Weather & Forecast
Real-time conditions and trip-planning data for Yellowstone National Park
Hourly Forecast
Hour-by-hour outlook for the next 48 hours
Extended Forecast
16-day outlook for Yellowstone National Park
NWS Detailed Forecast
Official narrative forecast from the National Weather Service
A chance of rain showers between 11pm and midnight, then showers and thunderstorms likely between midnight and 1am, then a slight chance of thunderstorms and a chance of rain and snow showers between 1am and 2am, then a slight chance of thunderstorms and a slight chance of rain and snow showers between 2am and 3am. Partly cloudy. Low around 28, with temperatures rising to around 31 overnight. Southwest wind 6 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunny, with a high near 53. West southwest wind 10 to 14 mph.
Mostly clear, with a low around 29. South southwest wind 1 to 6 mph.
Sunny, with a high near 62. South wind 2 to 7 mph.
Mostly clear, with a low around 32. South wind 1 to 5 mph.
Sunny, with a high near 67. South southwest wind around 5 mph.
A chance of showers and thunderstorms after midnight. Mostly clear, with a low around 35. East southeast wind around 3 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
A slight chance of rain showers before noon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 67. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Source: weather.gov
Sunrise & Sunset
Plan your hikes and photography around the light
This Week's Sun Times
What to Pack Right Now
Personalized recommendations based on the current forecast
Clothing
- Shorts and breathable hiking pants
- Warm mid-layer (fleece or down jacket)
- Insulated jacket for mornings and evenings
- Warm hat and gloves
- Multiple layers for big temperature swings
- Comfortable hiking socks (wool blend)
Sun Protection
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ (high-elevation sun is intense)
- Wide-brim hat for sun protection
- Polarized sunglasses
Hydration & Nutrition
- At least 2 liters of water per person per day
- Trail snacks (salty + sweet for energy)
Footwear
- Sturdy closed-toe shoes for boardwalks and trails (some boardwalk sections get slick)
- Quick-dry socks as backup
Safety & Gear
- Headlamp (for early starts or if hikes run long)
- Rain jacket (packable, waterproof)
- Bear spray, carried where you can reach it quickly — not packed away
- Watch for afternoon thunderstorms in the high country
- Stay on marked boardwalks near any thermal feature — the ground can be thinner than it looks
- First aid kit with blister care
- Trail map or downloaded offline maps
Seasonal Guide
What to expect each season at Yellowstone National Park
Spring
Spring is a transition season in Yellowstone, and a genuinely mixed bag. March and April still see plenty of snow and ice, and most interior roads don't fully reopen to regular vehicles until mid-to-late April or early May. By late May, bears are emerging from hibernation, bison and elk calves start appearing, and waterfalls run high from snowmelt — but weather stays unpredictable, with snow possible even in May at higher elevations.
- Layers for big temperature swings
- Waterproof jacket
- Traction devices for icy patches
- Binoculars for wildlife
Summer
Summer is Yellowstone's peak season — all five entrances and the full Grand Loop Road are open, every visitor service is running, and July and August are by far the busiest months of the year. Days are mild to warm, but afternoon thunderstorms are common, especially in the high country, and nights stay cool even in August. Parking lots at Old Faithful and other major features routinely fill by mid-morning in July.
- Layers — mornings and evenings stay cool
- Rain jacket for afternoon storms
- Sturdy closed-toe shoes for boardwalks
- Sunscreen (UV is strong at elevation)
Fall
NowFall brings the elk rut (bugling season) in September and October, a genuine wildlife-viewing highlight, along with thinning crowds after Labor Day. September still offers reliably good weather; by late October and into November, snow becomes more frequent and some park facilities and roads begin closing for the season ahead of the full winter shutdown in early November.
- Layers (warm midday, cold mornings)
- Insulated jacket by late fall
- Waterproof boots
- Binoculars for the elk rut
Winter
Winter is a structurally different park. Nearly every interior road closes to regular vehicles from early November through mid-to-late April or May — the only exception is the year-round road between Gardiner and Cooke City. From mid-December through early March, the only way to see the geyser basins and most of the park's interior is by guided snowcoach or snowmobile on designated over-snow routes. It's a genuinely unique way to experience Yellowstone, but it takes real advance planning, not a spontaneous drive-in visit.
- Heavy insulated layers
- Insulated, waterproof winter boots
- Hand and toe warmers
- Balaclava or face protection for snowmobiling
Historical Monthly Averages
Typical conditions by month at Yellowstone National Park
🌡️ Average Temperature (°F)
🌧️ Average Precipitation (inches)
Canyon Floor vs. Rim: Why It Feels Like Two Parks
Same day, same park — very different weather depending on elevation
| Zone | Elevation | Vs. Canyon Floor |
|---|---|---|
| Geyser Basins & Gardiner | 6,200 ft | baseline |
| Lamar & Hayden Valleys | 7,800 ft | -6°F |
| High Country & Beartooth Plateau | 10,000 ft | -14°F |
Geyser Basins & Gardiner
6,200 ft elevationOld Faithful, the Upper and Lower Geyser Basins, and the North Entrance town of Gardiner sit in this lower band. It's the warmest part of the park and the baseline this weather page's live conditions are measured against.
