Weather

 
 

Since most of the park lies at an elevation of 6,000 feet (1829 m) above sea level or higher, unpredictability characterizes Yellowstone's weather. Expect big temperature swings, rain, or snow during every month of the year. No matter when you visit, bring a warm jacket, rain gear, and lots of layers.

Spring and Fall

Daytime temperatures range from 30°F to the 60°F (0°C to 16°C) with overnight lows in the teens to single digits (-5°C to -20°C). Snow is common in the spring and fall with regular accumulations of 12 inches (30.5 cm) in a 24-hour period.

Summer

Daytime temperatures are often around 70°F (21°C) and occasionally 80°F (27°C) at lower elevations. Nights are usually cool and temperatures may drop below freezing at higher elevations. Thunderstorms are common in the afternoons.

Winter

Temperatures range from zero to 20°F (-18°C to -7°C) throughout the day. Sub-zero temperatures are common, especially at night and at higher elevations. The record low temperature is -66°F (-54°C). Snowfall is highly variable. While the average is 150 inches (381 cm) a year, it is not uncommon for higher elevations to get twice that amount.

 
Fog fills a river valley in a landscape
Seasons

Explore Yellowstone's seasons.

A skier enjoys a winter sunrise at near a steaming geyser.
Explore in Winter

Ready to brave the cold? Check out this information for planning a winter visit.

 

Forecasts

The weather in Yellowstone can change quickly and can deviate considerably from the forecast, so prepare for all conditions when planning your adventure.

For additional details or other forecasts, visit the National Weather Service.

 

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Monthly Averages

Average High Temperature Average Low Temperature Average Precipitation Average Total Snow Fall
Month °F °C °F °C Inches cm Inches cm
January 28.6 -1.9 9.6 -12.4 1.1 2.8 14.5 36.8
February 34.0 1.1 13.0 -10.6 0.75 1.9 10.4 26.4
March 39.6 4.2 17.2 -8.2 1.1 2.8 13.1 33.3
April 49.4 9.7 26.0 -3.3 1.2 3.0 5.9 15.0
May 60.4 15.8 34.3 1.3 2.0 5.1 1.5 3.8
June 70.0 21.1 41.2 5.1 1.5 3.8 0.1 0.3
July 79.6 26.4 46.7 8.2 1.5 3.8 0.0 0
August 78.3 25.7 45.3 7.4 1.4 3.6 0.0 0
September 67.8 19.9 37.0 2.8 1.3 3.3 0.5 1.3
October 55.7 13.2 29.4 -1.4 1.0 2.5 3.7 9.4
November 38.7 3.7 19.2 -7.1 1.0 2.5 9.0 22.9
December 30.5 -0.8 11.8 -11.2 1.0 2.5 13.5 34.3
Annual 52.8°F 11.6°C 27.6°F -2.4°C 15.4" 39.1 cm 72.1 183.1 cm
 

Climate

Climate consists of the long-term averages of daily weather, usually in 30-year periods. Learn how the climate is changing in Yellowstone.

 
Photo of a park ranger at an entrance station
Basic Information

Get all the essential information here, from directions to entrance fees to hours of operation.

A large stone arch
Current Conditions

Learn about things that could affect your visit before you arrive.

Last updated: August 14, 2023

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190-0168

Phone:

307-344-7381

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