Does It Snow In Yellowstone National Park, USA - Average Snowfall

One of the most famous national parks in the United States is undoubtedly Yellowstone National Park, located in Wyoming in the western United States in the crater of an ancient supervolcano. Millions of tourists from all over the world flock here every year. In the summer, when all the roads of the park are open, and especially on weekends, there are no crowds here. Why is Yellowstone Park so popular?

We knew that there you can see a huge number of different geysers. Wild bears and a huge number of buffalo bison are also found there. Now the question is if the park is worth the laudatory reviews that travelers from all over the world write about it or not. Let’s find out more about the park.

In this article you will find out:

Weather in Yellowstone: Does It snow in Yellowstone National Park?

People have been fascinated by the land of Yellowstone, and it’s easy to understand why. Nowhere else on Earth is there such a breathtaking display of nature, paired with an unbelievable assortment of geological activity of geysers and hot springs. It is a wonderland. The weather prediction warned of snowfall and also temperatures as high as 30° F on the summer solstice.

While it may seem incredible, such severe weather is a vital part of this Yellowstone National Park climate, where snow falls any month of the year. However, scientists say such heavy snow is unusual. This happens maybe once every 5 years. But every time the snow falls more and more. Many animals feed on grass, which is now buried under a fairly thick layer of snow. Thus, snow can create problems for young animals born this spring.

The cold also introduces added stress that can kill some creatures, especially birds. however, fortunately, most Yellowstone animals are adapted to endure such weather changes. Extreme weather, sudden storms, high wind speed, average snowfall, etc are an important part of Yellowstone’s history. Despite the expected heat wave in Europe, it snows in Yellowstone in the summertime. GLAS previously reported that reindeer have evolved to survive the freezing temperatures of Arctic winters.

Season By Season Average Weather Forecast

Since the maximum of the Yellowstone National park lies at an average elevation of 1829 m (6,000 ft) above the sea level or even higher, unpredictability in weather data represents Yellowstone’s weather throughout the year. Expect big temperature swings, snow, or even rain every month entire year. Hence, no matter what time you plan to visit this park, whether during the coldest month or the warmest month, do not forget to bring your rain gear, warm jacket, and plenty of layers.

High temperature occurs anytime here. So, be prepared in advance. Here are the weather data of Yellowstone National Park that will help you set your travel deals. Unpredictability characterizes Yellowstone’s weather forecast, check out here…

Spring Daytime Temperature

During the spring season, the daytime temperatures generally range from 0 degrees Centigrade to 20 degrees Centigrade or 0°F-60°F with overnight lows of -5 degrees Centigrade to -20 degrees Centigrade temperature. During springtime, snow very is common with normal accumulations of around 12 in (30.5 centimetres) within 24 hours.

Average Temperature in Spring

March 37° F-10° F
April 46° F-20° F
May 58° F-29° F

Summer Daytime Temperatures

The average Summer daytime temperatures in Yellowstone National Park are sometimes around 25°C (70°F ) and often 30°C (80°F) at lower average elevations. However, nights are normally cool and the average temperatures may decrease below the freezing level at some higher elevations of Yellowstone National Park. Thunderstorms are also common during the afternoons in the Summer months.

Average Summer Weather In Yellowstone National Park

June 68° F-36° F
July 78° F-41° F
August 76° F-39° F

Fall Daytime Temperatures Range

Fall Daytime temperatures range is 27° F to 48° F. The Yellowstone weather in October is cooler than in previous months, which generally reaches an average high temperature of 48° Fahrenheit as well as an average low temperature of 27° Fahrenheit. Snow starts to fall again toward the end of this season, reaching nearly 10 in. on average, while rain stays at 1 in. As with rainfall in fall, we believe the snowfall got over a sliding 31-day span centred around each day.

Average Fall Weather in Yellowstone National Park

September 64° F-30 F
October 51° F-22° F
November 34° F-12° F

Winter Temperatures Range

Winter Temperatures range generally from -20 degrees Centigrade to -5 degrees Centigrade (0°F-20°F) all day here. Sub-zero temperatures in winter visits are common, particularly at night as well as at some higher elevations. At lower elevations, the temperature isn’t that extreme. During winter, this place’s record low temperature is around -54°C (-66°F). Snowfall during this time is highly unstable. Whilst the average snowfall is around 381 cm (150 in.) a year, it’s not so unusual for such higher elevations for a winter visit and thus to get twice that amount of snowfall.

