. Daytime temperatures range from 0–16°C, but overnight lows can fall to –5°C or lower. Snow is common in both seasons, with regular accumulations and the possibility of 30 cm or more in a single day. Rain and sunshine can alternate rapidly, and many park roads and facilities have limited access during these times. Autumn is known for golden foliage and active wildlife, while spring brings blooming wildflowers and newborn animals. Winters (November–March) are long, cold, and snowy, with daytime highs from –18°C to –7°C and frequent sub-zero nights. Snowfall averages 150 inches (381 cm) annually, with much deeper drifts at higher elevations. Many roads close to regular vehicles, and access is limited to snowcoaches, snowmobiles, or guided tours. Despite the cold, winter transforms the park into a serene, frosted landscape with steaming geysers and frozen waterfalls.
Weather in Yellowstone can change rapidly, regardless of season. Wind is common, especially in exposed areas, and the park’s microclimates mean conditions can vary dramatically from one location to another. Always check the latest forecast and pack layers, rain gear, and warm clothing – even in midsummer.
| Average climate data for Yellowstone National Park, United States | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | -4 | -2 | 2 | 6 | 11 | 16 | 22 | 22 | 16 | 9 | 1 | -4 | 22 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | -17 | -17 | -13 | -8 | -2 | 2 | 5 | 4 | -0 | -5 | -10 | -15 | -17 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 42 | 41 | 46 | 45 | 63 | 58 | 41 | 41 | 37 | 30 | 47 | 41 | 531 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 17 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 14 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 13 | 16 | 151 |
| Average snowfall (mm) | 880 | 779 | 650 | 538 | 204 | 33 | 0 | 0 | 33 | 255 | 781 | 785 | 4,939 |
| Average snowfall days (days) | 16 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 13 | 15 | 92 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 9 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 5 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 8 |
| Average UV index | 1 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 5 |
The best time to visit Yellowstone is late June to September, when most roads and facilities are open, temperatures are mild (21–27°C by day), and the park’s landscapes are lush and accessible. July and August offer the most stable weather, long daylight, and abundant wildlife viewing, though they are also the busiest months.
The least favourable times to visit are late spring (April–early May) and early autumn (late September–October), when weather is most unpredictable and snow or rain can close roads and trails. Winter (November–March) is challenging for most travellers due to extreme cold, deep snow, and limited access, though it offers unique beauty for winter sports enthusiasts.
Yellowstone has a high-elevation, subalpine climate with warm, dry summers and long, cold, snowy winters. Spring and autumn are brief and highly variable, with rain or snow possible in any month.
Summer daytime highs are typically 21–27°C, with occasional peaks above 30°C at lower elevations. Nights are cool, often near or below freezing, and afternoon thunderstorms are common.
Yes, snow is possible in every month. Winter brings frequent heavy snow, with annual totals around 150 inches (381 cm), and much more at higher elevations. Spring and autumn can also see significant snowfall.
April to June are the wettest months, with frequent rain or snow showers. July and August are drier, though afternoon thunderstorms are common. Precipitation varies widely with elevation.
Pack layers for variable temperatures, a warm jacket, waterproof rain gear, and sturdy, water-resistant shoes. Sun protection is essential due to high elevation. Always check the forecast and be ready for sudden changes.
Yes, most park roads close to regular vehicles from early November to late April due to snow. Only the North Entrance to Northeast Entrance road remains open year-round. Check current conditions before your visit.
Yes, winter is ideal for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and guided snowmobile tours. However, extreme cold, deep snow, and limited access require careful planning and proper gear.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is July (21.9 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is January (-4.3 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 7.9 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is July (5.2 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is January (-17.2 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is -6.2 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is May (63.3 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is October (30 mm). Over the whole year there are 531.4 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is January (16.9 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is October (8.9 days). Over the whole year there are 151.3 days of rain on average.
The month with the most snowfall is January (879.9 mm). The months with the least snowfall are July and August (0 mm). Over the whole year there are 4,939 mm of snowfall on average.
The month with the most days of snowfall is January (16.3 days). The month with the fewest days of snowfall is July (0 days). Over the whole year there are 92 days of snowfall on average.
The month with the longest days, so the most daylight, is June (Average daylight: 15 h). The month with the shortest days, so the least daylight, is December (Average daylight: 8.1 h). Over the whole year there are 11.9 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is July (Average sunshine: 11 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is December (Average sunshine: 4 h). Over the whole year there are 7.6 h of sunlight per day on average.
The month with the highest average UV index is July (UV index: 10). The months with the lowest average UV index are January and December (UV index: 1). Over the whole year the average UV index is 5.1.
