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Best time to visit

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There is no bad season in the Gem State, so the best time to visit Idaho depends only on your schedule. Autumn brings an amazing, with fresh air, beautiful foliage, and blue skies as a bonus. In addition to numerous events—such as the Eastern Idaho State Fair and the Trailing of the Sheep Festival—September and October boast great deals on accommodations. Winter comes with plenty of snow, and also skiers aiming to take advantage of Idaho’s fantastic ski slopes. With temps that can dip below freezing between late November and March, warm layers will be your best bet as you gaze up at breathtaking Northern Lights. Late spring offers mountains covered with greenery and wildflowers—making it the perfect time to explore Mesa Falls in full bloom, and also find good deals on hotels. Summer in Idaho is the peak season for tourists, with cooler temps in the mountains and warmer weather along the southern plains. Bring your canteen and hike in the Sawtooth Mountains, through the Derby Wind Caves, and around Jump Creek Falls.

27 things to do in Idaho

Grizzly Bears

March–early November Nature

The greatest attraction or the greatest risk? Maybe both!

Coyotes

November–May Nature

Meet these predators native to the Yellowstone region

Baby Animal Season

April–June Nature

Watch the first moves of new residents to the park

Jump Creek Falls

March–November Activity

One of the most scenic waterfalls in the state flows into Jump Creek Canyon

Eastern Idaho State Fair

August 30-September 7, 2024 Event

One of the two largest and most popular fairs of Idaho

Idaho Shakespeare Festival

May 24-September 29, 2024 Event

Quality theatre in a stunning outdoor location

Sawtooth Mountains

July–September Activity

This range of the Rocky Mountains boasts about 50 peaks over 3,000 m (10,000 ft) high

McCall Winter Carnival

February 21–23, 2025 Event

An iconic winter festival running since the 1920s

Mesa Falls

May–October Nature

A thunderous curtain of waterfalls from the height of ten stores

Bloomington Lake

July–September Activity

A short hike to a beautiful series of lakes

Redfish Lake

May–October Nature

The largest lake of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area

Western Idaho Fair

August 16–25, 2024 Event

Rock'n'roll all night and party all day long

Caldwell Night Rodeo

August 13-17, 2024 Event

Idaho's premier outdoor rodeo and one of the top 5, nationwide

Trailing of the Sheep Festival

October 2–6, 2024 Event

The annual sheep herding festival in Idaho's Basque Country

Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic

August 28–September 1, 2024 Event

Hot air balloon pilots from all across the US will definitely take your breath away

Northern Lights in Idaho

September–March Nature

The recipe of aurora encounter in Idaho is a mixture of luck, patience, persistence, and low expectations, yet chances are real!

Shoshone Falls

all year round | best March–early June Nature

Meet the stunning "Niagara of the West"

Fall Colors

late September–early October Nature

America's first national park is all dressed up for the fall

Idaho Fall Colors

early October–mid November Nature

Mountain peaks, dunes, and forests—Idaho has it all to impress a devoted leaf-peeper

Christmas Lights in Idaho

November 18, 2024–January 4, 2025 Event

Ignite the holiday spirit with the memory-making Christmas lights in Idaho

Hummingbirds in Idaho

May–August Nature

These fast and small jewels make for a first-rate backyard birdwatching

Idaho Falls Fireworks (Melaleuca Freedom Celebration)

July 4, 2024 Event

The biggest 4th of July festival in East Idaho

Sandpoint Fireworks & Parade

July 4, 2024 Event

One of the best Independence Day parties in northeast Idaho

Boise Christmas Show

December 6–8, 2024 Event

Get into Christmas mood at this amazing holiday show

Joslin Field Celebration Twin Falls Airshow

August 16–17, 2025 Event

Get ready for this amazing air show in Twin Falls

Gowen Thunder Idaho National Guard Air Show

August 26–27, 2023 Event

Experience the wonders of the aviation industry at this thrilling airshow

Sandpoint Renaissance Faire

June 8-9, 2024 Event

Immerse in the era of chivalry and bravery

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