When to Go

When to Go

There are two major seasons in Yellowstone: summer (May-September), when warm days give way to brisk evenings, and when by far the majority of visitors come; and winter (mid-December-February), when fewer people visit. Except for services at park headquarters at Mammoth Hot Springs, the park closes from October to mid-December and from March to late April or early May.

You'll find big crowds from mid-July to mid-August. There are fewer people in the park the month or two before and after this peak season, but there are also fewer facilities open. There's also more rain, especially at lower elevations. Except for holiday weekends, there are few visitors in winter. You must plan ahead if you want to visit during this time, as snowy conditions mean most roads are closed from early November to early May. Snow is possible year-round at high elevations.

If you've visited Yellowstone in summer, you might not recognize it after the first snowfall. Rocky outcroppings are smoothed over. Waterfalls are transformed into jagged sheets of ice. The most satisfying -- and often the only -- way to explore is by snowshoe, ski, or snowmobile.