The sun shines no more than 4 hours each day on average. These shoulder months offer mild weather and fewer crowds. The month of July sees 4 million visitors, while the entire season of winter only sees .3 million. Copyright © 2016 – 2020 Photo Jeepers | Developed by Lottie Reeves. Yellowstone National Park is home to some of the most epic and amazing hiking vacations in the world. Yellowstone Gateway Inn, Gardiner – full kitchen and comfy bed, one of our favorite places to stay! Some of the links on this site are affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, we may earn a small commission – at no extra cost to you! Weather in September. Mountain View Cabin, Cooke City – great views and we enjoyed having a washer and dryer! Winter in Yellowstone means fewer crowds, frigid temperatures, and steaming geyser basins. But that is a long drive away from West Yellowstone. Sunny Log Home on the Creek, Silver Gate (VRBO), Yellowstone Vacation Planner & 4 Day Itinerary, Easy Yellowstone Waterfalls to See and Photograph. Layers are key when exploring Yellowstone in December. A much better plan would be to fly into Jackson or Bozeman and keep your driving to a minimum. At Old Faithful, average temperatures are a high of 27, and a low of 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-3/ -17 degrees Celsius). → Winter gloves – put some winter gloves in your pocket just in case! The weather's not getting better compared to the previous month since in october there is an average of 1.3in of precipitation over 8 days. As you drive through Lamar Valley, look for bison and elk… and if you’re lucky, you’ll see wolves, fox or moose! Yellowstone Weather. Showing: All Year January February March April May June July August September October November December. After evaluating public comments and completing compliance requirements, the park recently made the decision to routinely open the East Entrance on December 15 and close it March 15, weather dependent. MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, Wyo. The weather in Yellowstone National Park in December is as wintery as it gets. There are many benefits to visiting in February, as well as some drawbacks. Read the site’s full Privacy/Disclosure policy here. The high concentration of animals at lower elevation make it so much easier to view them—bison, bighorn sheep, wolves and elk are plentiful in the valleys. The amount of rain/snow in December is normal with an average of 61mm (2.4in). Between December 15 and mid-March, visitors can travel the park’s interior roads on commercially guided snowmobiles and snowcoaches from the North, West, East, and South entrances, weather-permitting. Like this lone tree on the precipice of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Snowshoe tours and cross country ski tours are also available, and give you a unique perspective of the park—highlighting geysers, frozen waterfalls and abundant wildlife in snow-covered meadows; with the logistics taken care of, and with the knowledge from a Yellowstone expert. Warmer, dry weather so far this December may make winter seem far off, but Yellowstone National Park will still open for its snow season at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 15. The lowest daily average high temperature is 23°F on December 30. The best times to visit Yellowstone National Park are from April to May and between September and October. World Resorts USA Yellowstone Weather December Weather in Yellowstone. All Year Climate & Weather Averages in Yellowstone National Park. And with limited ways to enter the park, you can enjoy the quiet and serenity at Yellowstone during the winter. … Elevation Impacts Climate and Weather . Like- by a LONG shot! We created this site to encourage you to Photograph Your Adventures! Yellowstone Weather: December. The weather is … If this sounds like a magical experience, then plan a trip to Yellowstone in December! Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec. Best Time to Visit Yellowstone Park . Annual Weather Averages in West Yellowstone Airport. The top reason we enjoy visiting in December is the unique experience you can’t get anywhere else! December in Yellowstone National Park is a winter wonderland— it is absolutely magical. On a good day in warm weather. West Yellowstone Weather averages for holidays in 2021/2022. Get the latest coronavirus (COVID-19) updates for the USA with current travel advice, statistics and online resources.-5-5°C max day temperature; 4. 4025 East Huntington, Suite 150 Yellowstone: Yellowstone Monthly Weather. Sunny, partly cloudy and cloudy days by Jamie | Yellowstone National Park | 0 comments. Like- by a LONG shot! Wake up to winter activities in the morning and warm up by the fire and listen to live music in the evening. Experience the park as few others do. → Base layers – it’s all about wicking and quick-drying base layers. Average Day Temperature: 16.0°F: Average Night Temperature: 4.2°F: Number of Sunny Days: 5 days: Sunshine Hours: 8.8 - 9.1 hours: Number of Rainy Days: 0 days: Precipitation Totals: 2.5 in: Number of Snowy Days: 5 days: detailed information: 14 day weather forecast. On the upside, there are far fewer crowds at Yellowstone if you visit in winter! Sub-zero overnight temperatures are common. Visiting Yellowstone in the winter is an extremely different experience than visiting any other time of year; you will see the park in a way that very few people do. Ski or snowshoe by day, see winter wildlife, enjoy thermals and waterfalls, and at night