What month does it snow in Yellowstone?

Snowfall in Yellowstone National Park is not just a seasonal event—it’s a powerful natural cycle that shapes the ecosystem, influences wildlife behavior, and creates a breathtaking winter landscape that draws visitors from around the world. But when exactly does it snow in Yellowstone? The answer depends on the elevation and location within the park, but snowfall typically begins in the fall and continues through late spring, making it a dominant feature for much of the year.

Yellowstone National Park in Winter

When Does Snow Begin in Yellowstone?

September occasionally brings the park’s first dusting of snow, especially in higher elevations like Mount Washburn or the Absaroka Range. While rare, early-season storms can blanket mountain passes and close roads temporarily. Most areas, however, remain snow-free during September, though the cooler temperatures and frosty mornings hint at what’s coming.

October usually marks the true start of snowfall in Yellowstone. Light snowfalls become more common, and the higher elevations begin to see regular accumulation. The ground may still thaw during the day, but overnight snow becomes more likely. In some years, especially cold Octobers can result in significant snowfall across the interior plateau of the park.

By November, snow becomes a frequent occurrence, especially at elevations above 6,000 feet. Accumulations begin to build, and the park’s interior roads start closing to wheeled vehicles for the winter. The landscape transitions into its winter mode, and animals like bison and elk begin migrating to lower elevations where snow is less deep.

Peak Snowfall Months in Yellowstone

December through March are Yellowstone’s snowiest months. Snowfall becomes heavy and consistent during this period, especially in areas such as:

◉ Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin (7,300 feet)

◉ Yellowstone Lake and Fishing Bridge (7,700 feet)

◉ Canyon Village and the Central Plateau (7,800 feet)

During these months, storms can dump feet of snow at a time, and snow depths typically build to several feet. These months are also the heart of Yellowstone’s winter season, when access is limited to guided snowcoach and snowmobile tours, and the park transforms into a remote, snow-covered wilderness.

January is often the coldest month, with temperatures routinely dipping below zero and snow continuing to fall regularly. February and March can bring some of the heaviest individual snowfalls, thanks to stronger storm systems moving through the region. Snowpack reaches its maximum depth by the end of March.

Snowfall in Spring: Still Going Strong

April doesn’t necessarily mean an end to winter in Yellowstone. While lower elevations like Gardiner and Mammoth may begin to see some melting, snowfall can still occur throughout the park. Snowstorms in April are not uncommon, and higher elevations continue to accumulate snow. Plowing operations begin in early April, but most park roads remain closed until mid-to-late May.

May is a transitional month, with increasing sunshine and warming temperatures. Still, snowstorms are possible, and deep snowpack remains in place at higher elevations. Roads and facilities begin reopening, but snow can still fall as late as Memorial Day in some years—particularly in the park’s mountainous regions.

Summer Snow: Rare but Possible

June typically brings full-on spring in Yellowstone, but even then, snow can make a surprise appearance. Light snowfalls or flurries sometimes occur in early June, especially on mountain passes like Dunraven Pass (8,859 feet) or at the Continental Divide. In higher elevations above 9,000 feet, snow from the previous winter may still linger in shaded areas, and trails can remain impassable due to lingering drifts.

While July and August are generally snow-free across most of the park, freak storms can still bring snow to the highest peaks. These events are rare but highlight Yellowstone’s unpredictable mountain weather.

A Month-by-Month Summary of Snowfall in Yellowstone

Month	Snowfall Likelihood	Comments
September	Low	Occasional early snow at high elevations
October	Moderate	First consistent snowfalls begin, especially in upper areas
November	High	Snow becomes frequent; roads begin to close
December	Very High	Deep snow accumulates; full winter in effect
January	Very High	Coldest and snowiest month
February	Very High	Continued heavy snow and bitter cold
March	Very High	Snowpack at its deepest; some spring sunshine
April	High	Snowfall still common; early plowing begins
May	Moderate to High	Snow lingers; higher areas still snowy
June	Low to Moderate (high elevations)	Occasional snowstorms; snow still present in high terrain
July	Very Low (except on mountain peaks)	Rare snow, but possible in extreme elevations
August	Very Low (occasional flurries on summits)	Warmest month; snow-free at most elevations

Planning Your Visit Around Snow

If you’re planning a visit to Yellowstone and snow is either something you want to avoid—or seek out—it’s important to choose your timing carefully:

◉ Want to experience deep snow and a quiet park? Visit from December to March and take a guided snowcoach or snowmobile tour.

◉ Prefer to see snow-covered landscapes but still drive your car? Visit in late May or early June when roads reopen but snow lingers.

◉ Avoid snow entirely? Plan for mid-July to late August, when temperatures are warm and trails are mostly clear.

Conclusion

So, what month does it snow in Yellowstone? The short answer is: almost every month except July and August can bring snow to some part of the park. The long answer is more complex and tied to Yellowstone’s varied elevations and weather patterns. Snow can arrive as early as September and persist until June, especially in the backcountry and high passes. Whether you’re seeking snowy solitude or trying to avoid winter’s chill, understanding Yellowstone’s snowfall by month can help you plan the perfect adventure.