Visiting an awesome location is one thing and knowing the best time to go is another, especially Yellowstone. There are some periods when you will visit this amazing park and have the best experience, while there are also some periods when you may not enjoy your visit as you wanted to. We aim to make you have a memorable and more enjoyable vacation, and that is why we are going to talk about the best time to visit Yellowstone National Park.
When should you visit Yellowstone?
Here is a breakdown of months/seasons to help you know when to embark on your journey to this desirable location:
April to May (A better time to visit)
You may not be able to predict the spring weather in Yellowstone, but if you properly time it, you will be able to see how the park comes out from its winter hibernation without having to rub elbows with crowds of fellow tourists. While coming, plan to bring a lot of layers with you. The month of May and toward late April is a better time to visit because of the seasonal closure of roads. Roads usually open between the middle of April and in May. The website of Yellowstone National Park Service will show you if there are any updated road opening and closure days.
June to August
Depending on the area you are at in the park, average highs usually float in the 80s and 70s, making for great conditions for hiking. Additionally, the entire facilities of the park will be open. Yellowstone often records over 2 million visitors in the warmer months, which means that accommodations will quickly be filled up. If you are a lover of festivals, you may consider visiting in July as a variety of events are being hosted in the park as well as in its nearby towns.
September to October (A better time to visit)
Another wonderful time to visit this park is autumn. During this period, the weather is still fairly mild. You will have several wildlife-viewing opportunities, and almost the entire summer crowds have left, meaning you can see several hotel rooms at a reasonable price. You should prepare for winter just as the park does: In the daytime, average temperatures range from the mid-30s to the low 60s. Temperatures can also range in the single digits and teens during nighttime. You should also know that most facilities, such as post offices, visitor centers, general stores, etc., can close early, like around mid-September. Additionally, seasonal road closures usually start in mid-October.
November to March
If you are a fainted-hearted person, then the winter in this park is not for you. There is usually heavy snowfall in Yellowstone during this season, plus the temperatures are icy. If you are planning to visit the park during this time, make sure that you come along with safety gear, which includes maps, sleeping bags, snow tires, shovels, water, flashlights, extra food, first-aid kits, and cables, and also be ready for unsafe driving conditions as some roads will not be open. You can only drive through the North Entrance during winter as it is the only open entrance for automobiles. By December, most of the park’s facilities will be closed.
Conclusion
With this guide, we believe it would be easier for you to plan your visit to Yellowstone National Park and know when to go. Just know which condition or season suits you best, and then bring your family to this gorgeous place.
