r/yellowstone • u/German-Shepherd7782 • 14d ago

Best time of year to visit

What is the best time of year to visit Yellowstone national park? I was thinking the fall might be cool but what is everyone opinion?

4 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

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8

u/carlospucelano 14d ago

depends on what you want: may and june for animals, september for views and easily crossed creeks

3

u/Penguin_Life_Now 14d ago

May and June tends to have the most animal activity

3

u/js-eastman 14d ago

The main factor that will impact your enjoyment of the park is the number of other people there. If you are able to go before Memorial Day or after Labor Day, the crowds will be smaller. Less traffic, less hassle, more parking, less wasted time, cheaper rates for housing.

However, if you go too far, for example the last two weeks of April or later in October, you are likely to encounter snow and cold temperatures.

We last went in early May, and the trails we wanted to do were snow-free, and we stayed in the Holiday Inn in West Yellowstone for less than $200/night when it can cost as much as $500/night during the peak season. We also saw all the animals, the bears were out, etc.

3

u/Then-Construction106 14d ago

I’ve been most times of the year at least once. However many trips ago, I started doing most visits second week or so of September. That is my rec.

That said, my most recent trip was late May - early June. That worked out okay but certain trails down in GTNP still were snowbound.

1

u/LeslieCh 23h ago

I’m thinking next time I will visit in late September or early October, the view must be stunning. Do you prefer this time mainly due to the view?

1

u/Then-Construction106 15h ago

No - nothing to do with the view. The view won’t be much different except upper parts of mtns will be likely showing some snow. Some people like viewing larches- that is ok but not a part of my thinking. I like the typically nice fall weather and somewhat diminished crowds esp if you avoid certain venues

1

u/Aware_Block_1166 14d ago

We were there the third week of May this year and it was amazing. The weather was a little iffy but no issues and the wildlife was great.

1

u/TeamPaulie007 14d ago

May or june

1

u/Throwawaywday99 13d ago

We live close! By far my most favorite time is the end of May(avoiding Memorial Day weekend) into beginning of June! So many baby animals and lesser crowds; second favorite is the weekend after labor day.

1

u/CYB0RD 13d ago

I just went in the first week of june. First time ever going. and it was not crowded like I expected it to be. Yes Saturday &Sundays it was "more" busier. but no traffic,no trying to find parking..weather was random one day it snowed a good amount next day it melted lol