Location Information Operating Hours News Programs/Activities Reservations Visitation Trails/Roads Food/Concessions Accessibility Other Attractions Additional Info. Lodging Info. Local Weather

Visitation

Visitor Impacts

Visitation is the highest in June, July, August

Check at Visitor Centers for current information on road closures, weather forecasts, ranger-led activities, park regulations, and permits. Visitors should keep in mind that, due to high levels of visitation, travel through the park can be slow, especially during July and August. Make Lodging and Camping reservations as early as possible. Yellowstone is large and its major scenic attractions are widely dispersed. You will get more from your visit by limiting your travels to one or two areas if you have one day or less to spend in Yellowstone. Allow at least two days or more if you wish to see most major park attractions.

Visitor Center

Albright Visitor Center, Mammoth Hot Springs - open year round

Old Faithful Visitor Center - open mid-April to late October and Mid-December to mid-March

Canyon Visitor Center - open mid-May through September

Fishing Bridge Visitor Center - open mid-May through September

Grant Village Visitor Center - open mid-May through September

Norris Geyser Basin Museum - open mid-May through September

Norris Geyser Basin Bookstore - open mid-May through September

Museum of the National Park Ranger, Norris - open mid-May through September

Madison Information Station - open early June through October

West Thumb Information Station - open early June through Labor Day

Climate

Spring Climate and Clothing:
Cold and snow linger into April and May, although temperatures gradually climb. Average daytime readings fall in the 40s to 50s (5-15 C), reaching the 60s and 70s (15-25 C) by late May and June. Over-night temperatures fall below freezing and may plunge near zero (-20 C). These are statistical averages; actual conditions can be vastly different from long-term "norms." At any time of year, be prepared for sudden changes; unpredictability, more than anything else, characterizes Yellowstone's weather. Storms in late May and early June may result in significant accumulations of snow--up to a foot of snow in 24 hours is not uncommon.

We recommend that you bring a warm jacket and rain gear. Spring visitors should be prepared for any type of weather. Call ahead for current weather and road information since sudden storms may result in cold temperatures, snow and/or temporary road closures. Yellowstone's weather is always unpredictable. Carry extra clothing when hiking. Good walking shoes and layers of clothing are recommended throughout the year.

Summer Climate and Clothing:
Average maximum summer temperatures are usually in the 70s (25 C) and occasionally in the 80s (30 C) in the lower elevations. Nights are cool and temperatures may drop into the 30s and 40s (0-10 C). Depending on the elevation, temperatures may even fall into the 20s (-5C) with a light freeze. June can be cool and rainy; July and August tend to be somewhat drier, although afternoon thundershowers and lightning storms are common. During lightning storms get off water or beaches and stay away from ridges, exposed places, and isolated trees. At any time of year, be prepared for sudden changes; unpredictability, more than anything else, characterizes Yellowstone's weather.

We recommend that you bring a warm jacket and rain gear even in the summer. If you plan to visit Yellowstone during spring or fall, call ahead for current weather and road information since sudden storms may result in cold temperatures, snow and/or temporary road closures. In summer, stop at visitor centers or ranger stations for weather forecasts.

Always carry extra clothing when hiking. Good walking shoes and layers of clothing are recommended throughout the year.

Fall Climate and Clothing:
Fall weather can be pleasant, although temperatures average 10 to 20 degrees lower than summer readings--highs in the 40s to 60s (5-20 C). Over-night temperatures can fall into the teens and single digits (-10 to -20 C). Snowstorms increase in frequency and intensity as the weeks go by. At any time of year be prepared for sudden changes; unpredictability more than anything else, characterizes Yellowstone's weather.

Sudden storms can cause a drop in temperature or result in precipitation. Always carry extra clothing when hiking. Good walking shoes and layers of clothing are recommended throughout the year. If you plan to visit Yellowstone during spring or fall, call ahead for current weather and road information since sudden storms may result in cold temperatures, snow and/or temporary road closures.

Winter Climate and Clothing:
Winter temperatures often hover near zero (-20 C) throughout the day but may reach highs in the 20s (-5 C). Subzero over-night temperatures are common. Occasionally, warm "chinook" winds will push daytime temperatures into the 40s (5-10C), causing significant melting of snowpack--especially at lower elevations. Yellowstone also typically experiences periods of bitterly cold weather. The lowest temperature recorded in Yellowstone was -66F (-54 C) near West Yellowstone on February 9, 1933. Annual snowfall averages near 150 inches (380 cm) in most of the park. At higher elevations, 200-400 inches (5-10 m) of snowfall have been recorded. At any time of year, be prepared for sudden changes; unpredictability, more than anything else, characterizes Yellowstone's weather.