How Busy Is Yellowstone In July?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The only drawback to visiting in July is the crowds—

on average, 4 million people visit Yellowstone in July alone

. If you can only make it to Yellowstone in the , here are some tips to avoid the congestion: 1.

What is the busiest month in Yellowstone?

The months between

June and September

are the busiest in Yellowstone, with July and August being the most popular months to travel, the Yellowstone peak season.

Is Yellowstone busier in July or August?

Yellowstone is a busy place in the summer. Over 2,5 mln of people visit Yellowstone in the summer months (June-August), with

July being an absolute peak season

. However, even during these busy times, it's possible to avoid the crowds in Yellowstone and enjoy your vacation.

How busy is Yellowstone around 4th of July?

Park entrance Vehicle entries Percent increase 2021 over 2019 West 5,470 5,377 Total 11,860 11,356 Sunday, July 4, 2021 Sunday, July 7, 2019
East


1,210


1,430

Is 3 days enough for Yellowstone?

Yellowstone National Park is HUGE and there is so much to see and do. It's best to have at least 4 days in Yellowstone, but

if you are short on time (like I was) you can still see a lot of the highlights in 2-3 days

. Keep reading to plan your trip with my 3-day Yellowstone itinerary!

Is early June a good time to visit Yellowstone?

It is a spectacular time of year to watch new life in meadows, surrounded by the new life of wildflowers. Another benefit to visiting in June is that typically, most of the trails are accessible, as the snow begins to melt. This means

it's a great time for hiking, and especially backpacking in Yellowstone

.

Which entrance to Yellowstone is the least busy?


The East Entrance

is a quiet entrance to Yellowstone since most tourists prefer the west! Therefore, it's great for anyone who wants to avoid crowds as much as possible. It is also accessible for those who are visiting from Cody or who are road-tripping from elsewhere in Wyoming or states further east.

What is the best day of the week to go to Yellowstone?

6) Prefer visiting Yellowstone on

weekdays

. It is most popular on weekends and holidays. 7) Avoid visiting Yellowstone in July-August to avoid crowds. Just to make it clear, there are 5 times less visitors December through March.

Is it better to stay in Yellowstone or outside?

Because Yellowstone has five different entrances into the park, it's easy to stay close to the park without actually being in the park.

I recommend staying outside of Yellowstone if you want nicer amenities, cheaper prices, or more dining and activity options

.

Is it better to go to Yellowstone in June or July?

The weather improves as the June goes on.

July has the nicest weather

. August starts at the hottest time but cools off steadily.

Should I visit Yellowstone in July?


July is a great time to visit Yellowstone National Park

. The weather is nice, the wildlife is plentiful, and all areas of the park are able to be explored.

Is Yellowstone better in June or July?

The Best Weather in Yellowstone

Overall,

July through September are the warmest and driest months in Yellowstone

, with highs reaching into the 70s in July and August, and dropping to the 60s in September. On average, there are between five and seven days of rain during this time.

How many days do you need in Yellowstone?

You should plan to spend at least

2 to 3 days

in Yellowstone National Park. Two days gives you enough time to see the most popular destinations. Adding a third day gives you time to explore some less visited and off-the-beaten-path attractions.

Can it snow in Yellowstone in July?

When you visit Yellowstone, it's best to have a good grasp of what the weather will be like before you hit the road or hop on a plane to vacation there.

It can snow in July

or reach 70 degrees in late fall.

What clothes to pack for Yellowstone in July?

  • Rain jacket.
  • Fleece or a sweater.
  • Shorts.
  • Hiking pants (or zip-off pants) or jeans – something for colder weather, just in case.
  • T-shirts.
  • Swimwear.
  • Sun hat.
  • Trekking socks.

How long does it take to drive the loop in Yellowstone?

During the summer season, cars are the best option for taking a trip around Yellowstone unless you are riding with a bus tour or concessionaire that provides transportation. The Grand Loop takes between

4 to 7 hours

to drive in full.

Is Yellowstone worth the trip?


This park is absolutely amazing

. I've never seen so much beauty in one place – and so much diverse beauty. Parts of the park looked like the forest, parts looked like Tahiti (Yellowstone Lake), parts looked like the prairie (Lamar Valley), parts looked like the moon (Mud Volcano), etc.

Do you need a reservation to enter Yellowstone?

Do you need a reservation to visit Yellowstone?

Reservations are not required for visiting Yellowstone National Park

. However they are required for camping, and permits are required for certain activities, like fishing and horseback riding.

Should I bring a gun to Yellowstone?


Hunting is strictly forbidden in Yellowstone

, as is target practice. And visitors should not use guns as self-defense against large wildlife, but rather carry bear spray and take other safety precautions. Firearms are also prohibited in facilities like visitor centers and government offices.

Is Yellowstone too crowded in June?

June Crowds


June is not quite as crowded as July or August, but it is a very busy time of year

. Expect crowded roads and parking lots and make sure to book your accommodation well in advance. Old Faithful and most of the geyser basins and other popular attractions in the park will be overflowing with tourists.

Which side of Yellowstone is best?


West Yellowstone, MT

, offers the greatest number of options for lodging and activities, and the west side of the park is more jam-packed with attractions, comparatively.

Can I drive through Yellowstone right now?

Roads Open


Only a part of Yellowstone is open all year

. The North Entrance at Gardiner, Montana is Open Year Round. The road from Gardiner to Mammoth Hot Springs and from Mammoth to Silver Gate and Cooke City, Montana is maintained for winter vehicle travel.

How are the crowds in Yellowstone?


Only a small percentage of Yellowstone visitors go more than a few hundred yards from the nearest pavement

. Use the busy hours between 10:00 pm to 6:00 pm to explore Yellowstone's trails. Even when the roads are packed with bumper-to-bumper traffic, many trails may only see a few human feet per day.

How far is Jackson Hole from Yellowstone?

Situated on the doorstep of Grand Teton National Park and

57 miles

from Yellowstone's South Entrance, Jackson Hole, a term that refers to the entire valley, offers lodging options for every budget, making it an excellent place to basecamp as you explore the two national parks.

How many days do you need in Yellowstone and Grand Teton?

If you want to see two parks in one trip – Yellowstone and Grand Teton – two days is an absolute minimum. This will allow you to see just the main highlights of each National Park. We recommend at least 4-6 days in the area:

3-4 days in Yellowstone and 1-2 days in Grand Teton

.

What months is Yellowstone open?

Lodging Opening 11am Closing 11am Grant Village May 27 October 2 Lake Lodge June 10 October 2 Lake Yellowstone Hotel and Cabins May 13 October 2 Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins April 29 November 27

How much does it cost to go to Yellowstone National Park?

Yellowstone National Park Entrance Fees
Private Non-commercial Vehicle


$ 35.00 (valid for 7 days)
Motorcycle, Snowmobile $ 30.00 (valid for 7 days) Single Entry (foot, bike, ski, 16+ years old) $ 20.00 (valid for 7 days) Annual Pass (good 1 year from date of purchase) $ 70.00 (Yellowstone Annual Pass)
Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.