Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Yellowstone National Park, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Yellowstone National Park
- Important essentials for Yellowstone National Park
- Activities for Yellowstone National Park
- Yellowstone National Park in January: weather and what to pack
- Yellowstone National Park in February: weather and what to pack
- Yellowstone National Park in March: weather and what to pack
- Yellowstone National Park in April: weather and what to pack
- Yellowstone National Park in May: weather and what to pack
- Yellowstone National Park in June: weather and what to pack
- Yellowstone National Park in July: weather and what to pack
- Yellowstone National Park in August: weather and what to pack
- Yellowstone National Park in September: weather and what to pack
- Yellowstone National Park in October: weather and what to pack
- Yellowstone National Park in November: weather and what to pack
- Yellowstone National Park in December: weather and what to pack

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.
When to go to Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in Yellowstone National Park, the best time to go is July. See below for details.
Important essentials for Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, United States of America
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.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards often become worn. An unreadable card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection available.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly product.
General health necessities
Don't forget these
-
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.
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should be appropriate for most locations, but check with your hotel.
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
For families with young children
What to wear/what to pack for Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Yellowstone National Park is unbearably 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:
-
Thermal undergarments
Our favorites:
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Night cap
It's a good idea to wear something on your head at night in this weather like this
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Neck gaiter/cold weather face mask
-
Coveralls
We love:
-
Thick pajamas
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this one
-
Heated gloves
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Yellowstone National Park, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a great choice.
-
Ski accessories
Yellowstone National Park has some great ski areas If you plan to ski, we also suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
If you go to Yellowstone Lake, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
If you're considering visiting Gibbon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:
February
In February, Yellowstone National Park is biting cold and somewhat snowy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C) range. At night, lows are in the single digits below 0 F (10+ below zero 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:
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Thermal undergarments
We suggest:
-
Neck gaiter/cold weather face mask
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Heated gloves
-
Coveralls
We like:
-
Night cap
It's important to wear a head protector at night in this weather like this
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Thick pajamas
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this one
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Yellowstone National Park, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is an excellent option.
-
Ski accessories
Yellowstone National Park has some famous ski slopes If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
If you go to Yellowstone Lake, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
If you're considering visiting Gibbon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:
March
If you are traveling to Yellowstone National Park in March, you will notice that it is freezing and somewhat snowy. Expect it to snow about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Coveralls
We love:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Neck gaiter/ski mask
-
Night cap
It's suggested to wear something on your head at night here like this
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Thermal undergarments
We like:
-
Thick pajamas
-
Heated gloves
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this one
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Yellowstone National Park, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is a perfect option.
-
Ski accessories
Yellowstone National Park has some good skiing If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
If you go to Yellowstone Lake, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
If you're considering visiting Gibbon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:
April
April in Yellowstone National Park is cold and somewhat snowy. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C) to low 40s F (single digits C), although night temperatures can dip into the single digits F (10+ below zero C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best choices:
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Thermal undergarments
We suggest:
-
Lip balm
The best option: here
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Pajamas
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Yellowstone National Park, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is important here. This one is a perfect option.
-
Ski accessories
Yellowstone National Park has some famous skiing If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
If you go to Yellowstone Lake, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
If you're considering visiting Gibbon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:
May
May in Yellowstone National Park is cold. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C) to low 50s F (low 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sweaters
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
Our favorite option: here
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Gloves
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Yellowstone National Park, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a great option.
-
Ski accessories
Yellowstone National Park has some good ski areas If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
If you go to Yellowstone Lake, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
If you're considering visiting 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:
-
Jacket or coat
-
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Fleece
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: here
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Yellowstone National Park, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is an excellent option.
-
Ski accessories
Yellowstone National Park has some great ski areas If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
If you go to Yellowstone Lake, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
If you're considering visiting Gibbon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:
July
If you go to Yellowstone National Park in July, you will notice that it is mild. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: this
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We recommend:
If you go to Yellowstone Lake, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
If you're considering visiting Gibbon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:
August
August in Yellowstone National Park is mild. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) to low 70s F (low 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: this
-
Extra socks
-
Fleece
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We suggest:
If you go to Yellowstone Lake, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
If you're considering visiting Gibbon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:
September
September in Yellowstone National Park is crisp. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Sweaters
-
Lip balm
Our favorite option: here
-
Heavy jacket
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Gloves
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Yellowstone National Park, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is a great choice.
-
Ski accessories
Yellowstone National Park has some good skiing If you plan to ski, we also suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
If you go to Yellowstone Lake, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
If you're considering visiting Gibbon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:
October
October in this region is cold. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It snows once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Gloves
-
Sweaters
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Lip balm
Our favorite option: here
-
Heavy jacket
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Yellowstone National Park, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is an excellent choice.
-
Ski accessories
Yellowstone National Park has some famous skiing If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
If you go to Yellowstone Lake, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
If you're considering visiting Gibbon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:
November
In November, Yellowstone National Park can be extremely cold and somewhat snowy. Temperatures routinely are in the 30s F (single digits C) and a bit less than half of the time jump into the low 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the low 10s F (10+ below zero 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:
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Pajamas
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best choices:
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Thermal undergarments
We suggest:
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Lip balm
The best is: here
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Yellowstone National Park, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is vital here. This one is an excellent option.
-
Ski accessories
Yellowstone National Park has some great ski slopes If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
If you go to Yellowstone Lake, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
If you're considering visiting Gibbon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:
December
December in Yellowstone National Park is biting cold and somewhat snowy. The snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C), although night temperatures can dip into the single digits F (10+ below zero C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Night cap
It's vital to wear a head protector at night in this climate like this
-
Heated gloves
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Thermal undergarments
Our favorites:
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Thick pajamas
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this one
-
Neck warmer/cold weather mask
-
Coveralls
We like:
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Yellowstone National Park, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is important here. This one is a perfect choice.
-
Ski accessories
Yellowstone National Park has some good ski slopes If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
If you go to Yellowstone Lake, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
If you're considering visiting Gibbon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:
Activities for Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, United States of America
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Yellowstone National Park.
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