Best time to visit Idaho

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Idaho

Best time of year to visit Idaho

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.

16 THINGS TO DO IN IDAHO (AUGUST 28 - SEPTEMBER 06)

Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic

Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic

unconfirmedAugust 28–September 1, 2024 • event

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

Northern Lights

Northern Lights

September–March • nature

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

Eastern Idaho State Fair

Eastern Idaho State Fair

August 30-September 7, 2024 • event

One of the two largest and most popular fairs of Idaho

Grizzly Bears

Grizzly Bears

March–early November • nature

The greatest attraction or the greatest risk? Maybe both!

Shoshone Falls

Shoshone Falls

all year round | best March–early June • nature

Meet the stunning "Niagara of the West"

Hummingbirds in Idaho

Hummingbirds in Idaho

May–August • nature

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

Sawtooth Mountains

Sawtooth Mountains

July–September • activity

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

Bloomington Lake

Bloomington Lake

July–September • activity

A short hike to a beautiful series of lakes

Goat Lake

Goat Lake

late July–September • nature

Discover Idaho’s best-kept secret

Sawtooth Lake

Sawtooth Lake

July–September • activity

An alpine lake surrounded by picturesque rugged mountains

Jump Creek Falls

Jump Creek Falls

March–November • activity

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

Table Mountain

Table Mountain

July–September • activity

One of the most accessible mountains of the Teton Range

Darby Wind Caves

Darby Wind Caves

June–September • activity

A great short hike in the Teton Range

Mesa Falls

Mesa Falls

May–October • nature

A thunderous curtain of waterfalls from the height of ten stores

Redfish Lake

Redfish Lake

May–October • nature

The largest lake of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area

Saddleback Lakes

Saddleback Lakes

July–September • nature

Beautiful mountains dotted with small alpine glacial lakes

16 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE

McCall Winter Carnival

McCall Winter Carnival

out of rangeFebruary 23–25, 2024 • event

An iconic winter festival running since the 1920s

Caldwell Night Rodeo

Caldwell Night Rodeo

out of rangeAugust 13-17, 2024 • event

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

Western Idaho Fair

Western Idaho Fair

out of rangeAugust 18–27, 2023 • event

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

Trailing of the Sheep Festival

Trailing of the Sheep Festival

out of rangeOctober 4–8, 2023 • event

The annual sheep herding festival in Idaho's Basque Country

Boise Christmas Show

Boise Christmas Show

out of rangeDecember 1–3, 2023 • event

Get into Christmas mood at this amazing holiday show

Fall Colors

Fall Colors

out of rangelate September–early October • nature

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

Idaho Falls Fireworks (Melaleuca Freedom Celebration)

Idaho Falls Fireworks (Melaleuca Freedom Celebration)

out of rangeJuly 4, 2024 • event

The biggest 4th of July festival in East Idaho

Baby Animal Season

Baby Animal Season

out of rangeApril–June • nature

Watch the first moves of new residents to the park

Idaho Fall Colors

Idaho Fall Colors

out of rangeearly October–mid November • nature

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

Idaho Shakespeare Festival

Idaho Shakespeare Festival

out of rangeMay 21–September 25, 2022 • event

Quality theatre in a stunning outdoor location

Gowen Thunder Idaho National Guard Air Show

Gowen Thunder Idaho National Guard Air Show

out of rangeAugust 26-27, 2024 • event

Experience the wonders of the aviation industry at this thrilling airshow

Christmas Lights in Idaho

Christmas Lights in Idaho

out of rangemid-November–early January  • event

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

Sandpoint Fireworks & Parade

Sandpoint Fireworks & Parade

unconfirmedJuly 4, 2024 • event

One of the best Independence Day parties in northeast Idaho

Joslin Field Celebration Twin Falls Airshow

Joslin Field Celebration Twin Falls Airshow

out of rangeAugust 16–17, 2025 • event

Get ready for this amazing air show in Twin Falls

Coyotes

Coyotes

out of rangeNovember–May • nature

Meet these predators native to the Yellowstone region

Sandpoint Renaissance Faire

Sandpoint Renaissance Faire

out of rangeJune 8-9, 2024 • event

Immerse in the era of chivalry and bravery

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