Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Yellowstone National Park, I've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

  1. When to go to Yellowstone National Park
  2. Important essentials for Yellowstone National Park
  3. Activities for Yellowstone National Park
  4. Yellowstone National Park in January: weather and what to pack
  5. Yellowstone National Park in February: weather and what to pack
  6. Yellowstone National Park in March: weather and what to pack
  7. Yellowstone National Park in April: weather and what to pack
  8. Yellowstone National Park in May: weather and what to pack
  9. Yellowstone National Park in June: weather and what to pack
  10. Yellowstone National Park in July: weather and what to pack
  11. Yellowstone National Park in August: weather and what to pack
  12. Yellowstone National Park in September: weather and what to pack
  13. Yellowstone National Park in October: weather and what to pack
  14. Yellowstone National Park in November: weather and what to pack
  15. Yellowstone National Park in December: weather and what to pack

When to go to Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, United States of America, the best time to go is July. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Yellowstone National Park, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, United States of America by month

January

January in Yellowstone National Park can be bitter cold and somewhat snowy. The snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Yellowstone National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the correct type. The majority of adapters on sale are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

If you go to Yellowstone Lake, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

If you plan to visit Gibbon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

February

February in Yellowstone National Park is beyond freezing and somewhat snowy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the single digits below 0 F (10+ below zero C). It snows about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Yellowstone National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you choose the correct type. A lot of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to Yellowstone Lake, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

If you plan to visit Gibbon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

March

March here can be extremely cold and somewhat snowy. Temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It snows about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Yellowstone National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to pick the necessary type. Most adapters for sale now are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

If you go to Yellowstone Lake, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

If you plan to visit Gibbon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

April

If you are traveling to Yellowstone National Park in April, you will notice that it is brisk and somewhat snowy. Expect it to snow about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Yellowstone National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the correct type. Most adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to Yellowstone Lake, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

If you plan to visit Gibbon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

May

In May, Yellowstone National Park can be brisk. Temperatures routinely are in the low 50s F (low 10s C) and 5-10 days this month jump into the low 60s F (mid 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C). This is also a rainy time for Yellowstone National Park, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Yellowstone National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to choose the right kind. The majority of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to Yellowstone Lake, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

If you plan to visit Gibbon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

June

June in Yellowstone National Park is chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Yellowstone National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you get the correct type. Most adapters that you can buy are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to Yellowstone Lake, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

If you plan to visit Gibbon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

July

If you are traveling to Yellowstone National Park in July, you will notice that it is balmy. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Yellowstone National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to get the necessary type. A lot of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

If you go to Yellowstone Lake, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

If you plan to visit Gibbon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

August

August is mild. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Yellowstone National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to pick the correct type. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

If you go to Yellowstone Lake, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

If you plan to visit Gibbon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

September

Traveling to Yellowstone National Park in September, you will notice that it is chilly. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Yellowstone National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you get the necessary kind. Most adapters available are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to Yellowstone Lake, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

If you plan to visit Gibbon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

October

If you go to Yellowstone National Park in October, you will notice that it can be very chilly. Expect it to snow once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the high 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Yellowstone National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to pick the right type. The majority of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to Yellowstone Lake, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

If you plan to visit Gibbon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

November

November in Yellowstone National Park can be extremely cold and somewhat snowy. Temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It snows about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Yellowstone National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you get the right type. Most adapters currently available are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.

If you go to Yellowstone Lake, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

If you plan to visit Gibbon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

December

December is beyond freezing and somewhat snowy. Temperatures average in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day. It snows about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Yellowstone National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you get the right type. Many adapters currently available are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most places.

If you go to Yellowstone Lake, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

If you plan to visit Gibbon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

What to do in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, United States of America

Yellowstone National Park is one of America's most celebrated natural wonders, located primarily in the state of Wyoming but also spilling over into Montana and Idaho. With stunning landscapes, impressive wildlife, and geothermal features like hot springs and geysers, Yellowstone offers a wealth of attractions for tourists from all over the world. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Yellowstone National Park.

1. Old Faithful

Perhaps Yellowstone's most famous attraction is Old Faithful, the iconic geyser that reliably erupts every 90 minutes or so. Crowds gather around the Old Faithful viewing area to watch the spout of boiling water and steam shoot up to 180 feet in the air. Visitors can also explore the nearby Old Faithful Inn, a historic lodge that's been welcoming guests since 1904.

2. Mammoth Hot Springs

Another remarkable geothermal feature within Yellowstone National Park is the Mammoth Hot Springs. These terraced formations of limestone rise above the surrounding landscape, creating a surreal landscape of pools, ridges and otherworldly formations. Visitors can walk along boardwalks to explore the Mammoth Hot Springs and marvel at the different colors and shapes of the terraces.

3. Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Yellowstone is home to a dramatic, colorful canyon that cuts through the heart of the park. The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone offers stunning vistas of towering cliffs, roaring waterfalls and the winding Yellowstone River that runs through the canyon. Visitors can take a hike along the canyon's rim or descend down to the river for a closer look.

4. Yellowstone Lake

Yellowstone Lake is the largest body of water in the park and a popular spot for boating, fishing, and hiking. The crystal clear waters of the lake are surrounded by snow-capped peaks and dense forests, creating a serene and picturesque setting. Visitors can take a boat tour of the lake or hike along its shoreline.

5. Wildlife viewing

Yellowstone is home to a vast array of wildlife, including elk, bison, grizzly bears, wolves, and bald eagles. Visitors can spot these animals by taking guided tours or simply driving through the park. There are numerous wildlife viewing areas and guided tours to help visitors optimize their chances of seeing these magnificent creatures.

6. Norris Geyser Basin

Another geothermal wonder in Yellowstone is the Norris Geyser Basin, which features active geysers, bubbling mud pots, and colorful hot springs. The Basin is one of the hottest and most active geothermal areas in the park and visitors can stroll along a network of boardwalks to observe the geothermal activity up close.

These are just a few of the top tourist attractions in Yellowstone National Park. From its geothermal features to its majestic wildlife, Yellowstone truly offers something for everyone, and a visit to this iconic natural wonder is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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