Roaring waterfalls, bellowing bison, steaming hot springs, rolling valleys. Yellowstone is a dreamscape located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Protected since its establishment in 1872, the pristine land is a treasure trove of beauty, natural history, fascinating geology, and wildlife. With a climate that sees such diverse weather patterns through the seasons, here is a breakdown of what a visit to the park would look like at different times of the year:
Spring is a season that offers a bundle of delights. There is still plenty of snow on the ground, and even the potential for winter weather, but things are beginning to thaw. The park is waking up after a long winter, meaning wildlife are moving around more than usual! Spring migrations, bears emerging from hibernation, and animals indulging in the new greenery make for an exciting and dynamic visit with lots of photo opportunities. Summer provides beautiful, warm days, perfect for hiking and outdoor recreation. Wildflowers paint the landscape in a variety of hues, offering excellent vistas to soak in. Fall is yet another spectacular time as we get cooler days, meaning more wildlife movements. The days become shorter, the leaves turn gold, and the cooler temperatures accentuate the billowing steam from the geothermal features across the park, creating an otherworldly experience. Winter shows us a classic winter wonderland, unmatched anywhere else. Known for having harsh winters, heavy snowfall blankets the park while highlighting the dramatic heat from the geothermal activity. It is the coming together of fire and ice; an unthinkably large volcano underground paired with extreme winter conditions from above.
The park is accessible year round, however certain entrances close in the winter. The North and Northeast entrances stay open all year to personal vehicles, so you can always access the park from Bozeman and Gardiner. The South, West, and East entrances close in the winter months (November to April) to personal vehicles, but remain open to over snow vehicles only like snowmobiles and snow coaches.
There are many places to stay that are convenient access points to Yellowstone. The largest with a population of 57,000, Bozeman is packed with comfortable hotels and delicious restaurants. Located 87 miles from the north entrance and 80 miles from the west entrance, it is the farthest from the park but offers the most amenities, including the convenience of the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport.
Big Sky is the next closest town to Bozeman, and is significantly smaller. At a population of just over 2,800, Big Sky offers a cozy, quiet retreat nestled in the Rocky Mountain Range with access to Yellowstone, 50 miles from the west entrance. Winter time offers fantastic skiing at the Big Sky Resort on the face of Lone Mountain.
On the other side of the park, Cody, Wyoming is located 52 miles from the east entrance. Named after the famous Buffalo Bill, the town of 10,000 is steeped in the history of the West, with charming hotels like the Irma and a rodeo to attend every night of the week in the summer months. Visit the Buffalo Bill Museum to learn about the rugged characters of the past and the natural history of the region.
To the south lies Jackson Hole. The town of Jackson, Wyoming (pop 10,600) is located within Jackson Hole, which refers to the valley including Grand Teton National Park. The biggest perk of basing your visit in Jackson is in addition to its proximity to the Yellowstone south entrance 60 miles away, Grand Teton is mere minutes from town. The National Elk Refuge is also situated right beside the town, offering unmatched elk viewing during the winter. Jackson is bursting with hotel and restaurant options, is a world-class ski destination, and is only 15 minutes from the Jackson Hole Airport!
If you’d prefer to be based closer to Yellowstone, both Gardiner and West Yellowstone are towns located right at park entrances. West Yellowstone (population 1,200) is right by the west entrance. Located in the southwest corner of Montana, it borders both Idaho and Wyoming. A picturesque western town, West Yellowstone is a fun and charming experience for the whole family. Along with a variety of restaurants and hotels, there is also an iMax theater and the Bear and Wolf Discovery Center, which houses live grizzly bears and wolves rescued from the local ecosystem. Gardiner is the smallest of the towns with a population of just over 700! It also has the quaint, western atmosphere located at the north entrance and has the easiest access to Mammoth Hot Springs, the largest developed area in Yellowstone. It boasts beautiful views of rolling hills, and frequently has elk hanging out right in town!
If wildlife sightings are your goal, then the season in which you visit will impact your experience. Every season sees cyclical changes in wildlife behaviors across all species. Some seasons are more active than others, always offering something exciting to see.
