Yellowstone National Park’s weather can get wild—some of the most unpredictable and extreme conditions in the United States, honestly. Sitting at 6,000 feet and higher, spread across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, the park swings between dramatic temperature shifts and surprise snow in any month.
Visitors should expect significant weather variability regardless of when they visit, with temperatures potentially dropping below freezing even during summer nights at higher elevations. The park’s huge size and wild terrain create microclimates that can shift on a dime, so prepping for all kinds of weather is just smart.
Understanding these patterns helps visitors plan for their Yellowstone adventure. From spring snowstorms dumping a foot of snow overnight to summer thunderstorms and brutal winter cold, each season brings its own set of challenges and surprises for anyone exploring this incredible landscape.
Overview of Weather Patterns
Yellowstone sees dramatic weather swings thanks to its high elevation across three states. Elevation ranges from 5,282 to 11,358 feet, which means the park holds a patchwork of microclimates that can flip within hours.
Geographic and Climatic Influences
Yellowstone sits in the northern Rocky Mountains, and that location gives it an alpine climate. Most of the park lies in Wyoming, but bits stretch into Montana and Idaho.
This spot puts Yellowstone in a continental climate zone. Winters bring heavy snowfall and biting cold. Summers stay pretty mild compared to lower places.
Northern areas near Montana usually get warmer temperatures. Higher elevations, though, stay cool all year.
Spring brings melting snow and unstable weather. Summer is the safest bet for reliable weather. Fall cools off fast as winter creeps in.
Seasonal Temperature Ranges:
- Spring: 30°F to 60°F during the day
- Summer: Average around 70°F
- Fall: 30°F to 60°F during the day
- Winter: 0°F to 20°F during the day
Altitude and Temperature Variations
Elevation makes a huge difference in Yellowstone’s weather. The lowest point sits at 5,282 feet, while the highest peaks hit 11,358 feet.
For every 1,000 feet up, the temperature drops about 3.5°F. That means you can go from chilly to freezing in just a short drive.
Lower spots, like the North Entrance, stay warmer. Up on the peaks and plateaus, it’s much colder, and snow can hang around into summer.
You might experience two or three climate zones in a single day. Morning frost up high, then a warm afternoon down low—it’s all possible.
Elevation also impacts precipitation. Higher areas get more snow in winter. Down in the valleys, you might get rain while the mountains get blanketed in white.
Unpredictability and Extremes
Yellowstone’s weather can flip in minutes. Snow can show up in any month, especially at higher elevations.
It’s not unusual to see a 40°F swing in a single day. Seriously, you’ve got to pack for every season, no matter when you visit.
Storms roll in out of nowhere. Blue skies in the morning, then boom—afternoon thunderstorms. In winter, blizzards can drop visibility to almost nothing, fast.
Winter brings piles of snow. December alone averages 72 inches. Some spots top 200 inches of snow a year.
Extreme Weather Events:
- 40°F+ temperature drops
- Snow any month
- Sudden storms
- Intense blizzards
- Lightning during summer storms
Weather can shut down roads and facilities with little warning. Some roads close all winter because of deep snow, and certain areas just become off-limits when it gets too rough.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
Yellowstone’s dramatic weather swings from deep-freeze winters to warm summer highs near 80°F. The park’s elevation and wild terrain mean the forecast can turn upside down in hours.
Spring in Yellowstone
Spring in Yellowstone feels a lot like winter in most places. Snow covers much of the park well into May and sometimes June.
It stays cold for a while. March averages highs of 37°F, lows of 10°F. April warms up a little—highs around 46°F, lows near 20°F.
Yellowstone Lake can stay frozen until July. That’s how tough spring is up here.
Snow and sleet are common. March brings over 13 inches of snow. Even May can surprise you with snow and a couple inches of rain.
A lot of park roads and facilities stay closed in spring. Always check road conditions before heading out. Backcountry hiking is pretty limited.
Spring is awesome for wildlife. Baby bison, elk calves, bear cubs, and wolf pups start showing up. Grizzlies are out and hungry after hibernation.
Bring winter gear if you visit in spring. Down jackets, hats, and boots are a must, but toss in some lighter stuff too—the weather can flip fast.
Summer in Yellowstone
Summer’s the most reliable season in Yellowstone. All the roads and facilities are open.
July is the warmest—average highs of 78°F, lows of 41°F. June and August are close, with highs in the upper 60s to mid-70s.
Light snow can still fall in June at higher elevations. Microclimates mean weather can change a lot by location.
| Month | High Temp | Low Temp | Precipitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| June | 68°F | 36°F | 1.5 inches |
| July | 78°F | 41°F | 1.5 inches |
| August | 76°F | 39°F | 1.4 inches |
Summer crowds can get thick, but the park’s so big you can still find quiet spots.
