Not sure when to Visit YNP? We Visited In All Four Seasons to Help You Decide
Choosing the perfect time to visit Yellowstone National Park can be difficult, with each season offering its own unique experience. Our first trip to Yellowstone was in July of 2015, when we spent five days in the park camping, hiking, and exploring along a Pacific Northwest Road Trip. We fell in love with the beauty and wildlife of America’s first national park—so much so that we returned once a season in 2023 and even made Yellowstone's North Entrance our second home by the end of the year. Now, we live part-time at the foot of Yellowstone National Park and spend the rest of the year helping others experience its magic.
Yellowstone is a large park with five distinct entrances, approximately 310 miles of paved roads, over 15 miles of boardwalk trails, and 1000+ miles of hiking trails. There's so much to do and see in Yellowstone, but knowing when to visit and what to do each season is crucial, as Yellowstone's accessibility and attractions vary greatly with the seasons.
In this post, we'll share our insights into each season in the park, giving you a comprehensive guide on the best time to experience Yellowstone’s biggest and best attractions. Whether you're drawn to the fun of seeing baby animals in spring or you prefer great hiking and the cooler temperatures that come with changing leaves, we've got you covered. Here’s when to visit Yellowstone National Park by season.
Table of Contents Show
Is winter a good time to visit Yellowstone?
Winter is a great time to visit Yellowstone, especially for fewer crowds, wolf-watching, and winter sports such as snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
Winter in Yellowstone is spectacular. It’s a true winter wonderland. In fact, Yellowstone is nicknamed ‘wonderland,’ which was actually what the park was called before it became a national park. The story goes (as told by one of our winter tour guides) that once Yellowstone was to become America’s first national park, those in charge said they couldn’t officially name it ‘wonderland’ and send people to a faraway land thinking they’d be seeing things like Alice in Wonderland (which came out a few years prior). In effect, they renamed—and officially named—America’s first national park “Yellowstone” after the Yellowstone River, which got its name from the yellowish rock found throughout the park, including in the walls of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
You’re in for a treat when visiting Yellowstone in the winter. Bison appear stoic in the snow. It’s captivating, and it's actually my favorite time of the year to see bison in the park as they move to lower elevations in search of food. They often follow the roadways and groomed trails to conserve energy as they do, offering a close-up view of these incredibly large and powerful animals. A likewise special sight, the animals you can’t see as well during other seasons (because they camouflage with the foliage) are easier to spot along the snow-covered landscape. Wolves, red foxes, and coyotes are generally easier to observe in the winter months, making this time of year one of the most popular for wolf watchers and wildlife photographers.
Finally, winter is an adventurous time of year to visit. Since interior roads are closed to cars, you’re encouraged to explore Yellowstone by snowcoach, snowmobile, snowshoe, or cross-country skiing. It’s the perfect opportunity to try something new and, as a bonus, feel like you’re getting the park all to yourself.
3 Reasons to Visit YNP in the Winter
Here’s why you should visit Yellowstone National Park during the winter.
But first, a note on the winter season… The winter season in Yellowstone runs from December 15th to March 15th. Before December 15th, most park roads and hotels are closed to prepare for the winter season. After March 15th, things close once more to clear the roads of snow and prepare for the summer season. So, when planning a winter trip to Yellowstone, be sure to visit between December 15th and March 15th when roads and lodging are open. (You can confirm the current year’s exact dates here and here.) Our winter visit was for a week in February.
There aren’t really crowds in Yellowstone in the winter.
There aren’t lines at the entrance gates, you won’t be waiting in traffic to hop from attraction to attraction or struggle to find parking, and you’re not going to get into any traffic jams. You may, however, find yourself in a bison jam! This happens when bison are crossing or walking along a road. Bison jams are common in Yellowstone year-round, but are especially spectacular during winter when bison are using the park roads to conserve energy and take the path of least resistance. During our winter trip, we snowmobiled right next to a herd of bison—and it was one of the coolest moments of our entire trip. (You can view a snippet of this on Instagram here.)
During winter, wildlife essentially “come to you” in search of more accessible travel and food sources, making winter one of the best times of the year to be in the park for wildlife viewing. Trails are also quiet in the winter, few people are on the road, and most restaurants won’t fill up, meaning you won’t do much waiting during your trip. Winter is one of the quietest times of the year to visit Yellowstone but also one of the prettiest.
Yellowstone under a blanket of snow is stunning. Photography is really special this time of year.
If you enjoy photography, winter is a great time to visit Yellowstone. A quieter park allows for more uninterrupted photos and an easier time getting the perfect shot. Fewer crowds also make it easier to find parking at popular attractions, giving you more time to focus on taking photos rather than navigating cars (or people).
