When is the Best Time to Visit Yellowstone National Park?

When Is the Best Time to Visit Yellowstone National Park?

Yellowstone National Park has something to offer visitors in every season. The peak season for Yellowstone is summer — June, July and August draw in hundreds of thousands of visitors. This region of the country also experiences heavy snowfall in winter, inviting cross-country skiers and snowmobile riders to explore the remote areas of the park. The shoulder months of the peak season — spring and autumn — are the transitional seasons as the landscape and colors change. The best time to visit Yellowstone depends on how you want to experience the park.

Three Best Times of the Year to Visit Yellowstone National Park

Some of the best times to go to Yellowstone are:

1. May

Yellowstone comes alive in the spring — the landscape and animals start to appear after hiding for the winter. May is an ideal time of year for wildlife viewing, giving visitors a good chance to spot bears, elk, moose, bison, wolves and other animals Yellowstone is known for. Cyclists can also take advantage of the lighter traffic to tour the park by bike.

2. June

Summer is when the weather is at its best in Yellowstone, with several hours of daylight and warm yet comfortable temperatures. June is the ideal time to come to Yellowstone if you're interested in hiking, mountain biking or fly fishing. The park's iconic attractions, like the geysers and hot springs, are also popular to visit in June.

3. September

September feels like a continuation of summer in Yellowstone but without the crowds. You can enjoy open roads and minimal wait times for iconic attractions. Ideal September activities in Yellowstone include camping, hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing.

Tips to Avoid Crowds in Yellowstone

If you are looking to avoid the crowds during your trip to the park, follow these tips to make sure your Yellowstone experience has as few people as possible:

• Hike to elevated viewpoints: Some hiking trails offer excellent views of Yellowstone's landmarks from high up, so you can get a unique perspective with fewer people around.
• Arrive as early as possible: Plan to get to the park early in the morning to see the sights before everyone else arrives mid-morning.
• Visit lesser-known attractions: While crowds gather at popular sights, visit less well-known locations for better access and fewer people.

Reserve a Site at Yellowstone Park / Mountainside KOA Journey

When you plan your Yellowstone vacation, choose Yellowstone Park / Mountainside KOA Journey as your campground. We are conveniently located near the park's west entrance and are one of the few campgrounds in the area that allows campfires. Our campground is open from May 20 to October 1. Check out our RV Sites and reserve a site today!