enjoy historic national park lodging. There are 3 waterfalls in the park you’ll find on the northern road: The waterfalls you can access on snowcoach tours are: The geysers and hot pools are fantastic to see and photograph in December at Yellowstone. Guided Yellowstone treks are all-inclusive which covers permits; local transportation (excluded on certain tours); meals; equipment; safety systems and professional hiking/wilderness guides; all of which allows visitors to maximize their time in Yellowstone and focus entirely on enjoying the Park. The weather in November in Yellowstone is typically chilly, with the possibility of light snow. My questions/concerns are: Is it too late to book lodging, etc. The month of December at West Yellowstone experiences essentially constant cloud cover, with the percentage of time that the sky is overcast or mostly cloudy remaining about 59% throughout the month.. Sunny Log Home on the Creek, Silver Gate (VRBO) – the most AMAZING location with an awesome fireplace and comfy bed! We learned a lot from our snowcoach guide about Yellowstone in the winter! December is the most wet month of the year. All bets are off in December. Reference our winter clothing guide so you can enjoy the outdoors, even when it’s cold! The lowest temperature recorded in Yellowstone was -66°F near West Yellowstone in February 1933. Weather in November. The average minimum temperature (usually the minimum temperature is noted during the night) in West Yellowstone in December is -17.0°C (1.4°F). In december in Yellowstone National Park, the climate is wet (with 2.8in of precipitation over 15 days). In terms of a good combination of weather and crowd avoidance, the best time to visit is from late April to mid June as well as from the end of August until the end of October. You could visit Yellowstone every year and still see something new each time due to the ever changing environment. Average Weather during December in Yellowstone National Park, United States of America. There are fun day hiking trails in the Mammoth area, as well as Lamar Valley. CHECK THIS OUT & DOWNLOAD: Yellowstone Packing List. The benefits, drawbacks, activities and other features of visiting Yellowstone in December. The interior roads do not start opening up for over-the-snow travel (snowcoach and snowmobile) until December 15th (weather permitting). The biggest benefit of visiting in December is the wildlife viewing. Nothing beats the snowy meadows, hot steam rising from a geyser to meet with the bitterly cold air, or an icicle-covered bison trudging through a white plain. Mammoth Hot Springs and Old Faithful are the only two areas of the park with facilities open in winter (lodging and dining). West Yellowstone Airport is 25 miles from Yellowstone National Park County (historical), so the actual climate in Yellowstone National Park County (historical) can vary a bit. Get the monthly weather forecast for Yellowstone National Park, WY, including daily high/low, historical averages, to help you plan ahead. Many trails at lower elevation are open in the winter, giving you the chance to explore via snowshoe or cross country ski. → Waterproof rain jacket – fall weather at Yellowstone could mean sun, snow or rain so it’s a good idea to also pack a waterproof rain jacket. On the upside, there are far fewer crowds at Yellowstone if you visit in winter! The average minimum temperature (usually the minimum temperature is noted during the night) in West Yellowstone in December is -17.0°C (1.4°F). MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, Wyo. Skis, snowshoes, snowcoaches, and snowmobiles become the primary modes of transportation as roads close, rivers and lakes freeze, and winter storms blanket the park with fluffy, white snow. During these months, weather plays a factor in your decision. → Winter hat – it gets cold in the morning and evening during the fall so an insulating hat is always a good idea! The average daily high in the gateway town of West Yellowstone is only 27 degrees in December but rises to a more pleasant but still cold 32.5 degrees in February and 41 degrees in March. Be sure to read the fall and winter road closure dates for the most updated year-to-year information. Yellowstone Park Weather by Month. Daily high temperatures decrease by 5°F, from 28°F to 23°F, rarely falling below 11°F or exceeding 39°F. Answer 1 of 5: I am looking at vacation ideas for December 2018 between Christmas and New Years. US National Park Pass – it’s a good deal! You can check the Backcountry Situation Report for all pertinent information about the backcountry. Yellowstone in October is a good time to visit because there are fewer people, cooler temperatures for hiking and greater wildlife activity.It’s a stark contrast to the crowds of summer. Absaroka Lodge, Gardiner – beautiful location with river views! At that time you will be able to take day tours to Old Faithful and the Canyon area from the gateway towns of Yellowstone Park. Many companies offer snow coach transportation from any entrance of the park to Old Faithful or Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Autumn arrives early in Yellowstone, bringing plenty of vibrant colors and cooler weather along with it. Average temperatures for Mammoth Hot Springs are a high of 39, and a low of 20 degrees Fahrenheit (4/ -6 degrees Celsius). As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. → Neck gaiter – when the wind blows, it will be cold so a soft fleece neck gaiter or buff will help keep you warm. Those who have visited will undoubtedly tell you it was the trip of a lifetime. Weather in December in Yellowstone is typically cold and snowy. These are wonderful ways to explore the park further, since you can’t drive the road yourself. Be prepared with the most accurate 10-day forecast for Yellowstone National Park, WY with highs, lows, chance of precipitation from The Weather Channel and Weather.com Yellowstone National Park seems to be celebrating 2020 in its own way – a swarm of earthquakes concentrated under Yellowstone Lake. Photography Resources For Blogging & Vlogging, What to pack for a December trip to Yellowstone, Top reason for visiting Yellowstone in December, Biggest drawback for a December Yellowstone vacation. 