The climate of West Yellowstone
West Yellowstone,
Montana, resides within the Dfc zone under the Köppen climate classification, reflecting its subarctic, severe winter conditions. Within this zone, a cool summer with no dry season is the norm, supported by West Yellowstone's geographic positioning nestled in the Rocky Mountains region of the United States.
Throughout the year, West Yellowstone experiences a wide range of weather patterns. Temperatures fluctuate fairly significantly, reaching a peak average high of 72.9°F (22.7°C) during
July and plunging to an average low of 4.8°F (-15.1°C) in the heart of
December. Rainfall is spread somewhat evenly across the year, albeit slightly heavier from
April to
October with
August recording the least rainfall of 0.91" (23mm). Conversely, snowfall is significant during the colder months, with an average of 17.05" (433mm) in April dropping to a minute 0.08" (2mm) by July, then again rising to a noteworthy 16.38" (416mm) by December.
It is important to underline the considerable contrast between daylight and sunshine hours in West Yellowstone. There tend to be longer daylight hours from April to
September, reaching a peak in
June with 15.5 hours. Contrastingly, maximum sunshine occurs from June to August, with July shining the brightest with an impressive 11.8 hours. Despite a higher UV index from
May to July, wind speed remains moderately consistent throughout the year, registering a relatively stable range from 6mph (9.7km/h) to 6.8mph (10.9km/h).
The best time to visit West Yellowstone
Evaluating the climate data, the ideal time to visit
West Yellowstone extends from
June to
August. During these summer months, temperatures reach a comfortable range from 61.9°F (16.6°C) to 72.9°F (22.7°C). Rainfall is relatively low, ranging from 0.91" (23mm) to 2.2" (56mm), and snow is seldom a concern. Sunshine is at its prime, peaking at an impressive 11.8 hours in
July, which also sees the longest daylight duration of 15.2 hours. For outdoor enthusiasts, this period offers the most favorable conditions for exploring the region's scenic beauty.
The worst time to visit West Yellowstone
Winter months from
November to
March are arguably the least desirable for tourists in
West Yellowstone. This period records the lowest temperatures, averaging from 6.1°F (-14.4°C) to 21.9°F (-5.6°C), and experiences the highest snowfall, peaking at 17.83" (453mm) in
February. From
December to February, daylight hours are the fewest, dropping to a low of 8.9 hours in December. The limited visibility in winter and increased cloud coverage, averaging 71% in
January, can also restrict outdoor activities significantly.
Spring weather in West Yellowstone
Spring in
West Yellowstone, spanning
March to
May, heralds a gradual increase in temperatures, moving from an average of 6.1°F (-14.4°C) to 7.2°F (-13.8°C) in March, with a leap to 49.8°F (9.9°C) in May. Corresponding daylight hours also see a rise from 12 hours in March to 14.8 hours in May. However, rainfall tends to intensify during these months, with May receiving 2.8" (71mm). Alongside this, snowfall persists, albeit with a remarkable drop from 17.05" (433mm) in March to 1.69" (43mm) by May.
Summer weather in West Yellowstone
Summer, encompassing
June to
August, is characterized by the most pleasant temperatures in
West Yellowstone. The warmth escalates from June's 61.9°F (16.6°C) to
July's warmest average high of 72.9°F (22.7°C), then slightly decreases to 71.4°F (21.9°C) in August. Rainfall experiences a significant drop from 2.2" (56mm) in June to 0.91" (23mm) in July, offering drier conditions. During this period, sunshine hours peak up to 11.8 hours in July while daylight hours oscillate from 15.5 hours in June to 14 hours in August.
Autumn weather in West Yellowstone
Autumn in
West Yellowstone, lasting
September to
November, sees a steady reduction in temperature from 61.9°F (16.6°C) to 29.7°F (-1.3°C). In this season, rainfall levels exhibit a slow increase from 1.57" (40mm) in September to 1.65" (42mm) in November.