Yellowstone under a blanket of snow shows off the park unlike any other time of year. It’s truly a winter wonderland, with snow-covered landscapes that provide a stunning backdrop for any photograph. While bears hibernate during this season, wolves, red foxes, coyotes, elk, bald eagles, and bison are all commonly spotted. I have more winter photos of Yellowstone than any other time of year simply because it’s my favorite season to photograph. It’s breathtakingly beautiful.
Wolf-watching is best in the winter months, especially in February.
This was one of the main reasons we wanted to visit Yellowstone in the winter. We were looking for a winter destination, and Jon threw out Yellowstone because seeing a wolf in the wild was on his bucket list. We planned our winter trip, saw a wolf in the wild, had a phenomenal time, and decided to return to Yellowstone each season to experience as much of what the park offers as possible. (In full transparency, we also booked our winter trip because we thought it would be fun to say we’ve snowmobiled through Yellowstone. What a unique experience, right?!)
While there, we met so many wolf watchers who come to Yellowstone each February. They were helpful and friendly, and many shared with us their experiences in the park over the years. You have to be dedicated and committed to visit Yellowstone in the Winter—it’s quite the trip with planning and logistics and, of course, weather!—so we met many people with different stories and backgrounds that led them here. Here, as in… to as low as -47 degree weather to stand in the snow for hours on end and watch for wildlife or traverse through feet of snow into the backcountry to explore. Visiting Yellowstone in the winter connects you with adventurous travelers from all over the world (who you’re now one of!), and there’s something really special about that.
3 Reasons Not to Visit Yellowstone in the Winter
Here’s the biggest reason not to visit Yellowstone in the winter: not all roads are open. Not only that, but most roads aren’t open to private vehicles, meaning you’ll have to book transportation to most of Yellowstone’s main attractions.
This is important for two main reasons. One, you won’t be able to drive through the park between the North and West Entrances. This will add travel time to your trip as you’ll have to drive from the North Entrance (Gardiner, MT) to Bozeman to the West Entrance (West Yellowstone). Or, you’ll need to book snow coach transportation between the entrances. This is a more expensive option, which brings us to reason two: Visiting Yellowstone in the winter can quickly become expensive.
Because you have to book transportation, such as a snow coach or snowmobile, and/or may have to rent equipment for activities like snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, a trip to Yellowstone in the winter can add up. Not only do you have to find lodging and rent a car (or book transportation) to get from the airport to your hotel, but you also have to factor in how you’ll be touring Yellowstone. Touring in the winter is a magical experience, but it’s also more complicated than touring in the summer. This is because you can’t drive your own car through most of Yellowstone National Park in the winter months.
The roads between Yellowstone’s North Entrance (near Gardiner, MT, and Mammoth Hot Springs) and Yellowstone’s Northeast Entrance (near Cooke City and Lamar Valley) are the only roads open for car travel in the winter. From mid-December to mid-March, you can drive your vehicle into the park from this entrance only. The good news is you’ll still have access to Mammoth Hot Springs and Lamar Valley, between which are some of the best spots for winter wildlife watching. The bad news is that you’ll have to book transportation (or stay at more expensive lodging options inside the park) to get anywhere else. This can add up in cost.
One final reason you may not want to visit Yellowstone in the winter is, of course, the temperature. Expect snow and cold temps when visiting between December and March and make sure to dress (and layer!) accordingly. Good snow boots, warm socks, thermal layers, multiple jackets, buffs, gloves, and hats are highly recommended.
Oh, and another thing— If you want to see bears in Yellowstone, don’t go in the winter.
Is Spring a good time to visit Yellowstone?
Visiting Yellowstone in the spring feels like you’re experiencing a completely different park! In the winter, bison tend to move towards the park's outskirts, seeking lower elevations and even venturing outside the park in search of food. However, in the spring, they begin their journey back into the heart of the park, particularly to Lamar and Hayden Valleys.
While winter is a magical time in the park, spring is a playful time of year to visit Yellowstone. As the snow melts and the days grow longer, the park comes alive with new growth and young wildlife. Spring months offer something particularly special… wolf pups, bison calves, and bear cubs, oh my!
Mid-May to early June brings the babies and the best time of the year to spot bear cubs, wolf pups, bison calves, pronghorn fawns, and coyote pups, among others. Spring also brings 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.
Why You Should Visit Yellowstone in the Spring
Bears.
That’s why you should visit Yellowstone in the spring.
Well, for bears… and the babies… and still smaller crowds… and clear roads but some remaining snow-capped mountains… There are MANY reasons to visit Yellowstone in the spring!
As much as I love the winter season (particularly for second or third-time visitors), if I had to pick just one time of year in Yellowstone, I’d pick mid-May to early June. You’ll enjoy smaller crowds than in later summer months, but temperatures are comfortable, and the baby animals are here. Mid-May is generally best for newborn wildlife and bear watching; however, bears generally stay at lower elevations through early June.
