Best Time to Visit Yellowstone: Summer

Yellowstone Safari Company offers a variety of family-friendly tours. From West Yellowstone we recommend a Yellowstone & Grand Teton Day Tour for those with the highest interests in seeing wildlife and scenery in both National Parks.  For those hoping to see the highlights of Yellowstone National Park we recommend the Best of Yellowstone tour from any of our 3 gate options (West, East, North). This tour covers wildlife throughout the day but also the major highlights in the Parks. It is a wonderful option to get your family the photo opportunities and amazing experiences you are hoping for at Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and many other locations.

Summer is a time of repose for both bears and wolves. Bears move into the high country as temperatures increase and their bodies become warmer they will seek higher altitudes. They can still sometimes be visible in dense forests or high mountain meadows, or in early mornings. Wolves can still be seen in Yellowstone National Park hunting for their new pups throughout our valleys, and we catch sight of them on some days when we are particularly lucky. If you are interested in seeing bears and wolves and would like to avoid the most crowded months in the park, spring and fall are an even better time to consider visiting.

Each entrance gate offers its own unique path into Yellowstone National Park (and even Grand Teton National Park). From the South Gate we can offer a wonderful and comprehensive selection of tours through our sister company, Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris. From the East Gate we offer both Yellowstone Wildlife Safari and Best of Yellowstone tours into the Park with the especially dramatic and beautiful entrance over Sylvan Pass and huge views of Yellowstone Lake and its wildlife. We also offer pickups for wildlife safaris from the East Gate at Lake Hotel, Fishing Bridge and Canyon Village within the Park for early morning starts for prime wildlife viewing. From the North Gate we also offer our best loved tour, the Yellowstone Wildlife Safari into Lamar Valley, as well as the Best of Yellowstone tour which offers stops at Mammoth Hot Springs, Swan Lake Flats and Norris Thermal Area in addition to the highlights of the Southern Loop of Yellowstone. From the West Gate we offer a Yellowstone Wildlife Safari, Best of Yellowstone and our Yellowstone & Grand Teton Day Tour so guests have a plethora of great options to choose from based on their specific needs and desires, as well as their starting location.

Summer in Yellowstone typically begins around mid to late June, with warm days and cooler nights. July and August are the warmest months, offering ideal conditions for outdoor activities. However, these months also see the highest number of visitors. To experience fewer crowds while still enjoying pleasant weather, consider visiting in May or June or after Labor Day in September.

Yellowstone boasts numerous iconic features that are particularly vibrant in summer. The park’s geothermal features, such as Grand Prismatic Spring, display vivid colors due to heightened microbial activity in warmer temperatures. Old Faithful, with its regular and predictable eruptions, is perhaps the most iconic site in the park. Additionally, areas like Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities during this season.

Summer is an active time for Yellowstone’s wildlife. Visitors often observe bison during their mating season, as well as elk, moose, and various bird species like ospreys and bald eagles. Early morning and late evening are the best times for wildlife sightings, as animals are more active during cooler parts of the day.

To minimize encounters with large crowds, plan to explore the park during early morning hours, starting at sunrise. This strategy not only offers a more serene experience but also increases the likelihood of observing active wildlife. Alternatively, visiting in mid-May or after Labor Day (September) can result in fewer visitors, though be prepared for cooler temperatures and potential early or late-season snow later in the season.

Yes, it is an excellent way to boost your Yellowstone experience.  Guided tours are available during the summer months, offering various options such as wildlife safaris, photography tours, and hikes. These tours provide expert insights into the park’s ecology, geology, and history, enhancing your Yellowstone experience.

Weather in Yellowstone can be unpredictable, even during summer. It’s advisable to pack layered clothing to accommodate temperature fluctuations, including warm days and chilly mornings or nights. Essential items include a waterproof jacket, sturdy hiking boots or walking shoes, a hat and sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camera.  Your guide will have bear spray on hand.

Safety is paramount when visiting any National Park, but Yellowstone does have a few specific rules to follow for your own safety. Always maintain a safe distance from wildlife—at least 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yards from other animals. Stay on designated trails and boardwalks, especially around geothermal areas, to prevent accidents. Additionally, be prepared for sudden weather changes with proper footwear and clothing, and carry sufficient water to stay hydrated.

Yellowstone offers several breathtaking scenic drives, perfect for summer exploration. The Grand Loop Road connects all major park attractions, while the Beartooth Highway provides stunning alpine views. Lamar Valley is ideal for wildlife spotting, and Firehole Canyon Drive offers access to a scenic waterfall and a popular swimming area.  Traffic can be heavy, especially during the height of the summer visitation period.  A guided tour offers the best access to the park, and will help you make the most of your time here.  Our guides can provide the best routes, timed for an Old Faithful eruption, or even just to avoid daily rushes at well-known sites.  Plus, if you don’t have to drive, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery.