Trying to figure out when is the best time to visit Glacier National Park in Montana?
This is one of the most common questions I get – because the answer can really change depending on what you want to do.
Some months offer perfect weather and open roads, while others bring snow, limited access, and very few crowds.
In this guide, I’ll help you figure out when to go to Glacier National Park based on your travel goals, whether that’s hiking, photography, wildlife watching, or avoiding the crowds. This will help you if you’re planning a first-time trip or trying to choose between a few potential months.
‼️ While this is my choice for the best time to go to Glacier National Park, the park is great throughout the year. I’ve provided a detailed breakdown by season and every month so you can easily see what to expect and then make your own choice.
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Table of Contents
The Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park In a Nutshell
The best time to visit Glacier National Park is summer. This is the best time of year for Glacier National Park because in July and August the Going-to-the-Sun Road is open, the park shuttles are running, and all the facilities are operational. The weather is also drier and warmer than at any other time of the year.
The downside to visiting in these months are that this is when the park is most crowded and there is also a reservation system in place. However, despite these drawbacks, this is still the the best time of year to go to Glacier National Park.
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The Best Time To Visit Glacier National Park
When is the best time of year to visit Glacier National Park?
The best temperature in Glacier National Park
The Glacier National Park temperature is at its warmest and most pleasant in July and August. This is also when the park facilities are operating, shuttles are running, and the Going-to-the-Sun Road is open. Summer is also the busiest time, however.
The best time to drive the Going to the Sun Road
The west side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road generally opens late May, with the east side opening around late June. It usually closes sometime in October, depending on the weather.
However, the whole road often doesn’t open until July and can close early due to snow, so July and August are the safest months to know that the road is open for sure. However, this is also when the reservation system is in effect.
Mid-September, after the reservation system ends (usually early September) but before winter weather sets in, is my favorite time to drive the Going to The Sun Road.
The best time to visit without needing a timed entry reservation
Timed reservations for entering the Going-to-the-Sun Road are required from late May (when the entire road is not yet open) until around mid-September. Mid to late September is therefore the best time to visit without a reservation, as the road should still be open but you don’t need to book ahead.
The best time to see wildlife in Glacier National Park
According to the NPS, fall is the best season for wildlife viewing. You can see animals on the move, plus mountain goats and moose.
Dawn and dusk are the prime times of day to aim for, all year round.
The best time to visit Glacier National Park to avoid crowds
The least crowded time to visit Glacier National Park is in winter. While there are very limited facilities and lots of road closures, you can get by if you’re adventurous and self-sufficient. Expect perfect peace and stunning snowy landscapes.
The best time to travel in summer
August is the most popular month at Glacier National Park, as you can experience the warmest and driest weather then. Expect crowds, though, as the optimal season is short.
The best time to travel on a budget
The early shoulder season of late-May – June can be a cheaper time to go to Glacier National Park than summer. Some parts of the park are open and prices are lower, so this is a good time for budget travel.
The worst time to visit Glacier National Park
The worst time to visit Glacier National Park is winter, because it’s very cold and there are few facilities or roads open. However this can be a good time to visit if you value peace, independence and unpredictability.
➡️ Check my detailed breakdown of what to expect every month in the year for much more detailed information.
Deciding when to go to Glacier National Park for is a very important step in planning your trip, and I hope this guide is helping.
However, as I’m sure you’re very aware, this is just one thing of many to decide. Once you’ve decided the timing of your trip, you still need to make an actual plan.
In fact, the thing that most people ask me about is how to put it all together into an itinerary that makes sense. They decide when they’ll go and maybe even book their flights, but still worry about how to minimize the crowds, what to do – and when – and how to coordinate it all.
To help take away the overwhelm of planning a trip to Glacier National Park, I’ve created several super detailed itineraries.
Without them, people often feel stressed about planning their trip. With them, they have the confidence of getting all the info they need in one spot. Plus, there’s flexibility built in, so they can easily adapt them to their own interests and activity levels.
There are 1, 2, 3, and 4-5 – day options: all with detailed hour-by-hour schedules, including alternatives for different activity and fitness levels, plus trail maps and descriptions, driving instructions, important information, essential tips, and everything else you need to make the most of your time in Glacier National Park.
Travel Insurance for Glacier National Park
No matter when you go to Glacier National Park, you should definitely get travel insurance. This can protect you not only against medical and emergency repatriation, but can also cover things like trip cancellation, loss and/ or theft of property, etc.
➡️ A great insurance option is Travelex. It has coverage for all you’ll need. You can compare Travel Insurance plans here or get a quote right now:
Enjoy Glacier National Park!
Additional Planning Resources for Glacier National Park
⭐ Planning A Trip to Glacier National Park: 7 Mistakes to Avoid
⭐ Guide to Glacier National Park Ticketed Entry
⭐ The Best Hikes in Glacier National Park
⭐ How to Get to Glacier National Park
⭐ 15 Tips For Visiting Glacier National Park
⭐ Visiting Glacier National Park: What To Expect Throughout the Year
⭐ The Airports Near Glacier National Park
⭐ The Closest Airport To Glacier National Park
⭐ 10 Fun Facts About Glacier National Park
What do you think is the best month to visit Glacier National Park? Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know (you can also pick up extra planning tips, share your photos and stories with other national park lovers and more).
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The Best Time To Visit Glacier National Park
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💻 Are you starting to plan a trip to Glacier National Park? Read my Glacier National Park Guide
📋 Do you want a ready-made super detailed plan for your trip to Glacier? Get a detailed 1 – 5-day Glacier National Park Itinerary
💲 Are you ready to book your trip? Use these Planning and Booking Resources
📖 Do you want to read a book about US national parks? Check out my Recommended Reading Lists
About the Author
James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.
He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.
Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for many of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, and other resources will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.
As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Newsweek, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.
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