Yellowstone sits high, around 2,000 m and above, so a hot summer afternoon can follow a frosty morning, and snow is possible in any month. Pack layers for a big temperature swing in one day.
Yellowstone weather by month
Daily high and low (°F), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 23°F-5°C | 28°F-2°C | 34°F1°C | 43°F6°C | 57°F14°C | 68°F20°C | 79°F26°C | 75°F24°C | 68°F20°C | 52°F11°C | 32°F0°C | 27°F-3°C |
| Low | 3°F-16°C | 7°F-14°C | 12°F-11°C | 18°F-8°C | 30°F-1°C | 37°F3°C | 41°F5°C | 41°F5°C | 34°F1°C | 25°F-4°C | 12°F-11°C | 9°F-13°C |
| Rain days | 9 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 12 | 9 | 5 | 9 | 5 | 10 | 10 | 11 |
Season by season
Summer
June–AugustPeak season, with cold mornings. These numbers are from West Yellowstone, 21 miles (34 km) from the park center. July averages a 79°F (26°C) high and 41°F (5°C) low, with only 5 rain days, and June 68°F (20°C) and 37°F (3°C). Afternoon thunderstorms are common. Pack a fleece, a rain shell, a warm hat for dawn wildlife watching, sun protection and plenty of water.
Autumn
September–NovemberQuiet, cold nights. September averages a 68°F (20°C) high and 34°F (1°C) low with 5 rain days. October drops to 52°F (11°C) and 25°F (-4°C), and November 32°F (0°C) and 12°F (-11°C). Snow can close roads early. Pack warm layers, gloves and a winter hat.
Winter
December–FebruaryDeep cold. January averages a 23°F (-5°C) high and 3°F (-16°C) low, December 27°F (-3°C) and 9°F (-13°C), and February 28°F (-2°C) and 7°F (-14°C) with 13 snow or rain days. Most park roads close to cars; access is by snowcoach or snowmobile tours. Pack insulated boots, thermal layers, an insulated jacket, mittens and hand warmers.
Spring
March–MayLate and snowy. March averages 34°F (1°C) and 12°F (-11°C), April 43°F (6°C) and 18°F (-8°C), and May 57°F (14°C) and 30°F (-1°C) with 12 rain days. Roads reopen in stages through spring; check before you go. Pack winter layers into May.
What to bring to Yellowstone
0 of 25 packedA shell handles summer afternoon storms and the cold wind on early wildlife drives.
The women's version of the same shell, for storms and cold dawns.
- Hydro Flask 32 oz Travel Bottle with Flex Straw CapWater Bottles & Hydration
A large bottle helps on long road-trip days between geyser basins at altitude.
- THRIAID Mini First Aid Kit, 100 piecesHealth & Safety
A small first aid kit covers blisters and scrapes on trails far from services.
- A warm wrapClothing
A warm wrap is an easy extra layer for cold dawns, when summer lows average 41°F (5°C).
- Anker Nano Power Bank 5,000mAh (Built-In USB-C)Tech & Power
Cold drains batteries, and cell signal is patchy, so keep your phone charged.
- Peak Design Capture Clip V3Camera & Photo
A camera clip keeps your camera ready for wildlife on the trail.
Clothing
- Base layers · 2 setsSummer lows average 5°C
- Fleece mid layer · 1
- Insulated jacket · 1Dec–Feb lows down to -16°C
- Warm hat and gloves · 1 setDawn wildlife watching
- Hiking pants · 2
- Wool socks · 4 pairs
- Sun hat · 1
Footwear
- Broken-in hiking boots · 1 pairMuddy trails in spring and early summer
- Insulated waterproof boots · 1 pairWinter snowcoach and snowmobile tours
Gear
- Binoculars · 1Wildlife is most active at dawn and dusk
- Bear spray · 1Know how to use it
- Daypack · 1
- Hand warmersWinter, Dec–Feb
Health and toiletries
- Sunscreen · 1Strong sun at around 2,000 m
- Lip balm · 1
Documents and money
- ID or passport
- National park pass
Tech
- Phone and charger
What shoes should you pack for Yellowstone?
Broken-in hiking shoes or boots with good grip. Boardwalks around the geyser basins are easy, but trails are muddy in spring and early summer. In winter, insulated waterproof boots.
What do people wear in Yellowstone?
Practical outdoor clothing. Fleece, hiking pants and rain jackets are normal everywhere, including lodge dining rooms.
What should you pack for wildlife watching in Yellowstone?
Binoculars, warm layers and patience. Wildlife is most active at dawn and dusk, when it is coldest; summer lows average 41°F (5°C). Bring bear spray and know how to use it, and stay well back from all animals.
What plugs does Yellowstone use?
The US uses Type A and B sockets at 120V. US plugs fit. UK, EU and Australian visitors need an adapter, and should check chargers handle 120V (most phone and laptop chargers do).
Tours and things to do in Yellowstone
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Yellowstone.
What should you leave at home for Yellowstone?
Drones, which are banned in national parks, and shorts-only outfits. Leave formal clothes too. Stay on boardwalks in thermal areas; the ground can be thin over boiling water.
Packing for Yellowstone: questions people ask
What should I wear in Yellowstone in July?
Layers. July averages a 79°F (26°C) high but a 41°F (5°C) low, so bring a fleece and a rain shell.
Can it snow in Yellowstone in summer?
Yes. Snow is possible in any month at Yellowstone's elevation.
Are Yellowstone roads open in winter?
Most park roads close to cars in winter. Access is mainly by snowcoach or snowmobile tours. Check before you go.
How cold is Yellowstone in January?
Very. January averages a 23°F (-5°C) high and a 3°F (-16°C) low at West Yellowstone.
Do I need bear spray in Yellowstone?
It is strongly recommended for hiking. Carry it where you can reach it and know how to use it.
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