October experiences the lowest wind speed of 6mph (9.7km/h). Although daylight dips down to 9.6 hours in November, a steady amount of sunshine remains through September and October, making autumn a decent period for visitors in search of vibrant fall foliage.
Winter weather in West Yellowstone
Winter witnesses a sharp fall in the temperatures from
December to
February, with average lows dropping significantly from 20.1°F (-6.6°C) in December to as low as 4.8°F (-15.1°C) in February. In this season, heavy snowfall is evident, with maximums of 17.36" (441mm) in December, 17.83" (453mm) in February, and an average of 22.8 snowfall days in December. Short daylight hours, decreasing sunshine quantity, and decreased visibility mark this season, making winter in
West Yellowstone a severe and rigorous period.
Weather in January
Starting the year with a chilly atmosphere,
January registers a maximum temperature of 21.9°F (-5.6°C) and a freezing low of 6.1°F (-14.4°C). The snowy landscapes of
West Yellowstone,
Montana are a common feature this month, making it a haven for winter sports enthusiasts.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Coming off the heels of a cold
January,
February sees a slight increase in temperatures, shifting from 21.9°F (-5.6°C) to 23°F (-5°C) for the highest and from 6.1°F (-14.4°C) to 7.2°F (-13.8°C) for the lowest temperatures.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The transition to slightly warmer weather starts in
March, marking an eminent end to the intense winter experienced in
West Yellowstone,
Montana with temperatures climbing up to around 30°F (-1.1°C). The weather starts to show signs of spring, with longer days allowing more sunlight in.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Getting noticeably warmer with temperatures reaching heights of 37.2°F (2.9°C),
April sees a clearer indication of the onset of spring in
West Yellowstone,
Montana. Climatic conditions tend to fluctuate, with some days displaying characteristics of winter, while others feel decisively spring-like.
Weather in April »Weather in May
The temperature in
May takes a significant leap with highs reaching an average of 49.8°F (9.9°C). It signals the start of a warmer season in
West Yellowstone,
Montana. Weather conditions become increasingly pleasant, with the last vestiges of the snowy season finally melting away.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June marks the onset of summer in
West Yellowstone,
Montana as the mercury further pushes to a comfortable high of 61.9°F (16.6°C). With the last of the snow long gone, the weather in June is typically sunny and bright. This makes outdoor activities and sightseeing very pleasant, with the city's natural beauty on full display.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the warmest month of the year in
West Yellowstone,
Montana, with temperature tops hitting 72.9°F (22.7°C). The town transforms into the perfect summer getaway, offering a variety of outdoor recreational activities. Cool breezy evenings and starlit skies make for perfect camping conditions.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August strikes a balance between summer's warmth and autumn's cool weather as temperatures moderately dip from 72.9°F (22.7°C) to 71.4°F (21.9°C). The weather in
West Yellowstone,
Montana remains favorable for outdoor activities.
Weather in August » Weather in September
Entering fall, the average high temperature in
September comes down to a comfortable 61.9°F (16.6°C). As autumn takes over the landscape is at its most vibrant, displaying a riot of colors. The pleasantly colder mornings and evenings give a hint of the impending winter months.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October is an unmistakable herald of winter, with temperatures further shrinking to an average high of 44.2°F (6.8°C). The town of
West Yellowstone dawns a serene and calm atmosphere. The wind develops a chill and the landscape transitions from autumn's warm colors to winter's stark white.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Transitioning from fall to winter,
November is characterized by a drop in temperature to a high of 29.7°F (-1.3°C) and a considerable increase in snowfall. The now-white cityscape of
West Yellowstone,
Montana is a sight to behold, with snow-laden terrains and trees.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Ending the year with a high temperature averaging 20.1°F (-6.6°C),
December plunges
West Yellowstone,
Montana into the midst of winter. With snowfall, comes the onset of the holiday season, transforming the town into a picturesque postcard scenario.
Weather in December »