Yellowstone National Park in November
Not the best time
November marks the start of Yellowstone's long winter sleep. Most of the park becomes inaccessible, though the Mammoth area offers some decent late-season wildlife viewing.
Weather
November transitions to winter with cold 4°C days and bitter -8°C nights. Snow becomes frequent and starts sticking around. The weather feels unpredictable and often harsh.
4°C high-8°C low8 rain days
Crowds & Cost
low crowds
~$160/day average
November Tips
- •Most park roads close by mid-November
- •Only north entrance and Mammoth area remain accessible
- •Winter gear becomes necessary, not optional
All Months
Summer means crowds, but it also means all roads are open and wildlife is active. July and August see the heaviest visitation — expect traffic jams around Old Faithful and full parking lots at popular trailheads by 9 AM.
September is the sweet spot. Crowds thin out after Labor Day, elk are bugling, and aspen trees turn golden in the high country. You'll still have warm days but crisp nights that require a jacket.
Early summer brings wildflowers and baby animals, but also unpredictable weather. I've seen snowstorms in June that close mountain passes. Late summer offers the most stable weather and the best hiking conditions.
Winter transforms Yellowstone into a different planet. Only the road from the North Entrance to Cooke City stays open to regular vehicles. Everything else requires snowcoaches or snowmobiles. But winter wildlife viewing can be spectacular — bison create their own trails through deep snow, and the geysers look even more dramatic surrounded by ice and snow.
Yellowstone National Park Scores
Solo
8/10
Couples
7/10
Families
9/10
Adventure
9/10
Budget
6/10
Luxury
6/10
BUILD YOUR YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK PLAN
Insider picks, smart timing, and a plan ready when you are.