Afternoon thunderstorms are pretty common. They can bring quick temperature drops and heavy rain, so carry rain gear and something warm.
Autumn in Yellowstone
Autumn is kind of the sweet spot—cooler temps, fewer people, and great wildlife watching.
September is still nice—highs of 64°F, lows of 30°F. By October, it’s much chillier, with highs of 51°F and lows of 22°F.
Elk bugling season happens in autumn. Male elk let out wild calls during mating. Bison and other animals get pretty active too.
Snow picks up fast in the fall. September doesn’t see much, but October gets almost 4 inches, and November brings 9 inches.
Days get shorter and it cools off quickly. Pack for winter conditions, especially if you come later in the season.
Most park facilities close by late October. Roads start to shut down as snow piles up. Only the North Entrance stays open all year.
Layer up if you visit in autumn. Mornings can be freezing, but afternoons might surprise you with some warmth.
Winter in Yellowstone
Winter turns Yellowstone into a wild, snow-blanketed world. Most park roads close to regular cars.
December brings tons of snow—average 72 inches. January and February add another 15 and 10 inches.
Temps drop way below freezing. December and January highs barely hit 24°F, lows hover near zero.
Only one road stays open to private vehicles in winter. That’s the route from Gardiner, Montana to Cooke City.
To reach most areas, you’ll need a snowmobile or snowcoach. Or, grab some skis or snowshoes for a real adventure.
Winter is magical in its own way. Frozen waterfalls, geysers blasting steam into the cold air—it’s something to see.
But you’ve got to prepare. Emergency gear is a must; it can mean the difference between a cool story and real trouble.
Wildlife is still around. Bison and elk gather in thermal areas, and wolves hunt more actively when prey is struggling.
Spring in Yellowstone
Spring in Yellowstone brings wild temperature swings and unpredictable weather. Mornings start cold, precipitation can change by the hour, and rivers swell as the snowpack melts.
Typical Temperatures and Conditions
Spring temps start off cold and warm up slowly. March averages around 30°F (-1°C), and by May, you might see 60°F (16°C) during the day.
Nights are much colder. Lows drop into the teens or even single digits. That’s what happens when most of the park sits above 6,000 feet.
Snow falls often in spring. Sometimes the park gets 12 inches in just 24 hours. Don’t expect wildflowers and balmy weather like you’d see at lower elevations.
What to expect:
- Freezing temps and snow
- Sleet and rain
- 30-40 degree swings daily
- Cloudy skies about half the time
Spring here is more like winter in most places. The high altitude brings harsh conditions that last well into late spring.
Snowmelt and River Swelling
Snowmelt starts slowly as days warm up. Rivers and streams speed up as all that winter snow finally melts.
Water levels rise fast in spring. Melting snow plus spring rain means rivers swell and flow hard.
Stream crossings get risky during peak melt. Fast water and cold temps make it dangerous for hikers and animals.
River conditions in spring:
- Higher water from melting snow
- Faster, colder currents
- Debris floating downstream
- Fewer safe places to cross
Sometimes park roads flood or wash out. Always check conditions before heading into remote spots.
Preparing for Variable Weather
Layering is the way to go for Yellowstone’s spring weather. Pack winter gear and some lighter stuff—you’ll probably need both.
Must-haves:
- Down jacket or heavy coat
- Warm hat and thick socks
- Rain gear, waterproof boots
- Shorts and t-shirts for warmer spells
- Layers, layers, layers
Forecasts change fast up here. The mountains throw curveballs, so be ready for anything.
Check the roads before you go. Lots of them stay closed in spring, and others can close with little warning.
Afternoon thunderstorms are common. Expect lightning, heavy rain, and sometimes hail in the open areas.
Summer in Yellowstone
Summer is when Yellowstone’s weather chills out—at least a little. Highs reach the upper 70s, and nights drop into the 30s and 40s. But afternoon thunderstorms can roll in quick and catch you by surprise.
Temperature Ranges and Sunshine
Summer temps swing a lot between day and night. July is the hottest, with highs around 78°F and lows about 41°F.
June starts summer with highs of 68°F and lows of 36°F. August is pretty comfortable too—76°F by day, 39°F at night.
Daily Swings:
- Mornings in the 40s
- Midday can hit 70s or even low 80s
- Evenings cool off by 30-40 degrees
Up high, it stays cooler. Spots above 8,000 feet can see frost even in July. Sometimes, light snow falls in June up there, making summer the best time to visit Yellowstone for most folks.
Most days are sunny. Clear skies make for great wildlife watching and awesome photos, especially early or late in the day.
Thunderstorms and Weather Shifts
Afternoon thunderstorms are a regular thing in summer. They usually pop up between 2 and 6 PM as the heat stirs up the atmosphere.
Lightning is a real risk out in Yellowstone’s open spaces. If you hear thunder, get to a building or your car. Avoid ridges, lone trees, and anything metal.