Average Winter Weather In Yellowstone National Park

December 24° F-2° F
January 24° F-1° F
February 30° F-3° F

NOTE:

The Yellowstone National Park weather can vary quickly as well as can considerably deviate from the weather forecast, thus, be ready for all situations while planning your trip. Do not forget to take a warm jacket, rain gear, etc. as you will expect big temperature swings.

How Often it Snows in Yellowstone Park

This table list below shows monthly totals for the amount of snowfall as well as how many days this place snows at least 0.25 centimetres (0.1 inches). Average total snow & days with snow at Yellowstone National Park is highly variable. Check out the list below…

In January 29.2cm or 11.5 in which is 8.7 days
In February 29.2cm or 11.5 in which is 9.4 days
In March 27.7cm or 10.9 in which is 7.0 days
In April 19.8cm or 7.8 in which is 5.5 days
In May 4.3cm or 1.7 in which is 1.2 days
In Mid June 0.8cm or 0.3 which is 0.1 days
In September 1.5cm or 0.6 in which is 0.3 days
In October 11.9cm or 4.7 in which is 2.8 days
In November 25.1cm or 9.9 in which is 7.5 days
In December 32.0cm or 12.6 in which is 10.2 days

How Many Snowstorms Occur In Yellowstone National Park?

Yellowstone National Park gets heavy snow as well as good amounts of snow every year, particularly in the winter season. it’s often unfamiliar to individuals as they only think Yellowstone National Park is a place to visit during the summertime.

As per americansouthwest.net, more than half of Yellowstone National Park’s year-to-year rain falls as snow instead of water. 150 in. in maximum areas but around 400 in. on the high elevations! The 150-in. average was information taken in the Seven thousand elevation range. A few places of Yellowstone National Park more than 9000 ft get a lot of snow throughout the year. The truth is that the maximum of all the parks is beyond 7,000 elevations and it does get freezing too.

In case you assume 400 in. is a lot then just remember that it isn’t anywhere near as frigid as other places.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Yellowstone National Park?

Yellowstone’s average temperature for the year is 8.8 °C and precipitation averages 549.4 mm. The top month to visit Yellowstone is July August September. While nature can be attended in the park throughout the year around, the available view differs from month to month.

March & April are one of the best times for watching the bear, while the months of winter are best for bighorn sheep and wolves. Elk, deer, mountain goats, and bison can be witnessed during the months of summer, which is the busiest time in the Yellowstone National Park. On the other hand, Autumn is a great season to see elk, bears, and predators, and enjoy the calm weather.

What Is The Best Time For Pictures in The Park:

Travelers who wish to take photographs of Yellowstone Park should go there during winter. During this time, you will get fabulous snowfall and steam photos, which will also save you from twice the amount of hot springs & geysers which you may get during the summer months.

Because of the mountainous landscape, the Yellowstone park weather is quite unpredictable throughout the year. Autumn and Spring highs range from -1°C to +15°C, with minimums often reaching -17°C. Summer months’ highs typically range from 21°C to 26°C.

Things to See In Yellowstone Park

Yellowstone National Park is familiar for its canyon walls (red-tinged) and also awe-inspiring natural phenomena such as Mammoth Hot Springs and Old Faithful, but you cannot miss seeing some of the hiking trails of the park and basins for amazing views of this park’s forests, waterfalls, and also alpine lakes. So, here are the most visited places in Yellowstone National Park…

Visit Grand Canyon
Mystic Falls Trail
Trout Lake Trail
Go to Grand Prismatic Spring
Hayden Valley
Mammoth Hot Springs
Norris Geyser Basin
Grizzly And Wolf Discovery Center
Upper Geyser Basin
Old Faithful
Yellowstone Lake
Lamar Valley
Lone Star Geyser Trail
Mount Washburn
Firehole Canyon Drive

Essential Information Of The Yellowstone Park

Name: Yellowstone National Park
Location: In the USA on the border of 3 states – Wyoming, Montana and Idaho
The nearest cities are Jackson, Idaho Falls
GPS coordinates 44° 40′ 0″ N, 110° 30′ 0″ W
44.666667°, -110.5°

Yellowstone is one of the most unusual places on our planet, which is located in the north of the United States and is well known for its picturesque landscapes with amazingly beautiful lakes, rivers, canyons and waterfalls, as well as unearthly landscapes and wildlife, herds of bison grazing and wolves roaming freely and bears.

