Glacier National Park. Summer is the season when most events take place and most businesses and services are in operation; winter is a great time for snowshoeing and low rates, but road and center closures require you to plan.
Glacier National Park is home to breathtaking forests, lakes, mountains, and meadows. The more than 700 miles of trails are popular attractions for travelers who want adventure and solitude. But because not everything at Glacier National Park is open year-round, it’s important to know what your options are and when before you head out on your trip.
Planning the perfect trip can get overwhelming. That’s why
The best times of year to travel to Glacier National Park
The best time of year to visit Glacier National Park depends on what you’re looking to do. If you’re looking to take advantage of the widest selection of activities, visit in summer. But if you’re looking to take advantage of fewer crowds and lower rates, consider visiting between fall and spring.
Peak season: July to August
The good: Most activities available
The bad: Crowded, highest rates
The weather: Low 40s to mid-80s
You might have to reserve your stay and activities as far ahead as a year out if you’re planning a trip for peak season.
to get the rundown on weather conditions, road and trail closures, and other important park information.
The most popular destination is the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road, a highway that divides the park into an eastern and western half and crosses the Continental Divide.
Summer is the best time to traverse the famous road because the highest portions of the drive close seasonally due to snow. It usually opens by late June or July, but check the road status on the park’s website to be sure. Worried about missing sights while driving? The park’s
Another popular site is the Trail of the Cedars, which is a short hike under a mile off Going-to-the-Sun-Road—and it’s wheelchair- and stroller-friendly. Take in the sights and scents of the old-growth forest and the picturesque waterfall at the halfway point.
programs, during which local Native American tribe members share history, stories, and songs about and among the landscapes where they’ve lived for millennia, are offered from summer to early fall.
Park rangers regularly offer additional educational programs during the summer. Local summer festivals include the town of Whitefish’s annual
are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, but some require reservations during summer’s peak season. Summer fees vary but can range from $10 to $23.
Off-season: November to April, May to June
The good: Fall has the lowest rates of the year, a good time for winter sports enthusiasts; spring is a good time for cyclists
The bad: Avalanche risk, many services and facilities are closed for the season
The weather: Variable. November to March: teens to 30s or 40s, with below-zero temps possible; April to June: 30s to 70s
Winter and spring are off-season at Glacier National Park, and if you’re planning on visiting during this time, expect to be pretty self-sufficient.
Glacier National Park’s off-season is prone to variable weather conditions, especially in winter with chances for winter storms and below-freezing temperatures. Many of the park’s roads and trails are closed during this time, along with its shuttle services and visitors centers, so you’ll want to make plans in advance before visiting the park in winter.
Lodging in area communities has the lowest rates this time of year, which can make this a great time for outdoors enthusiasts who like winter activities like
The weather will gradually start becoming more favorable during May and June and lodging costs remain lower, but many roads and trails are still closed due to snow—including Going-to-the-Sun Road.
One treat of visiting during the spring is that this is when wildflowers begin to bloom! Spring is also pretty rainy, especially in April, so pack your gear accordingly.
Shuttles will start to run again on a limited schedule and as the weather allows.
This can be a good time for cyclists before the Going-to-the-Sun Road opens to vehicles. Lower portions of the road can become bike-friendly again by May. Additionally, spring is a good time for whitewater
The good: Lower rates, fewer crowds, a good time for hikers
The bad: Some businesses begin closing, along with Going-to-the-Sun Road
The weather: 70s to 40s. Rain is likely, snow is possible.
Early fall is Glacier National Park’s “shoulder season”, or the time of year between peak tourist season and the off-season. From September to October, you can take in fall foliage and enjoy cooler but still-comfortable temperatures at a park that’s less crowded than it is during the summer months.
Fall also offers more opportunities for wildlife viewing as animals prepare for winter hibernation. If you’re also a music lover, fall is another good time to visit: the annual
While shoulder season is a good time of year to hike at Glacier National Park with fewer crowds, many businesses also begin closing after Labor Day. Additionally, the popular Going-to-the-Sun Road usually closes by mid-October.
The cheapest time to travel to Glacier National Park
Winter is a great time to take advantage of the area’s lowest lodging rates of the year, especially if you’re looking to enjoy some winter recreation, but since many local services will be closed amid winter conditions, this is a trip you’ll want to prepare for.
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Find the best month for your visit to Glacier National Park
depends on what you’re looking to do. Here’s an overview of popular activities in and around Glacier National park and when you can take advantage of them.
Activity
Best month to visit
Why?
Boat tours
Summer
During peak season, you can take boat tours or rent kayaks, paddleboards, and more from
If you don’t mind the crowds, summer is an ideal time since most things are still open. If you’re looking for more solitude and milder temperatures, fall is your time to visit.
Cycling
Spring, summer
Cyclists can use spring to take advantage of fewer vehicles on park roads when weather conditions permit. Most services are open in summer, which can make peak season more convenient.
Rafting
Summer to early fall
If you’re looking for the most extreme whitewater rafting experience, river levels tend to be at their highest from mid-May to June.
Bigfork Whitewater Festival
late May
Spectators gather to watch whitewater rafters from all over the world race.
Pro Tip Events take place around Glacier National Park all year long, but the most active season by far is summer.
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What is the worst time to travel to Glacier National Park?
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There’s not exactly a wrong time to travel to Glacier National Park, but visiting during the off-season will require you to be prepared and self-sufficient. Peak tourist season is during the summer, which is also when Going-to-the-Sun Road is fully open.
Fall is a good time for hikers who want a chance at natural solitude as the crowd sizes begin to shrink, but many businesses and attractions in the area close after Labor Day. Spring attendees can catch early wildflower season and some extreme whitewater rafting conditions.
What months is avalanche season in Glacier National Park?
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Glacier National Park experiences its fair share of avalanches, especially during winter months, but they can also occur into late spring. Large avalanches can spill onto the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which is why it closes seasonally. Crews usually begin clearing the road’s snowdrifts in April.
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