Storm Details:
- Short but heavy rain
- Temps can drop 20-30 degrees fast
- Strong gusty winds
- Occasional hail
The weather can flip in minutes. A sunny morning can turn stormy by afternoon. Keep an eye on the sky and be ready to adapt.
Fog sometimes forms around hot springs and lakes in the morning. It’s beautiful, but it can make driving tricky.
Impact on Outdoor Activities
Summer’s stable weather makes it perfect for hiking, camping, and wildlife watching. All park roads open up, giving you access to remote spots that usually stay closed during other times of year.
Peak Activity Conditions:
- Hiking trails open fully
- Camping reservations fill up fast
Wildlife stays active during the cooler parts of the day. Long daylight hours make for excellent photography conditions.
Thunderstorms might throw a wrench in your plans now and then. Rangers sometimes close exposed trails or reschedule programs if lightning’s in the area.
Heat exhaustion can sneak up during midday. It’s smart to carry extra water and plan tough hikes for early morning or late afternoon.
With reliable weather and everything up and running, summer draws the biggest crowds. Still, Yellowstone’s size means you can usually find some peace and quiet if you look for it.
Autumn in Yellowstone
Autumn brings sharp drops in temperature and unpredictable weather to Yellowstone. The park starts shifting gears, getting ready for winter’s bite.
Cooling Temperatures and Changing Precipitation
Autumn weather in Yellowstone means wild temperature swings. Daytime highs can start around 70°F in early fall, then tumble to the 30s as winter nears.
Nights get cold fast, sometimes reaching the teens or single digits. Early autumn feels pretty good, with September days hovering in the 60s and low 70s.
You’ll get comfortable hiking weather during daylight hours in September. But as October and November roll in, daytime highs drop to the 40s and 50s.
Overnight lows fall below freezing, especially higher up. The park’s elevation really matters—above 6,000 feet, it’s much colder than the valleys.
You might see temperature differences of 20-30 degrees between locations. Precipitation changes too, with snow showing up more often as the weeks pass.
Snow can pile up fast, sometimes a foot or more in just a day. Rain and snow often mix during these in-between times.
Weather changes quickly thanks to the mountains. You just never really know what you’ll get.
Transition to Winter Conditions
Snow starts sticking in earnest by late autumn. Higher elevations usually get the first big dumps, sometimes as early as September.
Lower areas see snow by October. As winter creeps closer, storms can bring sudden cold snaps and heavy precipitation.
You might need to prepare for multiple weather conditions in a single day. Daylight shrinks fast, making for shorter days and fewer chances to spot wildlife.
The sun sets earlier, and the cold bites harder as autumn goes on. Park staff start prepping for winter—some roads and facilities close or scale back.
Access gets trickier as conditions worsen. Occasionally, late fall nights dip below zero.
Those bitter cold snaps are a sure sign winter’s knocking. Weather forecasts get less reliable as things change hour by hour.
Winter in Yellowstone
Winter turns Yellowstone into one of the country’s toughest environments. Temperatures plunge well below freezing, and deep snow covers the landscape for months.
Extreme Cold and Snowfall
Daytime winter temps in Yellowstone usually run from zero to 20°F. At night and in higher spots, it often drops below zero.
The park’s record low hit -66°F. That’s about as cold as it gets anywhere in the lower 48.
Snowfall patterns vary dramatically across the park. Average annual snowfall hits 150 inches, but higher elevations can easily see double that.
Deep snow makes life hard for both wildlife and visitors. Most trails and roads stay buried from November through April.
Only a handful of park roads stay open in winter. Most areas are only reachable by snowmobile or cross-country skis.
The northern range gets less snow than the rest. Elk and bison flock there, looking for food they just can’t find elsewhere.
Limited Daylight and Harsh Conditions
Winter days get incredibly short. In December, you get about eight hours of daylight—sunrise after 7:30 AM, sunset before 4:30 PM.
Combine that with the cold and you’ve got rough survival conditions. Wind chills can make it feel even colder than what the thermometer says.
Weather keeps everyone guessing. Blizzards, whiteouts, and sudden cold snaps can roll in with little warning.
Winter visitors face real risks. Hypothermia and frostbite aren’t just buzzwords—they’re legit dangers if you’re not ready.
Most park facilities shut down for the season. Finding shelter or help gets tricky.
Wildlife has to adapt big time. Many animals go into survival mode, conserving energy and sticking to protected spots.
Monthly Weather Overview
Yellowstone swings wildly between extremes all year. Winter lows can hit 4°F, while summer highs climb to 76°F.
The park gets about 21 inches of precipitation spread over 151 days.
Temperature and Precipitation by Month
Winter months are the toughest. December through February brings average temps from 4°F to 20°F, and snow blankets the park.
