It can snow in July or reach 70 degrees in late fall. We recommend you pack for all seasons, even in the summer months. Nights can get below freezing and days can get chilly, especially during and after a rainstorm.
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Snow accumulation begins in mid- to late October, and snow stays on the ground until late March or early April. The average duration of snowcover is about 213 days for elevations up to 7,000 feet; this duration increases with elevation at the rate of 29 days for every 1,000 feet.
Yellowstone National Park can get very crowded during peak season (June, July, and August). The best months to visit Yellowstone are April, September, and October. These “off season” months provide more chances to catch a glimpse of the local wildlife and enjoy thinner crowds.
Flights to the nearest major airport — that of Jackson Hole, Wyoming — are typically cheapest between November and March, which is the park's low season. Prices for lodging begin to drop after Labor Day, once the summer crowds have diminished and children are back in school.
Generally speaking, April, May and June have the most rain, or even snow; July and August are the driest and warmest months, with temperatures typically rising into the 70s and 80s.
Yellowstone is a busy place in the summer. Over 2,5 mln of people visit Yellowstone in the summer months (June-August), with July being an absolute peak season.
Summer Visit to YellowstoneWaterproof and windproof outer layer: Lightweight, and breathable if possible. Both jacket and pants are recommended. Two Hats: A brimmed one for sun protection and possibly for rain and an insulating one for cool weather (May, June, September, and October.)
The absolute best time to visit Yellowstone is in summer, from mid June to mid September. That's when the weather is best, all the roads and facilities are open, and you can explore Yellowstone National Park to the fullest. However, this is also the busiest time.
You could easily take two weeks to explore Yellowstone (and you might want to after you spend a day here). To truly experience the best aspects of the park, you'll want to plan at least three days. But if you only have one day to spend in the park, you want to get the most out of your time here.
Summer. Daytime temperatures are often around 70F (25C) and occasionally 80F (30C) at lower elevations. Nights are usually cool and temperatures may drop below freezing at higher elevations. Thunderstorms are common in the afternoons.
Elk. Elk or wapiti (Cervus canadensis) are the most abundant large mammal found in Yellowstone; paleontological evidence confirms their continuous presence for at least 1,000 years. Yellowstone National Park was established in 1872, when market hunting of all large grazing animals was rampant.
The best time to visit Yellowstone to avoid crowds is May, September, and early October. Most park amenities, including lodging and roads, are open, wildlife is active, and the geyser basins are easily accessible in these months.
The mornings (dawn until 11 a.m.) and evenings (6 p.m. until dusk) are perfect window times for beating the tour groups and family wagons and securing a spot with an uninterrupted view. If you prefer the morning, all you need is a trusty alarm clock, maybe a strong cup of coffee and an early start to the day.
Even in peak summer season, it's possible to avoid crowds. The trick is to be either an early bird or late afternoon adventurer. Yellowstone is normally busiest from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the stretch between Yellowstone's West Entrance to Old Faithful usually has the most traffic.