It has the status of a national park and is located in the Yellowstone caldera with many hot springs and geysers coming to the surface because under them is the most formidable supervolcano in the world.

Yellowstone Park could be more visited if it weren’t so far away from the US West Coast and other interesting North American attractions. Heavy snowfalls in winter and Yellowstone’s location on a high plateau (about 2,500 meters above sea level) also restrict access to it, although not as drastically as in Sequoia and Kings Canyon parks.

INTERESTING FACT:

Even though officially the territory of Yellowstone Park, covering an area of about 9,000 square kilometers, belongs to 3 states – Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, it is considered that the park is the main attraction of Wyoming.

National Park Service

First of all, you need to realize that it is quite possible to visit the crater of a supervolcano, and then decide on it. And then you need to find out how to get to Yellowstone Park. The park is located in the northwestern part of Wyoming, and in the south, it connects with another national park – Grand Teton national park and the city of Jackson. You can get there through several entrances:

From Montana, the gateway to Yellowstone is West Yellowstone to the west; Gardiner in Montana to the north;
Wyoming provides entry options from Cody in the east; Cook City to the northeast;
And, of course, from the south through the city of Jackson and Grand Teton Park.

Distances to Yellowstone Park:

Distances to Yellowstone National Park from cities and other US parks and how much to drive (travel time by car):

Los Angeles (California) – 1635 km (16 hours)
Las Vegas (Nevada) – 1180 km (11 hours)
San Francisco (California) – 1495 km (15 hours)
Jackson (Wyoming) – 140 km (2 hours)
Idaho Falls (ID) – 173 km (2 hours)
Salt Lake City (Utah) – 512 km (5 hours)
Grand Canyon in Arizona – 1340 km (13 hours)
Devil’s Tower in Wyoming – 697 km (7 hours)
Glacier Park in Montana – 625 km (7 hours)
Badlands National Park (South Dakota) – 843 km (9 hours)
Arches Park (Utah) – 876 km (8.5 hours)
Canyonlands Park (Utah) – 920 km (9 hours)
North Cascades Park in Washington State – 1150 km (13 hours)
Mesa Verde Park (Colorado) – 1382 km (15 hours)
Rocky Mountain Park in Colorado – 96 km (2 hours)
Lunar Craters Park in Idaho – 364 km (5 hours)

FINAL WORDS

Yellowstone Park is unique not only for its natural landscape and diversity of flora and fauna but is also known for some unique places and natural phenomena. Of course, you can stop at almost any point along the way (of course, only where it is permitted), and we have also recommended 15 places that you simply can’t miss in the Yellowstone park. Plan your time and route, but you must get there to enjoy the beauty of this place.

Please Note:

Because of severe flooding that occurs in June 2022, this National Park is closed temporarily. Some infrastructure and roads inside the park have received severe damage, as well as the Yellowstone’s Northern side will likely stay closed. In case you’re planning to visit this park this summertime, visit the official website of the Yellowstone National Park for the latest report on the present situation.

FAQ

Q. When to go to Yellowstone Park?

A. The best months for good weather in Yellowstone National Park are June, July and August. On average, the hottest months are July and August. The coldest months are January and December.

Q. How to visit Yellowstone Park?

A. The park is accessed by 5 roads: North Entrance, Northwest Entrance, and West Entrance, on US89 (Gardiner) Road, which is open all year round. Northeast Entrance, Northeast Entrance, on US212 (via Bear Highway), is open from late May to late October.

Does It Snow In Yellowstone National Park, USA – Average Snowfall