Optimal Visiting Times for Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park may be one of America’s most popular national parks, but you can still experience a sense of solitude within its 1,583 square miles. Home to 762 lakes and more than 700 miles of hiking trails, the vast green space provides a haven for 71 mammal species, 276 documented types of birds — and the roughly three million human visitors it draws each year.

It doesn’t matter if you visit for a week or a single day, or if you prefer to hike or explore by car — there’s plenty to do and see. The park is open year-round, and its four stunning seasons can be broken down as follows:

• High Season: May to September
• Shoulder Seasons: March to April and October to November
• Low Season: December to February

To help you decide when to go, we’ve compiled this guide on the best (and worst) times to visit Glacier National Park.

Best Times to Visit Glacier for Smaller Crowds

Most visitors to Glacier National Park choose to come in the summer, when the weather is warm and the attractions are typically open. To avoid the crowds, consider visiting during the park’s off-season, which stretches from October to April.

Crowds are at their smallest in winter. The months of December, January, and February usually see fewer than 50,000 visitors combined — a far cry from the 700,000 visitors Glacier typically sees each July. You’ll feel like you have the park to yourself during a winter visit, and you can enjoy unique experiences like cross-country skiing on the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road. However, Montana’s winter weather can be fierce, and many of Glacier’s services and attractions close for the off-season, so winter trips shouldn’t be attempted without careful planning and preparation.

For reduced crowds in a less extreme environment, try visiting in the spring or fall. There will still be seasonal closures — certain roads prohibit vehicle traffic starting in October, and hiking trails won’t reopen until any ice has melted off of them in the spring. Nevertheless, these shoulder seasons offer countless charms, particularly around the park’s perimeter. According to the park’s website, “trails on the edges of the park tend to be snow-free quicker than toward the Continental Divide or middle of the park.”

Best Times to Visit Glacier for Good Weather

Due to the park’s mountainous, far-north terrain, the weather here is always unpredictable. If you have your heart set on experiencing the park on a sunny day with warm, hike-friendly weather, visit between early July and late September, when nearly everything is accessible and the weather is mild.

Conditions tend to be warmer and wetter in the park’s western half. West Glacier, Montana, typically sees daytime temperatures in the 80s during July and August and the 60s and 70s in September and June. If you’re traveling east of the Continental Divide or at elevations above 5,000 feet, you can expect cooler temperatures.

Regardless of when you visit, ensure you bring layers, including a rain jacket and hat, in anticipation of the weather’s frequent shifts.

Best Times to Visit Glacier for Lower Prices

During the winter months (November through April), entrance passes for Glacier National Park drop in price. While a seven-day private vehicle pass typically costs $35, it decreases to $25 in winter, and the per-person entrance fee reduces from $20 to $15. The park also offers select “fee-free days” throughout the year. While these opportunities can help mitigate your budget, keep in mind that they may coincide with above-average crowds.

If you’re looking to save money on flights, rental cars, and hotel accommodations near the park, avoid the high summer months. July and August can easily account for half of Glacier’s annual visitors, leading to price hikes due to stiff competition for lodging and services. Consider planning your trip for months like June and September, which fall at the fringes of the peak season, thus offering lower rates and favorable weather.

Best Times to Visit Glacier for Wildlife Spotting

Glacier National Park has served as a wildlife refuge since its establishment in 1910. Its varied terrain is home to numerous animal species, including moose, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, mountain goats, wolves, bears, and mountain lions. The fall is traditionally the best time to observe these creatures, as the park quiets down and the animals prepare for winter.

While observing wild animals is a major draw for many park visitors, it’s essential to prioritize safety. Maintain a distance of at least 300 feet from bears and 75 feet from all other wildlife, and be cautious when camping in the park.

Best Times to Visit Glacier for Photography

There are countless picture-perfect photo ops in Glacier National Park. For fields of wildflowers against mountain backdrops, visit between late June and mid-August, when you’ll find yellow lilies, purple fleabanes, and pink monkeyflower blooms. Logan Pass is an excellent starting point for locating wildflowers. For capturing waterfalls, spring is ideal when the snow above is melting and water flow peaks.

Throughout the year, you can also photograph wildlife (fall is optimal), glaciers, and breathtaking sunsets and sunrises. The night sky offers a stunning backdrop as well, especially in this International Dark Sky Park. Photographers equipped with cold-weather gear may also enjoy visiting between January and March, when the northern lights are most likely visible.

The Best Time to Drive Going-to-the-Sun Road

The 50-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road is arguably Glacier’s biggest attraction, connecting the park’s east and west sides while traversing its center. If you only have one day to explore, this should be your priority. You can stop at some of the park’s biggest draws — Jackson Glacier Overlook, Logan Pass, Lake McDonald — all while covering significant ground.

Going-to-the-Sun Road crosses the Continental Divide and ascends over Logan Pass, peaking at 6,646 feet. Given its elevation, certain parts of the route receive a lot of snow and are closed during winter and spring. Therefore, to experience the entire route, plan your trip between early July and early October when the road is typically fully open. For maximum wildflower viewing, July and August will likely be your best options.

Worst Times to Visit Glacier National Park

Although winter is the least crowded time of year in Glacier, the National Park Service shuts down all in-park lodging and most services during this season. In addition to the challenges posed by the weather itself — the park is often covered in several feet of snow between December and March, making many roads impassable — if you want to experience Glacier’s extreme but tranquil winter, you’ll need to come prepared with suitable gear and, ideally, a background in snow sports.

Conversely, summer is an accessible time for nearly all types of visitors. However, the beginning and end of the season are arguably more favorable than the peak months of July and August, which are marked by massive crowds and bumper-to-bumper traffic on Going-to-the-Sun Road.