Best Time to Visit Glacier Bay National Park
The best months to visit Glacier Bay National Park are April, May and June — computed from official NPS visitation (2021–2025 average), NOAA weather normals and daylight. July is the crowd peak (117,153 monthly visits); February is quietest at under 1% of peak.
Planning Glacier Bay? Pack the trail map: Glacier Bay Trails Illustrated map on Amazon. · affiliate link, VisitWhen earns from qualifying purchases
Monthly crowd curve
Average monthly recreation visits, 2021–2025 (NPS Visitor Use Statistics). Amber bar = current month.
Glacier Bay month by month
| Month | Verdict | Avg visits | % of peak | High / Low | Precip | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Harsh season | 228 | 0% | 36°F / 29°F | 10.5″ | 7h |
| February | Harsh season | 173 | 0% | 38°F / 30°F | 8.0″ | 9.3h |
| March | Harsh season | 243 | 0% | 40°F / 31°F | 7.8″ | 11.7h |
| April | Best window | 7,505 | 6% | 46°F / 35°F | 5.8″ | 14.4h |
| May | Best window | 82,478 | 70% | 52°F / 41°F | 4.7″ | 16.8h |
| June | Best window | 107,978 | 92% | 56°F / 46°F | 3.6″ | 18.4h |
| July | Peak crowds | 117,153 | 100% | 58°F / 49°F | 4.9″ | 17.7h |
| August | Peak crowds | 114,531 | 98% | 59°F / 50°F | 7.9″ | 15.5h |
| September | Peak crowds | 88,442 | 75% | 56°F / 47°F | 12.2″ | 12.9h |
| October | Shoulder | 43,949 | 38% | 48°F / 40°F | 14.5″ | 10.3h |
| November | Harsh season | 213 | 0% | 40°F / 34°F | 12.3″ | 7.8h |
| December | Harsh season | 210 | 0% | 37°F / 31°F | 11.8″ | 6.3h |
Crowds: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, mean of 2021–2025 (2020 excluded as a COVID-19 anomaly). Weather: NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station ELFIN COVE, AK US (42 mi from park coordinates). Daylight: computed for the 15th of each month at the park's location. Methodology.
How many people visit Glacier Bay each year
Glacier Bay National Park had 740,044 recreation visits in 2025, 1% more than 2024 (NPS Visitor Use Statistics). The busiest year since 2015 was 2025, with 740,044. Over 2021–2025 it averaged 563,103 visits a year, which makes it the 26th least-visited of the 63 national parks.
| Year | Recreation visits | vs. year before |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 740,044 | +1% |
| 2024 | 736,282 | +5% |
| 2023 | 703,659 | +29% |
| 2022 | 545,758 | +508% |
| 2021 | 89,768 | +1462% |
| 2020 | 5,748 | −99% |
| 2019 | 672,087 | +12% |
| 2018 | 597,915 | +9% |
| 2017 | 547,057 | +5% |
| 2016 | 520,171 | −6% |
| 2015 | 551,353 | — |
Calendar-year recreation visits as published by NPS Visitor Use Statistics. 2020 is shown here but left out of the monthly averages above, because the COVID-19 pandemic makes it unrepresentative. See how every park compares: all 63 parks ranked by visits.
What to pack for Glacier Bay in April
Computed from April's weather normals — Glacier Bay's best month above. Visiting another month? Each month page has its own weather-computed list.
- Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy) — mornings average 35°F
- Rain shell + pack cover — 5.8″ of precipitation is normal this month
- Waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kit — 5.8″ of rain is normal this month
- Bear spray — recommended by the park in grizzly country (check current park regulations before you carry)
As an Amazon Associate, VisitWhen earns from qualifying purchases. Gear names above link to Amazon searches or to a specific product — we don't show or set prices; you always see Amazon's current price.
Packing for a trip with a date on it? Amazon Prime includes fast delivery on eligible items, and eligible new members may be offered a free trial, so gear ordered this week can arrive before you leave. Delivery speed varies by item and address. See if you can try Prime free →
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on qualifying sign-ups, at no extra cost to you. Current terms are on Amazon's page.
Common questions
What is the best month to visit Glacier Bay?
April, May and June rank best for Glacier Bay on VisitWhen's computed score — the strongest balance of low crowds (NPS data), comfortable weather (NOAA normals) and daylight, among months when the park’s headline access is typically open.
What is the most crowded month at Glacier Bay?
July: an average of 117,153 recreation visits (NPS, 2021–2025). The quietest is February, at under 1% of the July peak.
When is Glacier Bay least crowded with decent conditions?
April, at 6% of the July peak (7,505 average visits). February is quieter still, but its weather puts it in the harsh season.
How many people visit Glacier Bay per year?
Glacier Bay National Park had 740,044 recreation visits in 2025, 1% more than 2024 (NPS Visitor Use Statistics). The busiest year since 2015 was 2025, with 740,044. Over 2021–2025 it averaged 563,103 visits a year.
What is the weather like at Glacier Bay through the year?
The warmest month is August, with average highs of 59°F. The coldest nights come in January, averaging 29°F. The wettest month is October, with 14.5″ of precipitation. (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, ELFIN COVE, AK US station.)
Is Glacier Bay open all year?
Park waters are open year-round, but tour boats and most visitor services operate roughly late May–early September. Dates shift with snow and weather each year, so check the park's current NPS conditions before you go.
Dive into a month
Comparing parks for the same trip? See how Glacier Bay ranks against all 63 parks in April, May and June.
Last verified 2026-09-24 · all parks