The Best (and Worst) Times to Visit Yellowstone Explained

We crown early June as the best overall time to visit Yellowstone National Park. But if you’re interested in less wildlife and more hiking, plan your trip for September instead. Or, if you want to experience Yellowstone in its fullest, most colorful glory, brave the summer crowds.

Most park rangers will tell you there’s no bad time to visit Yellowstone—and I agree. Living part-time at Yellowstone’s North Entrance (in Gardiner, MT) since 2023, I’ve come to appreciate how each season in Yellowstone offers something special.

Because of that, the best and worst time to visit Yellowstone depends on what you’re hoping to do, see, and experience in the park. This post will guide you through the best and worst months to visit Yellowstone based on things like crowds, wildlife, hiking, photography, weather, and recreation. Here's our definitive guide to the best (and worst) times to visit Yellowstone National Park!

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Best Time to Visit Yellowstone To Avoid Crowds

The best time to visit Yellowstone to avoid crowds altogether is the winter months, between December 15th and March 15th. (You’ll still want to avoid holiday weeks or weekends during the winter.)

Plan your trip for the first or second week of May to minimize crowds but still be able to explore the majority of Yellowstone’s biggest attractions.

Worst Time to Visit Yellowstone To Avoid Crowds

Unsurprisingly, the worst time to visit Yellowstone to avoid crowds is July. This is when park visitation is at its highest.

If you must visit in July (or choose it because the park’s colors are at their height this month), then be sure to avoid the park’s biggest attractions, such as Old Faithful, Artist Point, or the Grand Prismatic Spring, between 10am and 4pm. Get up early and stay out late to minimize crowds during the summer months.

Best Time to Visit Yellowstone For Wildlife

The best time to visit Yellowstone if you’re most interested in seeing wildlife is mid-May to early June. This is baby animal season in Yellowstone, and it’s one of the most magical wildlife experiences in the world! Mid-May to early June is the best time of the year to spot bear cubs, wolf pups, bison calves, pronghorn fawns, and coyote pups, among others.

Dawn and dusk are the best times to see wildlife daily, as animals are most active at these times.

Best Time to See Bears in Yellowstone

Similarly, the best time to visit Yellowstone to see bears is mid-May through early June. This is when bears emerge from hibernation and actively forage for food.

Grizzlies are often seen in lower elevation areas, such as Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley, and around the park's rivers and streams. The Tower-Roosevelt area is a great place to see black bears during these months.

Best Time to See Wolves in Yellowstone

February is arguably the best month of the year to see wolves in Yellowstone. This is because wolves, especially black wolves, are easier to spot against a snow-covered landscape, and the lack of foliage provides clearer views. (For this reason, this is also the best time to visit Yellowstone to spot a red fox or coyote.)

Winter is also the wolves' breeding season, leading to increased activity within packs, including traveling, hunting, and marking territory. Prey animals like elk and bison move to lower elevations in winter, drawing wolves to these areas and increasing the chances of sightings, especially in places like Lamar and Hayden Valleys.

If you’re hoping to spot wolf pups, mid to late May and into the summer months are ideal. Ask rangers about recent spottings once you arrive in Yellowstone. Once wolves establish a den for the season, they tend to stick in the area until the pups are older. There’s a great chance the wolf pack will be visible in the same spot multiple weeks and even months in a row!

Best Time to See Bison in Yellowstone

There’s not really a bad time to visit Yellowstone for bison. You’ll have a great chance of spotting a bison in Yellowstone year-round. However, there are two times of year that are extra special.

The end of July and August marks the bison rut, where you’ll often find dozens and dozens of bison grouped in Lamar Valley. The bison rut is the mating season for bison, and bison behavior changes dramatically as bulls compete for the opportunity to mate with females. During the rut, bison are more vocal, with deep bellows sounding to intimidate rivals and attract females.

Personally, winter is my favorite time of year to spot bison because they tend to move toward lower elevations and even into areas near towns in search of food. As snow covers the park, bison seek out grass by traveling to places where the snow is less deep or where geothermal activity keeps the ground warmer, making it easier to graze.

Additionally, bison conserve energy during winter months and often use the path of least resistance by walking on groomed trails and roads, where the snow is packed down and easier to navigate. This behavior brings them closer to the roads, making them more visible.

Best Time to See Elk in Yellowstone

The best time to see elk in Yellowstone is in September and October during the elk rut.

