Are you thinking about visiting Glacier National Park but aren’t sure what to expect when you want to go? Then this guide is for you.
I’m James and I’m a national park expert. In this guide, I’ve broken down what to expect in Glacier National Park month-by-month, including the weather, what’s open, whether reservations are needed, etc. That way you can work decide for yourself when to go there.
If you just want a quick snapshot about my thoughts on the best time to visit Glacier National Park, check out my Best Time to Go to Glacier National Park guide.
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Visiting Glacier National Park Throughout The Year
Glacier National Park – Spring (April – June)
Let’s begin our breakdown of the Glacier National Park weather by month by taking a look at Glacier National Park in spring. You can expect spring weather in Glacier National Park during April, May and June. This means melted snow at low elevations by the end of April and temperatures starting to warming up by late June.
Visiting Glacier National Park in April
How does the Glacier National Park weather in April compare to other destinations in the US – and across the world? As you might expect wit the high elevations, it can be colder and wetter here than elsewhere.
The weather in Glacier National Park in April means you can expect around 16 days of rain. It’s wetter than in summer but drier than most of winter, and comparable to February in terms of rainfall levels.
Temperatures at Glacier National Park in April range between 27°F (-3°C) and 46°F (8°C). This means you can expect cold nights and fairly chilly days. October is similar to April in terms of temperature, but April can be a little colder.
The Glacier National Park in April weather means that the snow may have melted at lower elevations. Trails are more likely to be snow-free when they’re located around the fringes of the park.
Something else to bear in mind is that many local amenities don’t re-open until late May or even June. The whole Going-to-the-Sun road doesn’t usually open until at least late June – you can check the current status with NPS here.
You’ll need to be pretty self-sufficient due to the Glacier NP weather in April. On the plus side, the park is picturesque and peaceful then.
Pros
- Milder daytime temperatures than in winter
- Snow may have melted at lower elevations
- Apgar and St. Mary Campgrounds are open
Cons
- The Going-to-the-Sun road remains closed
- Local amenities won’t yet be open
- 16 days of rain on average
Visiting Glacier National Park in May
If it’s still wet and chilly in April, how much warmer can you expect the Glacier National Park weather in May to be? By this time, the Glacier National Park temperature in May means there are generally no below-freezing nights. Of course, Glacier National Park in late May is warmer than earlier in the month.
The Glacier National Park weather in May brings temperatures of between around 34°F (1°C) and 55°F (13°C). Glacier National Park in May is not as rainy as in April, but with 14 wet days on average, it isn’t as dry as in the summer months.
Hiking trails at lower elevations and around the edges of the park are still the most likely to be free from snow. The Glacier National Park in May weather means that at higher elevations, 100% snow cover can still be expected on the trails. So this is not the best time for Glacier National Park when you want to explore it all.
Local facilities might re-open in late May, but some won’t operate until June. The entire Going-to-the-Sun road isn’t due to open until late June either, though other roads may have been plowed by now. In early May especially, you’ll still need to be fairly self-sufficient, but Apgar and St. Mary Campgrounds are open year-round.
Pros
- The park remains peaceful in May
- Sub-zero temperatures are less likely
- Trails and roads at lower elevations should now be clearing
- Some parts of the Going-to-the-Sun road may be open
Cons
- Most of the Going-to-the-Sun road is still closed
- Higher elevations will be covered in snow
- Local facilities won’t open until at least the end of the month
- Reservations are needed for the West Entrance to the Going to the Sun Road and North Fork area starting in late May
Visiting Glacier National Park in June
Head to Glacier National Park in June and you can expect to experience one of the warmer months. The Glacier National Park temperature in June is comparable to September, and only July and August are hotter.
While Glacier National Park in early June is colder than the weather later in the month, very low temperatures are now unlikely, even overnight. Throughout the last month of spring here, you can expect temperatures between 39°F (4°C) and 61°F (16°C) on average.
Rainfall levels can still mean wet weather on about 13 days out of 30. Only July, August and September are normally drier, though, and October also has around 13 days of rain.
Many roads are now open, as are local services. The Going-to-the-Sun road generally opens in late June, though this is of course weather-dependent. It can take up to three months to plow this famous scenic route!
All the campgrounds aren’t fully open until July begins, and some trails won’t be entirely snow-free until late July.
