Home
United States

Yellowstone National Park

© lorcel / Adobe Stock

Best time to visit

19
19
26
56
88
98
94
100
91
87
33
21
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Spring and autumn are known for the mild weather and fewer crowds, that's why April to May and September to November is the best time to visit Yellowstone National Park. In spring, the weather is unstable, and you need to pack layers. Most roads open by the third week in April, and it's about time to visit unique Isa Lake. Autumn in Yellowstone offers you beautiful orange-yellow foliage, a swim in boiling river, and amusing moose mating season, but most facilities close by early November. Peak season between July and August brings lots of summer activities and perfect weather to visit Grand Prismatic Spring and Morning Glory Pool. However, summertime can be unbelievably busy, so you'd better book your room in advance. Winter in Yellowstone is a harsh and snowy period when some facilities and roads are closed. Anyway, you still have an opportunity to observe migrating bison and wolves, enjoy winter sports, and witness steam rising from the thick blanket of ice and snow and droplets freezing in the air.

44 things to do in Yellowstone National Park

Autumn

late September, October, November Weather

The beginning of autumn is still warm and charming, while at the end of the season the cold and snow comes very quickly

Grand Prismatic Spring

June–August Nature

As the name implies, this is the largest and possibly the most spectacular hot spring in the USA

Swim in Boiling River

mid-July–February Activity

Take a relaxing dip into the warm waters of the Boiling River

Winter

December, January, February, March Weather

Winter is trully magical but quite a tough season to visit Yellowstone

Grizzly Bears

March–early November Nature

The greatest attraction or the greatest risk? Maybe both!

Badgers

June–September Nature

These little diggers roam around the park but hide quickly and are rather hard to spot

Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

December–March Activity

Enjoy long and peaceful crisp walks and gorgeous trails with perfect winter views

Snowmobiling

December–March Activity

An exciting way to explore Yellowstone in winter

Mud Volcano

May–October Nature

Unique geothermal features attract visitors to this famous spot

Black Bears

late March–early November Nature

Smaller and less agressive than grizzlies, black bears can be observed during the daylight

Touring the Grand Loop

May–October Nature

Enjoy a scenic drive and explore some of the main highlights of the park during a one-day trip along the loop

Fountain Paint Pot

April–October (best: April–May) Nature

These colorful boiling pots are one of the park's main attractions

Spring

April, May, early June Weather

Spring in Yellowstone can be delusive. It welcomes visitors with warm and sunny days and in the same time it can bring showers or even snow

Horseback Riding

April–October Activity

The most authentic way to explore the wilderness of Yellowstone Park

Yellowstone Sand Verbena

mid-June–mid-October Nature

If you are looking for some of the rarest plants in the world, there is one in this park. Come and find out about this mysterious flower

Annual Elk Migration in Yellowstone National Park

late October–early December | April–May Nature

The annual elk migration takes them to warmer and safer places

High Season

July–August Crowdedness

Warm weather, varied nature, and lots of activities attract the visitors during summer time

Yellowstone Lake

May–October Activity

Large and beautiful, settled in the heart of the park, Yellowstone Lake is a great spot for marveling at the beauty of nature

Elks

September–October | May–June Nature

The Elk rut is one reason that draws so many visitors to the park every year during September, and early summer bring elk calves

Bison Mating Season

late July–August Nature

Wild bison roaming around the park are a popular tourist attraction. Their rutting fights are some of the most impressive as well!

Cycling

mid-March–October Activity

Bicycling is great way to explore the park during the warm months and enjoy all the famous spots and the scenic road itself!

Moose

September–October Nature

Follow the song of a bull moose during the mating season. But watch out and don't come too close!

Morning Glory Pool

March–November Nature

Stunning beauty of this natural pool is vanishing due to pollution

Bighorn Sheep

May–June | November Nature

Check out the bighorns on the slopes of the mountains

Wolves

November–April Nature

Wildlife watching in Yellowstone is really exciting though sometimes a little scary!

Tower-Roosevelt Area

May–October Nature

One of the most famous areas in the park features lots of natural and historic sights to explore

Canoeing and Kayaking

May–October Activity

Come and enjoy your favourite summer activity among Yellowstone's beautiful natural scenery

Rafting

May–September Activity

The scenic rivers in the park offer great fun during a whitewater rafting adventure

Isa Lake

March–May Nature

Located at a high elevation, Isa Lake flows to west and east and makes its path to the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. And this happens only at a certain time of the year

Climbing

May–October Activity

Climbing in Yellowstone is diverse and full of excitement. This is a climbing hotspot with hundreds of peaks to conquer!

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

April–October Nature

Smaller than Arizona's Grand Canyon, though no less impressive stretching for more than 30 km

Coyotes

November–May Nature

Meet these predators native to the Yellowstone region

Three Waterfalls of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and Uncle Tom's Trail

April–October Nature

The park has almost 300 waterfalls to marvel at, but these three are the highest and most powerful

Migrating Bison

December–March Nature

Thousands of animals gather in the Northern areas of the park for winter

Old Faithful Geyser

May–October Nature

Don't miss Old Faithful on your trip to Yellowstone!

Birdwatching

mid-May–October Nature

This park is a good place to see water birds, migrating species, and birds of prey

Mammoth Hot Springs

May–October Nature

These amazing colorful hot springs are changing and growing all the time. Come and observe beautiful terraces created by these springs

Baby Animal Season

April–June Nature

Watch the first moves of new residents to the park

Fishing

late May–early November Activity

Spend a day angling in the clear waters of this natural reserve full of great fish

Sleeping Giant Zipline

mid-June–mid-September Activity

This scenic ride is a fascinating summer activity

Dunraven Pass

June–September Activity

Take a scenic ride on the highest road in Yellowstone

Beartooth Highway

late May–mid-October Activity

Pass along the highest route in the Northern Rockies

Fall Colors

late September–early October Nature

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

Stargazing

all year round (but the best time is April-October) Nature

Surprise surprise: Yellowstone is awesome not only during the day

Last updated:

Nearby destinations

United States
Montana
United States
Wyoming
United States
Idaho
United States
Park City, UT
United States
Salt Lake City, UT
United States
Utah
United States
Fort Collins, CO
Canada
Calgary
Canada
Alberta