During the rut, or elk mating season, bull elk become more active as they compete for the attention of females, known as cows. The most iconic behavior during this time is the bull elk’s bugling, a loud, high-pitched call that echoes through the valleys and serves to establish dominance, attract cows, and warn off rival males.

In Yellowstone, areas like Mammoth Hot Springs and Lamar Valley are the best places to see elk during the rut.

Worst Time to Visit Yellowstone for Wildlife

The worst time of year to visit Yellowstone for wildlife viewing is late fall through early winter, from November through mid-December.

During this period, many animals, such as bears, are entering hibernation or becoming less active. Snow is also accumulating at this time, which can obscure wildlife and make travel more challenging, while most park areas close and become less accessible in preparation for the winter season. Additionally, migratory animals like elk and bison may be moving to different areas or congregating in less visible spots, reducing the chances of sightings.

Early April can also be a less ideal time for wildlife viewing as the park is still transitioning out of winter. Snow and cold weather persist, and many animals are not yet fully active. However, as the month progresses and temperatures gradually rise, wildlife activity can begin to increase, making late April better for spotting animals compared to earlier winter months.

The worst time of day to see wildlife is midday, as most animals retreat to shaded areas in less visible locations.

Best Time to Visit Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks in One Trip

Early September is the best time of year to visit Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks in one trip. This is because the road between the parks is still open, but peak tourism season has ended. Temperatures are great for hiking, and there’s a chance you’ll get to see a bit of snow-capping on the Teton mountains, which is spectacular.

September as a whole works well for visiting both parks, as the Jenny Lake Boat Shuttle is generally open through September. (This shuttle provides access to numerous hiking trails across Jenny Lake.) However, for the first week of September, the shuttle opens earlier, which is best for hiking. (Around September 8th, shuttle hours change from 7am-7pm to 10am-4pm.) This is helpful since the Jenny Lake Boat Shuttle eliminates about a 2-mile each-way trek to the Cascade Canyon, Inspiration Point, and Hidden Falls Trailheads, some of the best hikes in Grand Teton National Park.

Early September is the perfect balance of good weather, early fall foliage, reduced crowds, and vibrant wildlife activity, making it a great time to explore both parks!

May is also a great time to visit both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, particularly for bear-watching. Just remember to plan your trip once the road between the parks opens for the season, which is typically around May 10th.

Worst Time to Visit Yellowstone and Grand Teton in One Trip

The months of November and April are the worst months to visit Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks in one trip. The road between the two parks is closed, which will add many hours to your drive between the parks. Additionally, November is off-season in Yellowstone, meaning most park facilities are no longer open for the summer and fall season, but the winter season hasn’t yet begun. Ski resorts in Jackson Hole near Grand Teton generally do not open till late November.

Wildlife activity generally diminishes at this time as well, as animals enter hibernation or become less active. Plus, the shorter daylight hours in November mean less time for exploration and sightseeing. And although roads in Yellowstone begin rolling openings for the season starting in mid to late April, they are not entirely open until the end of May, making May a much better time to visit both parks.

Best Time to Visit Yellowstone for Hiking

September is generally the best month to visit Yellowstone for hiking. The weather is usually pleasant, with cooler temperatures, plus the summer crowds have started to thin out, offering a quieter experience on the trails and an easier time finding parking at trailheads. Plus, September provides good weather with less chance of heavy snowfall or rain than later months. The fall colors start to emerge and can add beautiful scenery to your hikes.

In September, most higher-elevation trails in Yellowstone remain open, but early snowfall or changing conditions can impact their accessibility. By late September or early October, snow and ice may start to affect trails above 7,000 feet, and some areas might become less accessible or closed for the season. For this reason, early September is generally better for hiking than late September.

Personally, late summer is my favorite time to hike in Yellowstone, particularly when hiking longer, less populated trails. There’s less concern for snow in higher-elevation areas, such as Mount Washburn and Avalanche Peak, plus long daylight hours provide plenty of opportunity to hike multiple trails in one day. I also prefer more people on the trails when hiking in bear country as it provides an extra layer of safety. (But still be sure to carry bear spray everywhere in Yellowstone!)

View of the Grand Prismatic Spring from the Fairy Falls Trail.

Worst Time to Visit Yellowstone for Hiking

April and November are the worst months to visit Yellowstone for hiking. Most roads and trails are inaccessible during this time as the park transitions between seasons.

