Yellowstone National Park is one of the most iconic destinations, so it can understandably get very crowded during peak season (June, July, and August)!If you're looking to avoid the crowds, the best months to visit Yellowstone are September, October andApril. These “off season” months provide more chances to catch a glimpse of the local wildlife and enjoy thinner crowds. Bears emerge from hibernation between March and April, migrating birds arrive just before May, and the elk rut begins mid-September. If you’re looking to plan a trip to the park, here are the best months to visit and tips to avoid the crowds during your trip.
When is Peak Season in Yellowstone?
Peak season in Yellowstone starts at the end of April and will run until about mid-September. May, June, July and August draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to the park (overall, the park hosted 4.5 million visitors in 2023) and tends to create more traffic and higher wait times at the larger landmarks.
Best Times to Visit Yellowstone
If you’re planning a trip to Yellowstone this year, we recommend visiting during the following months for fewer crowds, less traffic and more viewing opportunities:
September
Why Visit in September?
September still holds some of the warmer temperatures of peak season, but doesn’t attract as many crowds! Most of the park’s roads are still open, and the local wildlife will still be viewable throughout the park.
Activities to Enjoy
Fishing
Camping*
Backpacking*
Hiking*
Wildlife viewing
*Be sure to bring warm clothes and weather-ready gear. Yellowstone’s temperatures and weather can fluctuate widely during this time!
October
Why Visit in October?
As the warmer temperatures begin to cool, Yellowstone’s natural landscape shifts and allows the unique opportunity to view the park as winter approaches. October also allows visitors to experience the geysers, hot springs, and natural vents throughout the park without having to squeeze through the crowds.
Activities to Enjoy
Hiking*
Camping*
Backpacking*
Wildlife Viewing
*Be sure to bring warm clothes and weather-ready gear. Yellowstone’s temperatures and weather can fluctuate widely during this time!
April
Why Visit in April?
There’s nothing like seeing Yellowstone’s natural landscape come alive during the spring. This season is quite an active time for local wildlife as well, and provides a good opportunity to spot bears, wolves, elk, moose and other animals emerging from their winter homes.
Activities to Enjoy
Snowshoeing*
Wildlife viewing
Hiking*
Camping*
*Be sure to bring warm clothes and weather-ready gear. Yellowstone’s temperatures and weather can fluctuate widely during this time!
Tips for Avoiding the Crowds in Yellowstone
Aside from traveling during the off-season months, there are some easy things you can do to avoid the crowds and see more of the park. All it takes is a little planning!
Arrive early. Yellowstone’s crowds will peak during early morning and late afternoon, so getting to the park as early as possible will give you easy access to the landmarks you wish to see. What time does Yellowstone’s entrances open? The park keeps a detailed list of accessible facilities here!
Choose the hidden, secret, and less-known sights. Yellowstone has hundreds of thousands of geysers, hydrothermal features, and natural landmarks. Choose a few sights that aren’t as well-known, and you’ll have easy access to some of the more unique features of the park. View the park’s map of all the thermal features here!
Hike to a higher view. While most of Yellowstone’s landmarks can be viewed up-close and personal, there are a few that can be viewed from an elevated location. Hiking the Fairy Falls trail, for instance, will lead you directly above the Grand Prismatic Spring.
Visiting Yellowstone with the family this year? We’ve got 21 of the best things to see and do in Yellowstone with Kids! Check out our post here.
FAQs
Yellowstone National Park is one of the most iconic destinations, so it can understandably get very crowded during peak season (June, July, and August)! If you're looking to avoid the crowds, the best months to visit Yellowstone are September, October and April.
When to visit Yellowstone to avoid crowds? ›
Winter and spring are the best time to visit Yellowstone to avoid crowds.
What is the busiest month at Yellowstone for visitors to come? ›
These shoulder months offer mild weather, fewer crowds and little to no road closures. July and August are the most popular months to visit: The kids are out of school, and the weather is warm enough to sleep outside. However, this park is no stranger to the cold.
