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National Park · WY, MT, ID
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone is quietest in January and February and busiest in August.
The world's first national park: geysers, hot springs, canyons, and abundant wildlife across a supervolcano caldera.
4.6M recreation visits a year on average (2023–2025)
Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Jul 2026 · alerts checked Jul 11, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Pick a month to visit Yellowstone
This week
7-day forecast
| Day | Conditions | High | Low | Precip chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu 27 | Overcast | 76°F | 40°F | 14% |
| Fri 28 | Light drizzle | 70°F | 49°F | 44% |
| Sat 29 | Rain showers | 63°F | 46°F | 86% |
| Sun 30 | Rain showers | 60°F | 43°F | 62% |
| Mon 31 | Clear | 67°F | 35°F | 23% |
| Tue 1 | Partly cloudy | 70°F | 42°F | 20% |
| Wed 2 | Overcast | 64°F | 38°F | 18% |
Forecast data by Open-Meteo
Source: Open-Meteo
Weather
Monthly climate normals
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Precip |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28°F | 9°F | 1.1" |
| February | 32°F | 11°F | 0.8" |
| March | 40°F | 17°F | 1.1" |
| April | 49°F | 26°F | 1.3" |
| May | 60°F | 34°F | 2.1" |
| June | 70°F | 41°F | 1.9" |
| July | 80°F | 47°F | 1.5" |
| August | 79°F | 45°F | 1.4" |
| September | 68°F | 37°F | 1.4" |
| October | 55°F | 29°F | 1.2" |
| November | 38°F | 20°F | 1.1" |
| December | 28°F | 11°F | 1.1" |
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, Yellowstone (Lake Yellowstone)
Know before you go
Fees & hours
- Entrance fee
- $35 — $35 per private vehicle, valid 7 days
- Hours
- Open 24 hours in season; most roads close to cars early Nov to late Apr
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- Road Closure
Seasonal road closures in effect
Most park roads are closed to regular vehicles between early November and late April. Check current road status before traveling.
Details on nps.gov → - Information
Vehicle Entrance Reservation Not Needed
Although an entrance pass is required to enter Yellowstone National Park, vehicle reservations are not needed. You are encouraged to purchase an entrance pass before arriving, but you may also purchase passes at any entrance station upon arrival.
Details on nps.gov → - Information
Traffic Delays - Gardner River High Bridge
Expect a single lane of traffic with up to 15-minute delays, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from April 1 through late October 2026. Oversized/overweight vehicles (8'6"+ wide, 75'+ long, 80,000 lbs+ gross vehicle weight) will not be able to cross the bridge during this time.
Details on nps.gov → - Park Closure
Biscuit Basin Closed Due to Hydrothermal Explosion
The parking lot, boardwalk, and Firehole River at Biscuit Basin, located north of Old Faithful, is closed to all travel until further notice due to the possibility of another event at the site of a hydrothermal explosion that occurred July 23, 2024.
Details on nps.gov → - Information
Traffic Delays - Gibbon River Bridge
Expect up to 15-minute delays on Gibbon River Bridge from July 9 through late-July while crews repair the railing.
Details on nps.gov → - Information
Select rivers closed to fishing daily, 2 p.m. to sunrise
The following rivers and their tributaries will close daily from 2 p.m. to sunrise due to warm water temperatures and low flows: Madison River, Firehole River, and Gibbon River.
Details on nps.gov →
Source: NPS Data API
FAQ
Yellowstone questions
When is the best time to visit Yellowstone?
Yellowstone is least crowded in January, February, and March. August is the busiest month, so visiting outside it means thinner crowds and easier parking.
How much does it cost to visit Yellowstone?
Entrance to Yellowstone costs $35 ($35 per private vehicle, valid 7 days).
When is Yellowstone busiest?
Yellowstone is busiest in August, when crowds rate 10/10 (peak). Expect full parking lots and longer waits; arrive early or choose a quieter month.