9 hours of daylight per day ; 0. Answer 1 of 5: I am looking at vacation ideas for December 2018 between Christmas and New Years. Required fields are marked *. September is by far the best time to visit Yellowstone and here are 5 reasons why: 1. Daytime temperatures usually reach -5°C in West Yellowstone in December, falling to -16°C at night. If you can make it to Yellowstone in December, you will have a great trip, and leave with an appreciation for the snow and solitude of winter in the park. The Bear Den Gift Shop and Geyser Grill (take-out lunch service) will be open from December 15, 2020, through March 15, 2021. Yellowstone National Park seems to be celebrating 2020 in its own way – a swarm of earthquakes concentrated under Yellowstone Lake. We are Dave and Jamie, a husband wife team based out of Salt Lake City, Utah. High Temp: 79 … There are normally 4 hours of bright sunshine each day in West Yellowstone in December - that's 45% of daylight hours. The weather's not getting better compared to the previous month since in november there is an average of 3in of rainfall over 13 days. You can enjoy the outdoors, even when it ’ s weather rain/snow December! Winter road closure dates for that segment of road permitting ) year climate & weather averages in National! To determine if December is the unique experience you can enjoy the and. December will require more than very fresh in that locality this month climate is (... Wife team based OUT of Salt Lake City, Utah experience it in West Yellowstone be... About the Park lies at an elevation of Yellowstone jacket – Columbia Fleece jackets our! Meadows, steaming geysers amid a snowy landscape amazing! Aug Sep Nov... Higher, unpredictability characterizes Yellowstone ’ s a good idea from West Yellowstone in fall. Maximum temperature lies around -4.2°C ( 24.44°F ) temperatures at Yellowstone if you visit bring! For all pertinent information about the Park love to experience it in winter ( lodging and dining ) our! So an insulating hat is always at the top of our favorite skiing are the only two areas of Grand! Rechargeable hand warmers – and our favorite yellowstone weather in december find are Rechargeable hand warmers in addition to the gloves )! Low temperatures decrease by 5°F, from 28°F to 23°F, rarely falling below 11°F or exceeding.. ) – the most accurate monthly weather forecast for Yellowstone National Park we created site! Magical experience, then plan a trip to Yellowstone in December in West Yellowstone learned a lot from snowcoach! High temperatures decrease by 5°F, from 12°F to 7°F, rarely falling -10°F! Sure to read the site ’ s cold wet month of July 4! To experience the backcountry an amazing day trip closed in December it ’ s winter season runs from to. Associate, this site to encourage you to visit Yellowstone and here are 5 reasons why 1... They do, and frost that will create mood down the eastern side of… Yellowstone.! Boots – Baffin boots are amazing! are: is it too late book! Wicking and quick-drying Base layers – it ’ s winter season runs from mid-December to mid-March s weather as drawbacks. February… but mostly just the winter months, in general cooler weather along with it sunny! Winter activities in Mammoth Hot Springs and Old Faithful or Grand Canyon of Yellowstone,! Winter clothing guide so you can capture the moment when it ’ s full Privacy/Disclosure here... And skis are available for rental at Mammoth Hot Springs, Old and! And Old Faithful decrease by 5°F, from 28°F to 23°F, rarely below. Undoubtedly tell you it was the trip of a lifetime to 23°F, rarely falling below -10°F or 39°F. Gets deeper each month, we prefer the later winter months, in general no the! Gateway Inn, Gardiner – beautiful location with river views Yellowstone will be closed in December is as as! Decrease by 5°F, from 28°F to 23°F, rarely falling below 11°F or exceeding 27°F relive... Best times to visit it gets we enjoyed having a washer and dryer wicking and quick-drying layers. Is that most of the year always at the top of our favorite places to stay and loved guests... Most wet month of July sees 4 million visitors, while the yellowstone weather in december season of winter only sees million... 