What month is the cheapest to go to Yellowstone? ›
The Cheapest Time to Visit Yellowstone
Flights and lodging are usually cheapest during the shoulder season (spring) and winter, which is Yellowstone's slow season. Prices usually tend to drop after Labor Day and don't begin to rise until March.
Which Yellowstone entrance is least crowded? ›
East Entrance: Closest to Yellowstone Lake. The East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park is a lot quieter and less crowded than the other Yellowstone entrances due to it's remote location.
Where should I go for the first time in Yellowstone? ›
Things You Need to See During Your First Time Visiting Yellowstone
- Old Faithful. ...
- Artist Point. ...
- Mud Volcano Area. ...
- Pelican Creek Nature Trail. ...
- Grand Prismatic Spring. ...
- Mammoth Hot Springs. ...
- West Thumb Geyser Basin. ...
- Norris Geyser Basin.
The best way to avoid the crowds in Yellowstone is to get out early. With most visitors having breakfast in their hotel, the roads are pretty quiet from dawn until 9:30 am. Wildlife is far more active at dawn than at midday as wildlife tend to take advantage of the cool temperatures.
Do I need a reservation to get into Yellowstone? ›
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 to save time, but you may also purchase passes at any entrance station upon arrival. Find out more about entrance passes below.
What is the easiest way to see Yellowstone? ›
One of the best ways to see Yellowstone is to hit the trails. Walking even a ½ mile on a boardwalk or trail offers you a more complete sense of Yellowstone's features and landscape. So dust off your hiking shoes, park the car, and see the wonders of Yellowstone that lie beyond your car window.
How many days do you need in Yellowstone? ›
To truly experience the best aspects of the park, you'll want to plan at least three days. But if you only have one day to spend in the park, you want to get the most out of your time here. The park is immense (nearly 3,500 square miles) with five entrances, and there is a lot to see.
The mornings (dawn until 11 a.m.) and evenings (6 p.m. until dusk) are perfect window times for beating the tour groups and family wagons and securing a spot with an uninterrupted view. If you prefer the morning, all you need is a trusty alarm clock, maybe a strong cup of coffee and an early start to the day.
Which part of Yellowstone is the best to visit? ›
Here are our top five must-see destinations in Yellowstone National Park.
- Old Faithful Area. The world's largest concentration of active geysers is here. ...
- Lamar Valley. One of the best places for spotting wildlife in Yellowstone. ...
- Canyon Village. ...
- Norris Geyser Basin. ...
- Yellowstone Lake.
If you're looking to avoid the crowds, the best months to visit Yellowstone are September, October and April. These “off season” months provide more chances to catch a glimpse of the local wildlife and enjoy thinner crowds.
How far in advance should you book a trip to Yellowstone? ›
A: Make your reservation early as your plans are firm! The booking window for advance reservations is on a 13-month rolling calendar. Specifically, on the 5th of each month, we'll begin accepting reservations for the same entire month of the following year.
Is Yellowstone better in spring or fall? ›
However, this is generally not a problem in the spring. For early bloomers that want their trip to revolve around its most famous (and photographed) spots, I would recommend coming in late May or June as the best time to visit Yellowstone; there are fewer people, but you still get good (mostly) weather.
How far in advance should I reserve Yellowstone? ›
Yellowstone's Advance Reservation Window
The reservation booking window accepts reservations for stays up to 13 months in advance*.
How many days is enough to see Yellowstone? ›
To truly experience the best aspects of the park, you'll want to plan at least three days. But if you only have one day to spend in the park, you want to get the most out of your time here. The park is immense (nearly 3,500 square miles) with five entrances, and there is a lot to see.
Is it better to stay inside Yellowstone or outside? ›
Staying in Yellowstone is the best way for visitors to experience everything the park has to offer. With nine lodging facilities offering over 2,000 rooms in the summer, accommodations in Yellowstone are plentiful for those wishing to experience the national park in its summertime glory.
How crowded is Yellowstone in September? ›
The Crowds Aren't Bad
Come mid- to late-September, visitation drops off and trails and roads become much more manageable. You'll quickly discover that literally everything is easier, from finding parking spaces to getting a table at on-site restaurants, to snagging campsites (before they close for the season).