March kicks off spring with moderate snowfall—about 87 millimeters over 17 snowy days. Temperatures start bouncing around more as the season shifts.
Summer brings the most comfortable weather for visitors. June through August are short but sweet, usually topping out in the mid-70s.
Dry air and clear skies rule the summer months. The park’s subarctic climate keeps weather unpredictable, though.
You might get snow in July, or 70-degree days late in the fall. Yellowstone’s high elevation—over 10,000 feet in places—drives this crazy variability.
Fall brings rapidly changing conditions as cold weather returns. September and October can swing between sunny and snowy, sometimes in the same week.
Notable Weather Records
Yellowstone’s weather records show just how wild things get. Record highs can reach 86°F in summer, while winter lows have dropped to -15°F or colder.
Temperatures above 84°F or below -15°F don’t happen often, but they do pop up now and then. Wyoming’s continental climate keeps things interesting.
Daily temperature swings can be huge. Summer nights might drop to 37°F, even if the afternoon hits the 80s.
That kind of 40-degree swing in a single day makes packing tricky. Precipitation varies a lot by location, thanks to the park’s geography and altitude.
Best Time to Visit Based on Weather
Summer months give you the steadiest weather. Spring and fall feel great and aren’t as crowded. Winter’s harsh, but it has its own kind of magic.
Ideal Months for Mild Conditions
Late May through early October is the sweet spot for visiting Yellowstone. Daytime temps stay between 50°F and 80°F, so you’re comfortable for just about any activity.
June through August brings the warmest days. Temps usually peak around 80°F, with nights cooling into the 40s and 50s.
All the roads and facilities stay open during these months. September is especially nice—temperatures run from 30°F to 60°F, and the crowds thin out after Labor Day.
Weather can still surprise you, but it’s generally mild. Late May is when most park roads finally open up.
You might see some snow at higher elevations, but lower areas start feeling like spring, with temps climbing into the 60s.
Considerations for Each Season
Summer means afternoon thunderstorms, especially in the mountains. Temperatures can swing 30-40 degrees from day to night.
Wildfire smoke sometimes drifts in and messes with the views. Fall gets unpredictable fast.
Early snow can show up in October, mostly at higher elevations. Mornings might be below freezing, but afternoons still reach 60°F.
Winter is brutal but beautiful. Temps usually sit between 0°F and 20°F, and heavy snow closes most roads.
Regular vehicles can’t get far. Spring is all over the place—snow, rain, and sunshine can all show up in a single afternoon.
Most roads stay closed until late May, thanks to lingering snow in the mountains.
How to Prepare for Yellowstone Weather
Getting ready for Yellowstone means planning for wild temperature swings and sudden weather shifts. Layering and a bit of weather smarts go a long way.
Layering and Appropriate Gear
Layering is the name of the game in Yellowstone. You’ll want three layers to handle 40-degree temperature swings between day and night.
Base layers should pull moisture away from your skin. Merino wool or synthetics work best—skip the cotton, since it stays wet and loses its warmth.
Insulating layers keep you warm by trapping air close to your body. Fleece jackets or down vests are light and warm, and you can add or shed them as the day changes.
Outer shells block wind, rain, and snow. Go for waterproof jackets with sealed seams to handle sudden storms.
Don’t forget the basics:
- Waterproof boots with ankle support
- Insulated gloves and a warm hat
- Sun protection—good sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen
- Rain gear for those afternoon storms
Yellowstone’s high elevation means UV rays hit harder. Sunburn can sneak up, even on cloudy days.
Quality sunglasses help a ton with snow glare, especially in spring and fall. Footwear matters—a lot.
Waterproof hiking boots with solid grip handle muddy spring trails and icy winter paths.
Staying Safe in Unpredictable Conditions
Weather monitoring really matters for safe travel in Yellowstone National Park. Conditions can shift faster than most weather apps even try to keep up with. The National Weather Service usually offers the most dependable forecasts for park elevations.
Check the weather several times a day if you can swing it. Morning sunshine? That doesn’t mean you’ll get a calm afternoon. Thunderstorms pop up fast in the summer.
Emergency preparedness isn’t just a buzzword—carry survival essentials:
- First aid supplies
- Extra food and water
- Emergency shelter or space blanket
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Whistle for signaling help
Hypothermia prevention is a year-round concern out here. Even summer nights can dip into the 30s. Early signs include uncontrollable shivering and confusion, so don’t brush those off.
If you get wet, change into dry clothes as soon as possible. Rain or snow-soaked clothing speeds up hypothermia more than you might think.
Lightning safety gets serious during those afternoon storms. As soon as you hear thunder, find shelter. Steer clear of open areas, tall trees, and anything metal.
Park rangers suggest you let someone know your planned route and expected return time. Cell phone coverage is spotty in most of the park. If you’re heading into the backcountry, a satellite communicator might be your best bet for emergencies.