Spring is one of the most active times, especially for baby animals! Bears are emerging from their den with newborn cubs in May. Females with new cubs are the last to emerge at the end of the month, and adult males come out earlier. Elk, moose, and deer are calving in June, so if you keep a sharp eye out, you might see an elk calf hiding in the tall grasses or a moose calf with its orange baby coat tucked under its mother’s legs.
Wildlife slow down as they settle into their summer routines to keep cool, but bison thrive in this season as their rut ramps up. Endless herds of bison competing for breeding rights is a thrill to watch. They flood the valleys as they bellow and wallow, often causing mile-long bison jams as they wander right in the roads!
In the fall, the elk and moose enter their breeding season, and bears begin preparing for the return of winter by non-stop feeding. Berry bushes are a great place to check for bear activity, and keeping an ear open for elk bugles will let you know where the herds are in the mornings and evenings.
Winter months may seem daunting in the heavy winters, but the blanket of bright white snow is the perfect stage for spotting wolves on the move as they hunt. Wolves thrive in the cold months, so this is the most reliable time to spot this exciting species!
For an introduction to Yellowstone, a day tour gives you a wonderful, comprehensive overview. When you book a Best of Yellowstone, you’ll get to see the major geological highlights like Old Faithful Geyser, Grand Prismatic Spring and other bubbling geothermal features, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and its enormous waterfalls, and historic structures like the Old Faithful Inn. A Wildlife Safari tour takes you to the heart of wildlife habitats, offering you the best opportunity for animal sightings and learning fascinating facts about the local flora and fauna. As with any safari, sightings are never a guarantee! Keeping an open mind will help you to have the best experience possible, and we know the best times of day to visit particular spots to increase your chances for encounters. If you have your heart set on seeing certain species, or want time to soak in more of the park, our multi-day tour will immerse you into the beauty of Yellowstone and maximize your wildlife opportunities!
Be sure to book in advance to secure your safari, we look forward to seeing you!
FAQs
When is the best time to visit Yellowstone for good weather?
The best time for pleasant weather is typically late spring through early fall (May to September). During these months, temperatures are moderate, and most of the park’s roads and attractions are open. Summer, in particular, offers the warmest weather and access to all major sites, but it’s also the busiest time of year.
What time of year is best for wildlife viewing in Yellowstone?
The best time for wildlife viewing is in the spring and early summer (April to June). Spring is when many animals give birth, so you’ll have the chance to see bison calves, elk calves, and baby bears. Fall (September to November) is also great for wildlife, especially with the elk rut (mating season), when you can hear the males bugling.
Is Yellowstone less crowded at any time of the year?
Yes, Yellowstone tends to be less crowded during the shoulder seasons: early spring (April-May) and fall (September-October). If you want to avoid the peak summer crowds, these months are ideal, offering more solitude and easier access to popular sites. However, some roads and facilities may still be closed in early spring due to snow.
When is the best time to see Yellowstone’s famous geysers and hot springs?
You can see Yellowstone’s geysers and hot springs year-round, but the best time is during the cooler months—early spring and fall—when the contrast between the hot steam and the chilly air creates dramatic steam plumes. Summer is also a good time, and less steam in the warmer temperatures can improve visibility of the vivid colors. Winter offers a unique experience, but some areas may be inaccessible.
What is the best time to visit Yellowstone for hiking?
For hiking, the best time is late spring through early fall (May to September). In late spring, lower elevation trails open, and wildflowers bloom, while summer offers the widest variety of trail options. Some higher elevation trails may still be snow-covered in early summer. Fall provides fewer crowds and stunning foliage, but some trails at higher elevations may start closing due to snow in late September.
When is the best time to visit Yellowstone for photography?
The best time for photography in Yellowstone is during the early mornings and late evenings, regardless of the season. These “golden hours” provide soft, warm lighting and dramatic shadows. For specific seasons, spring and fall offer stunning landscapes with fresh blooms or vibrant fall colors, while winter provides a peaceful, snow-covered landscape with stark contrasts. Summer’s lush greenery and blue skies also make for great shots, but expect more crowds in popular spots.
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