What month does it snow in Yellowstone?

Snow in Yellowstone National Park is one of its most defining and magical features, shaping both its landscape and the visitor experience. Because of the park’s high elevation—ranging from about 5,300 feet near Gardiner, Montana, to over 11,000 feet in the Absaroka Mountains—snow can fall in nearly every month of the year. However, the main snow season typically stretches from late October through early May, with some areas remaining snow-covered well into June. Understanding when it snows and how conditions vary by month helps visitors plan better, whether they want to enjoy the park’s winter wonderland or avoid heavy snow travel.

Quick Reference: What month does it snow in Yellowstone?

Month	Snow Presence	Average Conditions	Visitor Notes
October	Light to Moderate Snowfall	Early snow begins; chilly days and freezing nights	Unpredictable weather; roads begin seasonal closures
November	Regular Snowfall	Consistent snow cover, icy roads, below-freezing temps	Interior roads close; limited access via North Entrance
December	Heavy Snow	Deep snowpack; daytime highs often below freezing	Ideal for snowcoach/snowmobile tours; winter activities start
January	Peak Snow Season	Heavy, frequent snow; very cold temps (0°F or lower)	Limited facilities open; great for photography and wildlife tracking
February	Peak Snow Season	Deep snow, cold days, long nights	Snow depth over 5–6 ft in some areas; serene winter scenery
March	Ongoing Snowfall	Mix of snowstorms and bright sunny days	Snow remains deep; good for late-winter visits
April	Melting Begins at Lower Elevations	Snow still deep at higher altitudes; thaw begins north	Some roads plowed; still winter-like in most areas
May	Light to Moderate Snow at High Elevations	Melting snow causes flooding; nights remain cold	Lower valleys clear; mountain areas still snow-covered
June	Snow on Peaks and Passes	Snow lingering above 8,000 ft; mild weather below	High passes (e.g., Dunraven) may still be closed
July	Rare Snow Flurries at High Elevations	Mostly dry; possible brief snow at summit areas	Pleasant weather; full access to park roads
August	Very Rare Snow	Warm days; cool nights	Occasional high-elevation flurries possible
September	First Early Snow	Crisp fall days; light snow by late month	Start of fall–winter transition; good for mixed scenery

In October, Yellowstone begins its transition from autumn to winter. Early in the month, lower elevations such as Mammoth Hot Springs may still experience mild temperatures and colorful fall foliage, but by mid to late October, the first significant snowfalls arrive. Roads begin to close for the season, and wildlife activity changes as animals prepare for the cold months ahead. Visitors who come during this time often experience unpredictable weather—sunshine one day and a snowstorm the next.

By November, snow is a regular part of life in Yellowstone. Most of the park’s interior roads close to regular vehicle traffic by early November due to heavy snowfall and icy conditions. The landscape turns white, and temperatures drop rapidly, often below freezing even during the day. Mammoth and the northern range, however, remain partially accessible, offering a quieter, snow-covered park experience. Snow can accumulate several inches overnight, and the first winter storms can dump feet of snow across the higher plateaus and passes.

December through February mark the heart of Yellowstone’s snow season. These are the coldest and snowiest months, when temperatures can plunge below zero and heavy snow blankets nearly every corner of the park. In these midwinter months, snowfall is frequent and intense, especially around the Yellowstone Plateau, Hayden Valley, and the Lake area, where snow depths can exceed six feet. Access to the park interior is limited to guided snowcoach or snowmobile tours. While harsh, this is also the most serene and beautiful time to visit—Old Faithful erupting amidst falling snow or bison plowing through white drifts creates a scene straight out of a postcard.

By March, winter still holds its grip on Yellowstone, though daylight hours lengthen and temperatures slowly begin to climb. Snow continues to fall heavily across most regions, especially in high-elevation areas like Dunraven Pass and the Absaroka Range. Lower areas such as Gardiner may start to see some snowmelt, but icy conditions persist, and deep snow remains dominant across much of the park. For wildlife watchers, March offers a special treat—wolves, bison, and elk are often visible against the stark white landscape.

In April, conditions vary dramatically depending on elevation. Mammoth and the northern range start to thaw, and patches of grass begin to reappear, attracting grazing animals. However, much of the park is still buried under several feet of snow, particularly around Yellowstone Lake and the central plateau. Late-season snowstorms are common, sometimes dropping several inches of fresh snow even after a few warm days. Road crews begin the challenging process of plowing, often cutting through towering snowbanks to prepare for the late-spring reopening.

By May, winter begins to loosen its hold, but snow is still a frequent sight. The higher elevations, such as Dunraven Pass and Craig Pass, often remain closed until late May or even June due to deep snowpack. Lower elevations start to bloom with wildflowers, but melting snow continues to feed the park’s rivers and waterfalls, making them particularly powerful and scenic. Visitors in early May should still expect freezing nights and occasional snowfall.

In June, snow lingers mainly on mountaintops and shaded high areas. While most park roads reopen, traces of winter can still be seen in places like the Beartooth Highway and the Absaroka Mountains. Brief snow flurries are not uncommon even in early summer, particularly at elevations above 8,000 feet. This transitional month marks the end of the snow season for most of Yellowstone, though patches can persist until July in certain backcountry regions.

Though rare, it’s not unheard of for snow to fall even in July and August—particularly at higher elevations. These light dustings don’t last long but remind visitors that Yellowstone’s weather is unpredictable and that snow is part of its year-round character. By September, cooler nights return, and the cycle begins again as the park moves from golden autumn back toward its winter cloak.

In short, snow can fall in Yellowstone almost any time of year, but the core snow months are from late October through early May, with the heaviest accumulations occurring from December through March. For visitors, that means the timing of their trip dramatically changes what they’ll experience—from summer’s lush green meadows to winter’s breathtaking white silence. Understanding when it snows helps travelers prepare properly and appreciate the powerful seasonal rhythms that define this extraordinary landscape.