The most important thing to know about visiting Yellowstone in the spring is when exactly to visit. Rolling road openings begin around April 19th. Here’s what that means. (The following dates are for the 2024 calendar year. Confirm dates for the year you’re visiting here.)
Year-Round: Gardiner to Mammoth to Tower-Roosevelt to Lamar Valley to the Northeast Entrance is open.
April 19th: Mammoth to Norris to Madison to Old Faithful to Canyon Village is open. (Take advantage of smaller crowds at Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring. Also, be sure to leisurely walk the Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces, Norris Geyser Basin, Lower Geyser Basin, and Upper Geyser Basin.)
May 3rd: Canyon Village to Hayden Valley to Fishing Bridge to Lake Village to the East Entrance is open. (Explore the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone with fewer crowds. Get up early (or stay out late) to watch for wildlife in Hayden and Lamar Valleys.)
May 10th: Tower-Roosevelt to Tower Fall and Old Faithful to West Thumb to Grant Village to South Entrance to Bridge Bay to Lake Village is open. (Look for bears—and bear cubs!—along the drive from Tower-Roosevelt to Tower Fall. This is one of the best areas in the park to spot bears. Also spend time in Lamar Valley looking for bison calves, wolf pups, and bear cubs.)
May 24th: Tower Fall to Dunraven Pass to Canyon Village is open. (All roads in the park are now open. While Memorial Day weekend is generally busy, the park still experiences fewer visitors in late May and early June than in later summer months.)
We visited in mid-May and are partial to visiting on or after May 10th* when the road to Tower Fall opens. That’s because Tower Fall is one of the best areas in the park for spring bear-watching! (Some wolf-watchers during our February trip encouraged us to change our spring dates from the end of April to the middle of May, and we’re so glad we did.) That said, visiting earlier in spring offers fewer crowds at many of Yellowstone’s most iconic destinations, so that’s great, too.
*Note: Confirm road opening dates for the current calendar year here. (For example, in 2023, the road to Tower Fall opened on May 12th.)
For the best wildlife viewing during spring months, stay near the North Entrance of Yellowstone, near Mammoth or Gardiner. ( <— Click that link to stay with us in Gardiner!) You’re most likely to spot bears, wolves, and their young in the nearby Tower-Roosevelt and Lamar Valley areas. The best times of day for wildlife watching are in the morning and evening when animals are most active.
Cons of Visiting YNP in the Spring
Spring brings new life to the park, but it can still be cold. This is especially true if you’re visiting earlier in spring.
Roads are also only partially open until the end of May, and trails often have an excess of mud while snow is melting. Spring is not the best time of year to hike in Yellowstone National Park, especially if you’re hoping to hike higher elevation trails, such as Mount Washburn or Avalanche Lake. These trails are often still snow-packed in spring, which means you’ll need proper snow gear (like snow shoes or microspikes) to traverse safely.
The abundance of wildlife watching in spring—and the fact that wildlife is often closer to the road this time of year—means photographers are also out in abundance. This isn’t necessarily a reason not to visit, but it is something to expect. As you’re witnessing two bear cubs climb up a tree to nap with mom just a couple of branches away, you’ll probably have a bunch of scopes and large cameras on either side of you. The positive of this is that these photographers often know where the best animal sightings are and can help point you in the right direction while sharing some incredible stories.
Is summer a bad time to visit Yellowstone?
Let’s talk about summer. Some people will try to tell you that summer is a bad time to visit Yellowstone because it’s busy and crowded. I’m not one of those people.
Summer is when you should visit if you want to see Yellowstone in its fullest, most colorful glory. (We’ve been twice in July and once in August.)
Summer is prime park season for a reason—all hotels are open, all roads are open, all facilities, restrooms, general stores, and restaurants are open, all trails are open, wildlife is still out in abundance, temperatures are pleasant, campgrounds are operating in full swing, people are on trails (which is great for hiking safely in bear country), wildflowers are blooming, and Yellowstone’s hot springs (including the Grand Prismatic Spring) are at their most vibrant on hot summer afternoons.
Summer is a great time to visit Yellowstone National Park.
7 Reasons to Visit Yellowstone in the Summer
If you want to see the Grand Prismatic Spring at its most beautiful, visit on a hot, calm afternoon in July or August.
If you want to experience the nerve-wracking adrenaline rush of a bison jam during a bison rut, visit at the end of July or August.
If you want lots of daylight to explore as much of Yellowstone as possible, visit in the summer.
If you want to camp, visit Yellowstone in the summer.
If you want to drive the nearby Beartooth Highway—sometimes hailed the most scenic drive in America—visit in the summer.
If you want to fish or go river rafting on the Yellowstone River, be in Yellowstone on a warm summer afternoon.
