When to visit Yellowstone without the crowds
Yellowstone (Wyoming, United States) is calmest in January, February, March, April, October, November and December: fewer people and better prices. It gets busiest in July, August and September. Below is every month with crowds, temperatures and festivals. Careful with January, February, March, April, November and December: the calm has a reason (see the seasonal heads-ups).
Best months
Jun & Sep
When everyone heads home
The second week of September.
Tip
In September elk bugle, bison are near the roads and park lodges have room.
Month by month
| Month | Crowds | Avg. high | Festivals & holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 2/5 · calm ⚠ | -4 °C (24 °F) | New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day |
| February | 2/5 · calm ⚠ | -3 °C (26 °F) | Presidents Day |
| March | 1/5 · calm ⚠ | 2 °C (35 °F) | |
| April | 1/5 · calm ⚠ | 6 °C (42 °F) | |
| May | 3/5 · moderate ✦ | 10 °C (51 °F) | Memorial Day |
| June | 3/5 · moderate ✦ | 18 °C (65 °F) | Juneteenth National Independence Day |
| July | 5/5 · busy | 25 °C (76 °F) | Independence Day |
| August | 4/5 · busy | 23 °C (74 °F) | |
| September | 4/5 · busy | 18 °C (64 °F) | Labour Day |
| October | 2/5 · calm | 8 °C (46 °F) | |
| November | 2/5 · calm ⚠ | 1 °C (34 °F) | Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day |
| December | 1/5 · calm ⚠ | -4 °C (26 °F) | Christmas Day |
⚠ = seasonal heads-up. ✦ = something special to see.
Before you go: seasonal heads-ups
- Almost all roads close to cars from November to April: you can only get in by snowmobile or snowcoach.
What to see, and when
- Bison and elk calves everywhere (May–Jun).
Crowds are a relative index for each place: 1 is its calmest month and 5 its busiest. Temperatures: Copernicus ERA5, 2016–2025 average. Includes official tourism statistics (National Park Service, Yellowstone National Park, 2023-2025). How it works
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Yellowstone without the crowds?
The calmest month is usually March, April and December (crowds 1/5). In April the average high is 6 °C (42 °F). All the calm months: January, February, March, April, October, November and December.
When is Yellowstone most crowded?
The busiest season is July, August and September. The second week of September.
What is the weather like in Yellowstone?
Average highs range from -4 °C (24 °F) in January to 25 °C (76 °F) in July, from Copernicus ERA5 (2016–2025).
What should I know before going to Yellowstone?
Almost all roads close to cars from November to April: you can only get in by snowmobile or snowcoach.
What is there to see in Yellowstone by season?
Bison and elk calves everywhere (May–Jun).
More places in Wyoming
- Jackson Hole & Grand Teton calm in January, March, April, May, October, November and December; busiest in June, July, August and September