Best Time to Visit Yellowstone National Park
The best months to visit Yellowstone National Park are April, May, June — computed from official NPS visitation (2021–2025 average), NOAA weather normals and daylight. July is the crowd peak (922,896 monthly visits); November is quietest at 3% of peak.
- Madison, Firehole, and Gibbon Rivers Closed to Fishing (Information)
- Traffic Delays - Gibbon River Bridge (Information)
- Biscuit Basin Closed Due to Hydrothermal Explosion (Park Closure)
Monthly crowd curve
Average monthly recreation visits, 2021–2025 (NPS Visitor Use Statistics). Amber bar = current month.
Yellowstone month by month
| Month | Verdict | Avg visits | % of peak | High / Low | Precip | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Harsh season | 42,153 | 5% | 23°F / 1°F | 1.8″ | 9.2h |
| February | Harsh season | 44,668 | 5% | 26°F / 1°F | 1.7″ | 10.4h |
| March | Shoulder | 33,479 | 4% | 35°F / 8°F | 1.9″ | 11.9h |
| April | Best window | 73,470 | 8% | 41°F / 17°F | 2.3″ | 13.4h |
| May | Best window | 508,111 | 55% | 51°F / 26°F | 2.4″ | 14.8h |
| June | Best window | 830,987 | 90% | 61°F / 33°F | 2.4″ | 15.5h |
| July | Peak crowds | 922,896 | 100% | 72°F / 39°F | 1.5″ | 15.2h |
| August | Peak crowds | 820,128 | 89% | 71°F / 37°F | 1.3″ | 14.1h |
| September | Peak crowds | 796,027 | 86% | 61°F / 30°F | 1.6″ | 12.6h |
| October | Shoulder | 302,468 | 33% | 46°F / 22°F | 1.9″ | 11h |
| November | Shoulder | 23,807 | 3% | 32°F / 11°F | 2.1″ | 9.6h |
| December | Harsh season | 33,648 | 4% | 23°F / 3°F | 2.4″ | 8.8h |
Crowds: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, mean of 2021–2025 (2020 excluded as a COVID-19 anomaly). Weather: NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station YELLOWSTONE LAKE, WY US (6 mi from park coordinates). Daylight: computed for the 15th of each month at the park's location. Methodology.
What to pack for Yellowstone in April
Computed from April's weather normals — Yellowstone's best month above. Visiting another month? Each month page has its own weather-computed list.
- Insulated parka + thermal base layers — average lows of 17°F
- Packable rain jacket — 2.3″ of precipitation is normal this month
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
- Bear spray — recommended by the park in grizzly country (check current park regulations before you carry)
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Common questions
What is the best month to visit Yellowstone?
April, May, June rank best for Yellowstone 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 Yellowstone?
July: an average of 922,896 recreation visits (NPS, 2021–2025). The quietest is November, at 3% of the July peak.
How many people visit Yellowstone per year?
Yellowstone National Park averaged 4,431,842 recreation visits per year over 2021–2025, per official NPS Visitor Use Statistics.
Dive into a month
Last verified 2026-09-12 · all parks