Ultimately, if you’re planning your first trip to Yellowstone National Park and are not particular about your wildlife watching, plan your trip for the summer. You’ll still see plenty of wildlife this time of year—especially if you’re in the park during dawn and dusk— but will also get to experience a little bit of everything Yellowstone offers.
Why to Avoid Yellowstone in the Summer
I’m a big fan of Yellowstone in the summer, but you do need to know how to navigate the busy crowds—because Yellowstone is busy from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Summer is the busiest time of year at Yellowstone, and this leads to the possibility of long wait times at popular spots like Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring. Finding parking at overlooks, trailheads, and key attractions can also be difficult, making it hard to enjoy the park without dealing with congestion. (Difficulty with parking can add to trail length or require missing attractions if you have to park further out or skip something altogether.)
Lodging prices are also a downside of visiting in the summer, as demand and prices are at their highest during the peak months of July and August. You likely will need to book your trip about a year in advance, especially if you want to stay inside the park.
Finally, you will see wildlife in the summer, but you’ll probably need to wake up earlier to do so. (Or stay out later. Or both!) Since the sun rises earlier during the summer months and wildlife is most active at dawn and dusk, you’ll want to start your day early to maximize your chances of seeing wildlife.
Is fall a good time to visit Yellowstone National Park?
Fall is a beautiful time of year to visit Yellowstone. Many facilities, lodges, restaurants, and park services stay open through September and October, but summer crowds thin out, the park becomes quieter, and cooler temperatures make hiking more comfortable. (We’ve visited Yellowstone in both September and October.)
Animals like elk and deer are active in the fall as they prepare for winter, and it's the peak of the elk rutting season, where you can witness bulls bugling and competing for mates. Bears are also visible in the fall as they forage in preparation for hibernation.
Because fall crowds start to dissipate, you’ll have an easier time finding parking at popular attractions and trailheads. Lodging prices also tend to drop compared to the peak summer season, making it a more budget-friendly time to visit.
Early September is actually my pick for 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 at this time (Grand Teton is magical for hiking!!), and there’s a chance you’ll get to see a bit of snow-capping on the Teton mountains WHILE leaves are changing—and the contrast is absolutely spectacular.
Best Things To Do in Yellowstone in the Fall
Hiking is one of the best things to do in Yellowstone during the fall. With fewer visitors, the trails are less crowded. Plus, trails like Fairy Falls (which has a fantastic bird’s eye view of the Grand Prismatic Spring) and Mount Washburn (with stunning panoramic views of the park) are enhanced by fall foliage.
While Yellowstone’s fall foliage might not be as famous as other regions, the park still offers beautiful displays of color. Take a leisurely drive through areas like East Entrance Road or Northeast Entrance Road to see golden aspens and vibrant meadows.
Fall can also be a good time for fly fishing, with the Yellowstone River and Slough Creek being popular spots for anglers due to the increased fish activity.
While swimming in most of Yellowstone’s hot springs is prohibited, the nearby Yellowstone Hot Springs, located just outside the park near Gardiner, MT, offers a unique opportunity to soak in naturally heated water. The cool fall air makes this warm pool even more inviting. It’s a must-do in the fall! Just keep in mind that all roads in Yellowstone generally close on October 31st, so you’ll want to make sure you plan your fall visit before then.
Cons of Visiting Yellowstone in the Fall
By November, most bears have entered hibernation. Additionally, elk, which are more visible in the summer and early fall, start to migrate to higher elevations in areas like Big Sky, Gardiner, and the Tetons, leaving popular viewing spots like the western part of the park with less wildlife activity.
As the weather cools, unpredictable conditions can also impact your visit. Early snowstorms can lead to sudden closures of roads and trails, limiting access to some of the park’s best attractions. Many facilities, including visitor centers, campgrounds, and lodges, start to close for the season—some as early as September—reducing the services available to visitors. With shorter daylight hours, your window for exploring is also limited, making it harder to fit in all the activities you might want to experience.
Our Favorite Season in Yellowstone
There truly isn’t one best time to visit Yellowstone National Park—it’s an amazing destination, no matter the season. The ideal time for your visit depends on your personal interests and what you hope to experience. (You can view a detailed breakdown of our recommendations by interest here!)
That said… In my opinion, the overall best time to visit Yellowstone National Park is from mid-May through early June, especially for first-time visitors. Wildlife is active, park roads and facilities are open, and the heavy summer crowds haven’t yet arrived. Just be sure to avoid Memorial Day weekend to enjoy a more peaceful experience!
Save this for later
Hover over the image below and click on the red “Save” button that pops up in the upper lefthand corner of the image to save this on Pinterest for later. (If you’re on mobile, you might have to tap the image first to see the red ‘Save’ button.)
Happy Travels!!
