yellowstone

Mid June is still decent, crowd wise. Have been there 4 times.

Other visits have been mid July and early August. Much more crowded.

Whether it's crowded or not, get up early, see the sights and find a good spot for lunch and a nap, see more sights in the early evening.

Going mid August this year.

I am actually staying on the east side of the park now. Heading through the park tomorrow to stay in West Yellowstone. Crowds are not bad at all. Traffic light and parking spots easy to get in "towns" and pulloffs. Some roads still closed for repairs. A lot of snow still around. Temps fine at night. Did snow about 5 days ago so it is very variable.

Now seems to be a great time

We were there in mid May, 2016 and the weather was great.High 50 or low 60's during the day but dropped down into the 40's at night. Crowds were light.

I have been 2 times in mid to late June and have been suprised at the small number of people, but with that said 2002 was the last time and seeing National Parks and camping has exploded in the last 5 years or so.


I do know when I go back it will be while school is in, this year it snowed last week and some of the trailes are still closed due to snow so you have to contend with that early and in the fall it can be dry and some of the animals are beeing seen less and less.



If you can stay close to Old Faithful the best time to watch it is very early in the day or very late, the crowds at mid-day are unreal.

My son and I did a western trip several years ago (after school had started) and had a ball. Traffic was light and the animals were out and about eating everything in site. Only problem we had was our plan called for heading out across the Beartooth and into Montana at RedLodge to I-90. Had a heavy snow our last night there and the pass got closed. We had to go back across the park and exit up through the west entrance.
Said all that to say this - late is better, but too late is not as much fun

Keep in mind that it snowed in the Upper Basin (Old Faithfull) night before last, May 21st.

Ziphead2 wrote:
I know it has been asked numerous times but what is the best time to see Yellowstone and other local attractions? thanks

We went last year at end of June. Got out at 6am every morning to beat crowds and see at much as possible. Temp was 32 degrees in morning, warmed up to 70's during day. By noon everyday the park was packed with tour buses and loads of people. From what I hear July and August are even more crowded. Regardless, it was a spectacular trip. Enjoy.

Before school lets out or after school starts.
spring is when you get to see babies...bison, bear, etc. but still pretty cold.
fall weather is cool but not cold but also subject to a freak early snowfall.
but the restaurants and visitor centers close around mid Sept.
but they don't get opened until mid to late May.
:)
so really, you have the last 2 weeks of May or first 2 weeks of Sept.

Spring or fall to avoid the summer crowds. The park will still be packed, but a little less than during the summer.