Yellowstone Weather
Since most of the park lies at an elevation of 6,000 feet 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. Temperature and precipitation can vary dramatically depending on where you are in the park. The northern range, and particularly the North Entrance region, are the driest locations in the park throughout the year.
Current Weather in Yellowstone National Park (Mammoth Hot Springs, Old Faithful, West Yellowstone, Northeast Entrance, Yellowstone Lake)
Winter
Temperatures range from zero to 20F (-20C to -5C) throughout the day. Sub-zero temperatures are common, especially at night and at higher elevations. The record low temperature is -66F (-54C). Temperatures and amount of snowfall is highly variable throughout the park. The North Entrance at Gardiner, MT, is typically milder than other sections of the park. While the average snowfall is 150 inches a year, it is not uncommon for higher elevations to get twice that amount.
Fun Facts: The record low temperature for the park was -66 degrees F (-54 C) on February 9, 1933 (West Entrance, Riverside Station). The average daily temperature at Mammoth Hot Springs in January is 9ºF (-13ºC).
Plan Your Winter Trip to Yellowstone
Spring & Fall
Daytime temperatures range from 30F to the 60F (0 to 20C) with overnight lows in the teens to single digits (-5C to -20C). Snow is common in the spring and fall with regular accumulations of 12″ in a 24-hour period.
Fun Fact: Each spring, Yellowstone National Park staff spend over a month plowing massive amounts of snow to clear the roads for the upcoming travel season.
Plan Your Fall Trip to Yellowstone
Summer
Daytime temperatures are often around 70F (25C) and occasionally 80F (30C) at lower elevations. Nights are usually cool and temperatures may drop below freezing at higher elevations. Thunderstorms are common in the afternoons.
Fun Fact: The record high temperature for the park was 99 degrees F (37 C) in 2002 (Mammoth Hot Springs).