Pros
- Local amenities should now be operational
- The average number of days of rain has dropped to 13
- The full Going-to-the-Sun road is often open by the end of June (some parts are generally open all of June)
Cons
- Many trails will still be snowy
- Many campgrounds remain closed
- The Going-to-the-Sun road isn’t guaranteed to open in June
- Reservations are needed for the West Entrance to the Going to the Sun Road and North Fork area
Key Events in June:
- Glacier Half Marathon – 13-mile course held on a Saturday in late July, running along the park’s eastern edge
Glacier National Park – Summer (July – August)
Glacier National Park in summer is amazing, but the season is short. The Glacier National Park weather in summer is at the hottest and driest it will be all year, and because of this the Going-to-the-Sun road, campgrounds and local amenities should be fully open by now. Park shuttle services also run in July and August
Visiting Glacier National Park in July
If you want to see more of the park, then the Glacier National Park weather in July gives you your best chance of doing just that. The weather is drier and warmer than at any other time of the year, and on a par with August.
Due to the warmer, drier conditions, Glacier National Park in July offers visitors good facilities. The Going-to-the-Sun road should be open by now, and the same goes for campgrounds and local amenities. Shuttle services are also available, though you will need a reservation for the Going-to-the-Sun road, North Fork and Many Glacier during this peak period.
The Glacier National Park temperature in July hovers between 45°F (7°C) and 70°F (21°C). These temperature averages are the same as August. However you can expect 8 days of rain in July, but only 7 during the following month of summer.
Pros
- The highest temperatures of the year
- Shuttle services are fully operational in July
- Campgrounds, the Going-to-the-Sun road and local facilities should be open
Cons
- In some years, the Going-to-the-Sun road doesn’t open until July
- Trails at higher elevations in particular may remain snowy until late July
- Reservations are needed for the West Entrance to the Going to the Sun Road, North Fork area and Many Glacier area
Visiting Glacier National Park in August
The Glacier National Park weather in August is as dry and warm as it gets. With, on average, a day less rain than even in July, only one day in three should be wet when you’re visiting in the second month of summer.
Temperatures at Glacier National Park in August range from lows of 45°F (7°C) to highs of 70°F (21°C). Again, the Going-to-the-Sun road, campgrounds, shuttle buses and local facilities are in full swing by now. So it’s a good time to visit the park when you want to see and experience everything.
There is one main advantage to visiting in August, rather than July. By now all the snow on the trails should have cleared, meaning you can explore further later in the summer. This is of course the park’s busiest period, however, and you’ll need a timed reservation if you want to travel the famous Going-to-the-Sun route, North Fork or Many Glacier.
Pros
- The driest month of the year
- Hiking trails should now be free from snow
- You can make full use of shuttles, campgrounds, local facilities and the Going-to-the-Sun road
Cons
- You should still pack a rain jacket and some layers
- Summer is peak tourist season, so expect crowds
- Reservations are needed for the West Entrance to the Going to the Sun Road, North Fork area and Many Glacier area
Glacier National Park – Fall (September – October)
Head to Glacier National Park in fall and you can expect cooler temperatures and great fall color.
Fall in Glacier National Park is also characterized by fewer crowds than in summer. The Glacier National Park fall colors tend to be at their best between mid-September and early October, before temperatures really start to drop.
Visiting Glacier National Park in September
The Glacier National Park September weather is very similar to that of June, in terms of temperatures. Glacier National Park weather in September brings around nine days of rain, so this is the third-driest month of the year, and drier than June.
The September weather in Glacier National Park means daytime highs of about 59°F (15°C) and overnight lows of around 39°F (4°C).
In terms of amenities, this is a good month. The Going to the Sun Road is usually open throughout September, and in fact you’ll still require timed entry reservations until the middle of the month. Park shuttles tend to run until Labor Day only, however.
You have a good chance of seeing colorful Glacier National Park fall foliage if you time your visit for late September, or early October. Early September is best for warmer weather and facilities, however.
Pros
- The third-driest month
- September is more peaceful than summer
- Fall colors can be seen from mid to late September
Cons
- Park shuttles stop running after Labor Day
- It’s already getting colder, especially overnight
- Reservations are needed for the West Entrance to the Going to the Sun Road, North Fork area and Many Glacier area until mid-September
Visiting Glacier National Park in October
Head to Glacier National Park in October and you can see Montana without the crowds. However, how much of Glacier National Park is open in October, and how cold is the Glacier National Park October weather?
In terms of rainfall, expect the Glacier National Park in October weather to be as wet as in June, with around 13 days of rain. Temperatures for the average Glacier National Park weather forecast in October range between 30°F (-1°C) and 46°F (8°C). So while it may be relatively mild by day, at night and during the early mornings and evenings it can get very chilly.
The Going to the Sun Road is typically open until mid October, but when it closes for the season depends on the weather. You’ll no longer need timed entry reservations at this time of the year. No shuttle services are available in October, as these end during early September.
For some people visiting Glacier National Park, this can be the best time to go. The trails can be virtually empty, local wildlife is still often active and you can see fall colors, which are at their best earlier in the month.
