Climate / Weather

Get information on Yellowstone National Park climate to prepare for your trip. No matter when you arrive, find out the best way to dress for the weather throughout the year.

  • Yellowstone weather is unpredictable at all times during the year.
  • Temperatures can range from well below zero during the winter months to the mid 80s during the middle of the summer.
  • Good walking shoes, layers of clothing, a warm jacket and rain gear are recommended throughout the year.

Spring 

The cold and snow of winter often linger into April and May. Average daytime temperatures during these months can range from a low of 40 degrees F to a high of 70 degrees F.

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.

Summer:

Average daytime summer temperatures range between 70 to 80 degrees F in the lower elevations. Nights are cool and temperatures may drop into the 20s in the higher elevations.

June can be cool and rainy; July and August tend to be somewhat drier, although afternoon thundershowers and lightning storms are common.

Fall:

Autumn weather can be pleasant, although temperatures average 10 to 20 degrees lower than summer readings--highs ranging from 40 degrees F to the upper 60s. Over-night temperatures can fall into the teens and single digits.

Snowstorms increase in frequency and intensity as winter approaches.

Sudden storms can cause a drop in temperature and/or result in precipitation.

Winter:

Winter temperatures often hover near zero throughout the day but may also reach highs in the upper 20s. Subzero over-night temperatures are common.

Occasionally, warm "chinook" winds will push daytime temperatures into the 40s causing significant melting of snowpack--especially at lower elevations.

Yellowstone also experiences periods of bitterly cold weather. The lowest temperature recorded in Yellowstone was -66F (-54C) near West Yellowstone on February 9, 1933.

Annual snowfall averages near 150 inches. At higher elevations, 200-400 inches of snowfall have been recorded.

Throughout the Year

  • At any time of year, be prepared for sudden changes; unpredictability characterizes Yellowstone's weather.
  • Always carry a warm jacket and rain gear even in the warmer months.
  • Always carry extra clothing when hiking, skiing, or snowmobiling.
  • Good walking shoes and layers of clothing are recommended throughout the year. In the winter you'll also need warm boots.
  • If necessary, you can take advantage of the shelters provided in some park areas.

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