Lamar & Hayden Valleys
7,800 ft elevationThe park's premier wildlife-viewing valleys sit noticeably higher and colder than the geyser basins — roughly 6°F cooler on a typical day, with sharper overnight drops. Open, wind-exposed terrain means it can feel colder still.
High Country & Beartooth Plateau
10,000 ft elevationMount Washburn's summit and the Beartooth Highway's high plateau (just outside the Northeast Entrance) run 12–16°F cooler than the geyser basins and can see snow in any month. The Beartooth Highway itself typically closes mid-October through late May.
Best Time to Visit
Month-by-month ratings for planning your trip
| Month | Weather | Crowds | Activities | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Feb | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Mar | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Apr | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| May | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Jun | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Jul | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Aug | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| SepNow | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Oct | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Nov | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Dec | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Trail Weather Considerations
Essential safety information for Yellowstone National Park trails
Geothermal Ground Is Not Solid Ground
The crust around geysers and hot springs can be thinner than it looks, with scalding, acidic water just beneath the surface. Stay on marked boardwalks and trails at all times — leaving them has caused serious burns and deaths. This risk exists in every season and every weather condition; it has nothing to do with the forecast, but it's the single most important safety rule anywhere in the geyser basins.
Bison and Wildlife Distance Rules
Stay at least 25 yards (23 m) from bison, elk, and most other large animals, and at least 100 yards (91 m) from bears and wolves. Bison can run three times faster than a human and have injured more visitors than any other animal in the park. Never approach wildlife for a photo, no matter how calm they appear.
Afternoon Thunderstorms in the High Country
Summer afternoons often bring sudden thunderstorms to higher terrain like Mount Washburn, the Beartooth Plateau, and open valleys. Storms can build quickly from a clear morning sky. Avoid exposed ridgelines and high points in the afternoon, and plan to be off high points before storms typically develop.
Cold Water Everywhere
Yellowstone's rivers and Yellowstone Lake stay dangerously cold even in July and August — hypothermia can set in within minutes of immersion, and swift currents add drowning risk. Never enter closed thermal-runoff streams (a genuine scald hazard on top of the cold-water risk elsewhere), and treat any lake or river swimming with real caution.
Winter Road Closures
Nearly every interior road closes to regular vehicles from early November through mid-to-late April or May — only the Gardiner–Cooke City road stays open year-round. From mid-December through early March, the interior is reachable only by guided snowcoach or snowmobile. Check current road status at nps.gov/yell before planning a winter or shoulder-season trip, and book guided winter transportation well in advance.
High-Elevation Sun & Weather Swings
Most of the park sits above 6,000 ft, and the high country tops 10,000 ft, where UV exposure is stronger and temperatures can swing 30°F or more between a sunny midday and a cold, windy evening. Layer up, use extra sun protection, and don't assume a warm forecast means a warm entire day.
Yellowstone National Park Weather FAQ
Common questions about Yellowstone National Park weather, seasons, and forecast
What is the weather like in Yellowstone National Park?
Yellowstone has a high-elevation continental climate with large seasonal swings. Summers (June–August) are mild by day but cool at night and prone to afternoon thunderstorms, while winters are long and cold — most interior roads close to regular vehicles from November through April or May.
What is the best time to visit Yellowstone National Park for good weather?
Late June through early September offers the most reliable warm-weather access, with September widely considered the best overall month — good weather, the elk rut beginning, and thinner crowds than midsummer. Late May and early June bring newborn wildlife but less predictable weather.
How hot does it get in Yellowstone in the summer?
Daytime highs at the geyser basins typically reach the mid-to-upper 70s°F in July and August. Nights stay cool even at the height of summer, and afternoon thunderstorms are common, especially in the high country.
Does it snow in Yellowstone National Park?
Yes, heavily — snow can fall in any month at higher elevations, and the winter season (roughly November through April) brings deep, sustained snowpack. Most interior roads close to regular vehicles for the winter and reopen only to guided snowcoach and snowmobile traffic.
Can you drive through Yellowstone in the winter?
Only partially. The road between Gardiner and Cooke City (through Mammoth Hot Springs and Lamar Valley) is the only route open to regular vehicles year-round. Every other interior road closes to regular vehicles from early November through mid-to-late April or May, and is reachable in between only by guided snowcoach or snowmobile.
What is the current weather forecast for Yellowstone National Park?
This page shows a live 16-day forecast, an hourly outlook, and the official National Weather Service narrative for the Yellowstone area, updated continuously. Conditions can differ sharply by elevation, so check both the geyser-basin baseline and any higher terrain you plan to visit.
What is the current temperature at Yellowstone National Park?
The live reading at the top of this page is measured near the geyser basins (roughly 6,200–7,300 ft elevation). Higher terrain runs noticeably cooler — expect roughly 6°F less in the Lamar and Hayden Valleys, and 12–16°F less in the high country and on the Beartooth Plateau.
Is there a 10-day weather forecast for Yellowstone National Park?
Yes — the daily forecast section on this page covers 16 days out, sourced from Open-Meteo and cross-checked against the National Weather Service's own forecast discussion. Beyond about 10 days, treat the numbers as a general trend rather than an exact prediction.