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 Oct 2026 · alerts checked Oct 18, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun 18 | Mostly clear | 54°F | 20°F | 0% |
| Mon 19 | Overcast | 54°F | 31°F | 1% |
| Tue 20 | Heavy drizzle | 51°F | 35°F | 17% |
| Wed 21 | Light drizzle | 55°F | 37°F | 17% |
| Thu 22 | Drizzle | 58°F | 36°F | 69% |
| Fri 23 | Snow showers | 40°F | 25°F | 96% |
| Sat 24 | Snow showers | 31°F | 13°F | 81% |
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
- 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 → - Caution
Stay Away From Bull Elk
Bull elk are fast and unpredictable this time of year and can seriously injure people. If an elk charges, run. In addition to staying at least 25 yards (23 m) away from elk and bison, always stay at least 100 yards (91 m) away from bears and wolves.
Details on nps.gov → - 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 →
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.
How crowded is Yellowstone during holidays and fee-free days?
Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Fourth of July) and official NPS fee-free days typically bring peak crowd conditions to Yellowstone. Arrive before 8 AM or after 3 PM to secure parking and avoid peak trail congestion.