Pros
- The weather is as dry as in June
- Fall colors are at their best in early October
- The Going to the Sun Road is often open until the middle of the month
Cons
- It can get pretty cold, particularly overnight
- Services are starting to shut down for the season
- The Going to the Sun Road usually closes sometime this month
Glacier National Park – Winter (November – March)
If you’re thinking of visiting Glacier National Park in winter, then your burning question might well be – is it worth it? Is Glacier National Park in the winter just too cold – and snow-clad – for comfort, and what can you expect in terms of amenities? In fact, is Glacier National Park open in the winter?
The truth is, winter in Glacier National Park brings snow and extreme cold. Glacier National Park during winter isn’t for those who dislike the cold, or snow, or to some degree fending for themselves, as there are limited facilities during this season.
Though most park roads are closed, the Going-to-the-Sun Road between West Glacier and Lake McDonald Lodge is open all year, subject to weather and plowing conditions. While the Apgar and Logan Pass Visitor Centers are shut, the Apgar Visitor Center restrooms do remain open, and information can be obtained from the Park Headquarters.
If you visit Glacier National Park in winter, you can expect a long season. Winter here is effectively a five-month one, running from November until March.
Visiting Glacier National Park in November
Visit Glacier National Park in November and you’ll experience the best weather until March the following year. But is Glacier National Park open in November, and what facilities can you expect?
There are no park shuttles, and the Going-to-the-Sun road will have shut for the season by now. The fall colors will be over too. On the plus side, the park is peaceful, and if you like to do things your way then this could be a good time to visit.
The Glacier National Park weather in November brings temperatures between 21°F (-6°C) and 34°F (1°C). So it’s very cold, even by day, though not as chilly as December, January and February.
Along with December and January, this is one of the three wettest months of the year, with around 19 days of rain or snow.
Pros
- Warmer than December, January and February
- Not yet too much build-up of snow
- Pretty wintry landscapes
Cons
- The Going-to-the-Sun road is closed
- One of the 3 wettest months
- Limited facilities
Visiting Glacier National Park in December
If you’re wondering is Glacier National Park open in December, then the answer is yes. Due to increasing snowfall and cold conditions, though, do expect some road closures and to amend your schedule accordingly. In short, Glacier National Park in December is for the flexible, adventurous traveler.
The Glacier National Park December weather means temperatures ranging from a freezing 27°F (-3°C) to around 14°F (-10°C). This is the coldest month of all in the park.
It’s also one of the wettest, with around 19 days of snow on average.
Pros
- Lots of snowfall
- The park is very peaceful
- You can snowshoe or ski on the Going-to-the-Sun road
Cons
- The coldest month of all
- One of the wettest months
- Only for flexible, self-reliant travelers
Visiting Glacier National Park in January
Head to Glacier National Park in January if you want to see the park at its most peaceful. After Christmas and New Year it can be virtually deserted, and heaven for those who relish adventure and getting off the beaten path.
Temperatures of between 30°F (-1°C) and 16°F (-9°C) can be expected in January, along with around 19 days of snow.
Pros
- Plenty of snow
- Not quite as cold as December
- Among the most peaceful months of all
Cons
- Expect freezing temperatures
- Travel disruption is likely
- Very few facilities
Visiting Glacier National Park in February
If you choose February to head to Glacier National Park, then you can also expect it to be very quiet. It’s slightly warmer and drier than the preceding months, with about 16 days of rain or snow. Again, expect travel disruption and few amenities.
February temperatures here range from about 14°F (-10°C) to around 32°F (0°C). This is a good time to catch sight of the Northern Lights. As during the earlier winter months, you may also see waterfowl, or spot white-tailed deer.
Pros
- Less wet days than in November, December and January
- Good time to see Aurora Borealis, deer or waterfowl
- A little warmer than earlier in winter
Cons
- Less snow than in the preceding winter months
- Expect travel disruption
- Not much is open
Visiting Glacier National Park in March
While the Glacier National Park weather in March isn’t what anyone might call spring-like, you can expect things to be warming up slightly ahead of April, May and June. It is still winter at Glacier National Park in March, however.
The weather in Glacier National Park in March is fairly wet, with about 18 days of rain – or snow. With low temperatures of 19°F (-7°C) and highs of about 39°F (4°C), it’s still far from warm, but you could get lucky at Glacier National Park in late March if the weather is a little warmer.
Pros
- The warmest of the winter months
- A peaceful time to spend time at the park
- Good for adventurers who want to avoid the crowds
Cons
- Around 18 wet days
- Spring doesn’t start until April
- There are still very few facilities
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Visiting Glacier National Park Throughout The Year
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!
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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 most of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, comprehensive camping and hiking gear reviews and buying guides, and helpful packing lists and gift guides 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, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.
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