Introduction
Yellowstone National Park is one of our favorite family trips. We have visited the park in every season of the year and have learned the secrets to planning the perfect trip. With six kids (currently ages 1 to 10), we’ve explored Yellowstone over a dozen times, braving the extremes of winter, basking in the warmth of summer, and marveling at spring wildlife.
Generally, our favorite time of year to visit with kids is between mid-May and mid-October. This period offers the best combination of wildlife viewing, mild weather, and accessible activities. We understand it can be difficult to plan around kid’s scheduled. Whether you want to see baby bison in May, hear elk bugling in September, or enjoy a peaceful fall hike, Yellowstone has something to offer every family. In this guide, we’ll provide a month-by-month breakdown of Yellowstone weather, activities, and tips, helping you decide when to plan your family’s unforgettable adventure. For our family, if I had to pick exact weeks I would go with the third week of May or the third week of September.
Yellowstone Weather by Month
Understanding Yellowstone weather is key to planning your trip. The park’s elevation and location create significant seasonal changes, so knowing what to expect each month will help you pack smartly and prepare for any conditions.
January
- Why Visit? Yellowstone transforms into a snowy paradise. Few visitors mean peaceful trails and incredible wolf-spotting opportunities.
- Our Experience: We’ve taken snowmobile trips with our kids in January and faced temperatures as low as -30°F. It’s cold but magical!
- Activities:
- Snowcoach or snowmobile tours to Old Faithful.
- Wildlife spotting in Lamar Valley—wolves, bison, and elk stand out in the snow.
- Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing for adventurous families.
- Weather: Bitterly cold. Dress in heavy layers with plenty of hand warmers.
- Crowds: Virtually nonexistent.
February
- Why Visit? A continuation of winter magic, February is ideal for spotting wolves and enjoying snowy landscapes.
- Activities:
- Snowmobiling adventures with the family.
- Visit Mammoth Hot Springs for stunning, snow-covered terraces. You can drive to Mammoth year round.
- Weather: Subzero temperatures, often as cold as January.
- Crowds: Still very low.
March
- Why Visit? Winter begins to give way to spring. While access is limited, the quiet atmosphere remains.
- Activities:
- Continue winter sports like snowshoeing or snowcoach tours.
- Spot early signs of spring with migrating birds and emerging wildlife.
- Weather: Cold but warming slightly.
- Crowds: Minimal.
April
- Why Visit? Spring is in the air, and wildlife begins to emerge. Bears wake from hibernation, and bison calves are born. That being said this might be our least favorite month to visit as it is still muddy and cold and a weird in between time.
- Activities:
- Drive accessible roads like Mammoth to Lamar Valley.
- Spot bears, elk, and other animals waking from winter.
- Weather: Cool (30–50°F) and unpredictable; bring layers.
- Crowds: Low.
May
- Why Visit? Mid-May to Memorial Day is our absolute favorite time to visit Yellowstone! Wildlife viewing is unparalleled, and the park begins to bloom with life.
- Our Experience: On one trip, we spotted over 15 bears in just three days, including black bears and grizzlies. It’s a magical time to explore with kids and you can still luck out and have t shirt weather near the end of the month.
- Activities:
- Wildlife spotting (bison calves, elk, bears).
- Visit geothermal features like Old Faithful without the summer crowds.
- Weather: Cool (40–60°F), with occasional rain or snow.
- Crowds: Moderate, increasing toward Memorial Day weekend.
June
- Why Visit? Summer arrives, and all park roads, hiking trails, and activities are fully open, making it the best time for hiking and exploring with kids.
- Activities:
- Family hikes on trails like Fairy Falls or Mystic Falls.
- Tent camping begins in full swing, perfect for families.
- Enjoy ranger programs and Junior Ranger activities.
- Weather: Warm (50–70°F) with sunny days.
- Crowds: Moderate, building toward peak summer.
July
- Why Visit? Peak summer is ideal for outdoor adventures, with long days and warm weather.
- Activities:
- Camping, hiking, and wildlife spotting.
- Explore geothermal features like Grand Prismatic Spring.
- Participate in family-friendly ranger programs.
- Weather: Warm (60–80°F) with occasional afternoon thunderstorms.
- Crowds: High—plan to arrive early at major attractions.
August
- Why Visit? Similar to July, August offers warm weather and all activities and hiking trails remain open.
- Activities:
- Explore geysers like Grand Prismatic Spring.
- Take a brisk dip in Yellowstone Lake on warmer days.
- Enjoy scenic drives and picnics with the kids.
- Weather: Warm (60–80°F).
- Crowds: High.
September
- Why Visit? Fall is one of the most beautiful and peaceful times to visit Yellowstone.
- Our Experience: Mid to late September is a family favorite. We love spending a day in Mammoth, watching the elk fight, bugle, and rut up close. It’s an incredible wildlife experience for kids. This is the best month for seeing changing leaves.
- Activities:
- Scenic drives through fall foliage.
- Wildlife spotting, especially elk and bears.
- Hiking trails and all activities remain open.
- Weather: Cool (50–70°F) with chilly evenings.
- Crowds: Low to moderate.
October
- Why Visit? October marks the transition to winter, with stunning fall colors early in the month.
- Seasonal Note: By the first week of October, most leaves have fallen in high elevations. The best time to see quaking aspen leaves is usually late September. Mornings will start to get very cold.
- Activities:
- Visit geothermal areas like Mammoth Hot Springs.
- Enjoy the last of the open trails before snow closes them.
- Weather: Cool days (40–60°F) and cold nights.
- Crowds: Low.
November
- Why Visit?
As snow begins to blanket the park, November offers a quieter experience with hints of winter magic. While many roads and facilities are closed, it’s an ideal time for wildlife viewing in Lamar Valley. This month is better than April but depending on weather this can be a difficult month to visit. - Activities:
- Wildlife spotting (wolves, bison, and elk are still active).
- Scenic drives on roads that remain open, like Mammoth to Lamar Valley.
- Enjoy the peace and solitude of off-season travel.
- Weather: Cold and snowy, with average highs of 30–40°F and lows below freezing.
- Crowds: Minimal—one of the least crowded months.
December
- Why Visit?
Yellowstone in December is a winter wonderland with steaming geysers, snow-covered landscapes, and very few visitors. It’s the perfect time for families seeking a unique and quiet adventure. - Activities:
- Take a snowcoach tour to Old Faithful or the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
- Wildlife watching in Lamar Valley—wolves, bison, and elk are easy to spot in the snow.
- Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on family-friendly trails.
- Weather: Bitterly cold, with average highs around 20–30°F and lows below zero.
- Crowds: Extremely low, offering serene, crowd-free experiences.
Conclusion
After over a dozen trips to Yellowstone with kids in every season, we can confidently say there’s no bad time to visit. For the best wildlife encounters, visit in mid-May or mid to late September. For tent camping, summer offers the warmest, most comfortable conditions. And for a truly unique experience, winter’s snowy landscapes are unforgettable—if your family can brave the cold!
Whatever time you choose, Yellowstone National Park is sure to leave your family with memories to last a lifetime. Start planning your adventure today!