Note: Since winter allows for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing to explore Yellowstone backcountry, I’m considering these good hiking months.

In November specifically, the majority of Yellowstone is inaccessible. The only open hiking is on the park's north side, between Yellowstone’s North Entrance (Gardiner, MT) and Northeast Entrance (Cooke City, MT). Yellowstone’s interior, home to many of Yellowstone’s most famous trails, is inaccessible.

In April, roads begin rolling openings; however, lingering snow and mud can make hiking difficult and less enjoyable. Higher-elevation trails are usually still covered in snow and ice this time of year.

Least Expensive Time to Visit Yellowstone

When staying outside the park, the least expensive time to visit Yellowstone is the “off-season,” from March 15-April 15, and November 1 through December 15. This is because most interior roads in Yellowstone are closed to prepare for the upcoming summer or winter season, and access is limited. There is much less demand for lodging near Yellowstone this time of year, so prices are more affordable.

When staying inside the park, early to mid-May and mid-October are generally the least expensive times to visit Yellowstone. Prices gradually increase as the season progresses until they peak in July and then begin to lower around the end of the summer season.

Overall, staying at one of Yellowstone’s many campgrounds is the most affordable way to visit Yellowstone. Campgrounds generally open in early May and close in September or October.

Most Expensive Time to Visit Yellowstone

The most expensive times to visit Yellowstone are July, August, and the winter season. The summer season—from Memorial Day through August—is peak tourism season, which means prices are at their highest, and there is a lot of demand for lodging. Prices tend to be at their peak in July and August and around major holidays and long weekends, such as Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day.

The winter season is also an expensive time to visit Yellowstone because access to the park is limited to guided snowcoach tours, snowmobiles, or cross-country skiing, all of which can be pricey compared to standard summer car access. Additionally, specialized services like guided snowshoeing and snowmobile tours often come with higher costs due to the need for specialized equipment and trained guides.

Best Time to Visit Yellowstone for Photography

May and September are the best months to visit Yellowstone for photography. May is a great time to visit for bears and wildlife in general (remember: baby animals!), while September is great for fall colors and the elk rut. September is also a great time to visit Grand Teton National Park for photography. The sun's lower angle in September offers soft, golden light that enhances landscape and wildlife shots.

Best Time to Visit Yellowstone for Fishing

July and August are generally the best months to visit Yellowstone for fishing. The weather is warm and stable during this time, providing ideal conditions for a day on the water. Most of the park's rivers and lakes are fully accessible, and fish feed actively due to the warm temperatures and high insect activity. July also coincides with several important insect hatches, such as mayflies and caddisflies, which attract fish to the surface and increase the chances of a successful catch.

Note: Fishing and boating season in Yellowstone is generally the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through October 31st.

Best Time to Visit Yellowstone for Geysers

Spring brings baby animals, new plant growth, wildflowers… and flowing waters! The park's hot springs, geysers, and other thermal features are particularly active in the spring as the snow melts and rivers and waterfalls swell with water.

April, May, and June are arguably the best months for viewing Yellowstone's geysers, including Old Faithful, as cooler temperatures and higher groundwater levels can lead to more active and predictable eruptions.

If you’re most excited about Yellowstone’s other thermal features, such as hot springs, the best time to visit is during the hot summer months, like July and August. This is when the vibrant colors of the Grand Prismatic Spring, for example, are at their best.

Overall Pick: The Best Time to Visit Yellowstone National Park

The best time to visit Yellowstone National Park is mid-May to early June. (Just avoid Memorial Day weekend when possible!) Wildlife is active, and park roads and facilities are open, but peak traffic has yet to arrive. It’s an incredible time of year to be in the park and experience the best of Yellowstone.

Overall Pick: The Worst Time to Visit Yellowstone

The worst time to visit Yellowstone National Park is generally the “Off-Season,” from mid-March to mid-April and November 1 to mid-December.

During these times, interior park roads are closed to all traffic to prepare for the upcoming summer or winter season. From mid-March to mid-April, and again from November 1st to mid-December, you will be unable to visit Yellowstone’s interior—including sights like Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

However, like every other season in Yellowstone, April and November still offer something unique. Off-season is the quietest time of year in the park. Enjoy less traffic, better access to wildlife pull-offs, and solitude on hiking, snowshoe, and cross-country skiing trails.

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