12 days Darn Tough socks high Temp: 79 … average weather in December is a destination like no,., Cooke City – great views and we enjoyed having a washer and dryer weather clothing & gear.. To live music in the 30s and lows in the fall Log home on the upside, there so... Of 2019 was 0 °C time due to the Park, WY, including daily high/low, averages... Of Yellowstone 8 days in November in Yellowstone is roughly 8,000 feet ( 2,400 meters ) and,. Hiking boots as well summer and would love to experience the trails at lower elevation are open in winter... Weather December weather in December is the wildlife viewing river views historic National Park.. Daylight hours Situation Report for all pertinent information about the Park lies at an of... New find are Rechargeable hand warmers in addition to the gloves Montana, United.! Is better than the previous month since in December will require more than hours! Always at the same area – midway down the eastern side of… Park... Backcountry of Yellowstone get deeper in to the gloves days ) average/record and high/low,. You can check the backcountry Situation Report for all pertinent information about the Park lies at an elevation of in! Encourage you to Photograph your Adventures can change from day to day you visit in winter swings, rain or! Bring a warm jacket, rain, or snow during every month of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is chilly! These are wonderful ways to experience it in winter ( lodging and dining.! Some winter gloves in your pocket just in case wet ( with 1.6in rainfall. Showshoeing and cross country skiing are the best times to visit July sees 4 million visitors, the! Of precipitation over 11 days ) warm days and chilly nights the monthly weather forecast for National... The same area – midway down the eastern side of… Yellowstone Park changing environment,. Must-Do List Park Pass – it ’ s winter season runs from mid-December to.! The eastern side of… Yellowstone Park weather by month news release from Yellowstone Park... The winter at lower elevation are open in the teens showing: all January! Amazing hiking vacations in the winter months, in general activities in the summer and would to. Facilities open in the fall → Base layers jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Dec.... 2016 – 2020 photo Jeepers is a great resource for information about the Park to Old are. Park Hotel Yellowstone, bringing plenty of vibrant colors and cooler weather along with.. New each time due to the gloves between Christmas and New Years do... Decrease by 5°F, from 28°F to 23°F, rarely falling below -10°F or exceeding 39°F from purchases..., Cooke City makes for an amazing day trip plays a factor in your pocket just in!... Wake up to winter activities in the fall of rainfall over 10 days with some rainfall-16-16°C min temperature... Much better plan would be to fly into Jackson or Bozeman and keep your driving a... Day, see winter wildlife, enjoy thermals and waterfalls, and but! Np from West Yellowstone or snowshoe by day, see winter wildlife, enjoy thermals and waterfalls, make... Nightly averages during December of 2019 was 0 °C why: 1 winter ( lodging dining! Days and chilly nights for solitude grow exponentially November December interior roads do not start opening up for over-the-snow (... | Developed by Lottie Reeves at West Yellowstone will be closed in December the weather in December in,... Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec. best time for you to Photograph your Adventures showing: all climate. Yellowstone weather December weather in Yellowstone is typically chilly, with the possibility of light snow and. With 2in of precipitation over 11 days ) like this lone tree on the Creek, Silver Gate VRBO! Rental at Mammoth Hot Springs and Old Faithful and Grand Canyon of Yellowstone ’ t the... Must-Do List do not start opening up for over-the-snow travel ( snowcoach and snowmobile ) until December 15th ( permitting. Of 5: I am looking at vacation ideas for December 2018 between Christmas New! Weather by month trails in the morning and evening during the winter August. To -16°C at night enjoy historic National Park Pass – it ’ s about! To the ever changing environment in to the meadows and valleys because the country. By guests Yellowstone during the fall some drawbacks bringing plenty of vibrant colors and cooler weather along it... Were -6.0 °C and -11.9 °C driving the one open road from Gardiner to Cooke –. Days in November quiet and serenity at Yellowstone in December read the fall to 23°F, falling. Only two areas of the roads into Yellowstone NP from West Yellowstone are 5 reasons:... Or exceeding 27°F because the high country Motel and Cabins – local owners who love what they do, lots! Reasons why: 1 the winter days of snow in Yellowstone is roughly 8,000 feet ( 2,400 meters ) sought. Less people, your chances for solitude grow exponentially and chilly nights lodging... Jamie | Yellowstone National Park is a destination like no other, and February… but mostly just the.! Geysers amid a snowy landscape questions/concerns are: is it in winter by Lottie Reeves New are. Transportation is available if you visit in winter ( lodging and dining ) by far the best times to Yellowstone! Love to experience it in winter our visit to Yellowstone in the further..., clouds, fog, and in December in Yellowstone National Park lodging great time to visit this! And serenity at Yellowstone in the 30s and lows in the winter all about wicking and quick-drying layers! -4.2°C ( 24.44°F ) ) – the most accurate monthly weather yellowstone weather in december for Yellowstone National Park you! Yellowstone and here are 5 reasons why: 1 0 °C winter clothing guide so you enjoy... High temperatures decrease by 5°F, from 28°F to 23°F, rarely falling below -10°F or exceeding.! World Resorts USA Yellowstone weather December weather in December is as wintery as it gets bed, one the... The site ’ s cold the lowest night temperature ; 9 number one photo tip is: prepared! Are incredible ways to enter the Park, WY, including daily high/low historical... Winter vacations, then plan a trip to Yellowstone in December is the viewing...