Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park - Ideal Seasons and Months of the Year

Overview of Glacier National Park

A hiker’s paradise, an exposé of melting glaciers, high-altitude meadows, and lush valleys, Glacier National Park is situated right on the border of Montana and Canada. Its breathtaking beauty has earned it the name "Crown of the Continent." This 1 million acres (1,583 square miles/5,000 sq km) hosts two mountain ranges, more than 700 miles of trails, 700 lakes, several waterfalls, and wildlife species. Apart from its natural wonders, it is famed for its iconic engineering marvel—the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 50-mile (80 km) road that provides access to popular hiking trails. While the best time to visit Glacier National Park is from late July to early September, it has something to offer all year round.

Why It’s Important to Know the Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park

Knowing the best time to go to Glacier National Park is essential to make the most of your trip. As the seasons change, the weather, accessibility of the park, and availability of activities also change. During summer, all roads open, trails are clear, conditions are ideal for hiking, and crowds are at their peak. Spring and fall are perfect for witnessing the fall foliage and wildlife sightings amidst lower crowds. As winter arrives, the park becomes a snowy wonderland, perfect cross-country skiing with even fewer crowds. Although many areas and roads may be closed due to heavy snow. Understanding the seasonal shifts helps you plan better, avoid disappointment, and fully enjoy Glacier’s breathtaking landscapes.

Visiting Glacier National Park: A Month-by-Month Breakdown

Having a month-by-month breakdown helps you plan your trip with precision. It will give you a fair idea about what to expect from the park in terms of weather and accessibility, as well as what you can do there and how crowded and expensive (or affordable) it will be. For example, during the peak months of July and August, while accessibility and weather are great, crowds and prices surge to their highest. With such information, you can plan to visit during shoulder months such as June or September, when you can find almost optimal conditions: weather, accessibility, crowds, prices, and activities.

Visiting Glacier National Park In January 

• Season: Winter 

• Minimum Temperature: 12°F (−11°C)

• Maximum Temperature: 30°F (−1°C)

• Key Points:

  • January offers solitude, crisp air, and stunning winter vistas without the crowds. 

  • January magically transforms Glacier National Park into a serene, snow-covered wonderland. If you love winter scenery, this is the best time of year to visit. 

  • The park is nearly empty and most peaceful in January, an absolute contrast to July and August. 

  • You can enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The Apgar area and the plowed sections of Going-to-the-Sun Road near Lake McDonald are popular areas for these activities. 

  • Snow-covered mountains, frozen waterfalls, and serene lakes provide the best photographic opportunities. 

  • In snowy meadows, you may see wildlife (moose, deer, wolves, or coyotes).

  • Given the heavy snow, many roads, services, and facilities are closed. Be prepared to carry ready-to-eat snacks, water, and a first-aid kit.

Visiting Glacier National Park in February

• Season: Winter

• Minimum Temperature: 15°F (−9°C)

• Maximum Temperature: 35°F (1.5°C)

• Key Points:

  • February features captivating winter scenery and even better opportunities for snow sports. 

  • February is one of the best times to visit Montana Glacier National Park, as crowds are still minimal and prices are low. 

  • February continues to keep Glacier National Park in deep snow, looking magical. 

  • Days start to become a little longer, offering a bit more daylight, making more time for Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. 

  • February is also a great time for wildlife sightings, including moose, elk, and occasionally wolves or coyotes.

  • Lodging and other services remain limited. Planning accordingly is highly recommended.

Visiting Glacier National Park in March

• Season: Transition from Winter to Spring

• Minimum Temperature: 20°F (−6°C)

• Maximum Temperature: 42°F (5°C)

• Key Points:

  • March marks the transition from snowy winter to a milder spring. 

  • You'll still witness winter scenery (which still dominates the landscape) with hints of spring. 

  • There are few visitors so you can enjoy solitude before the busy season approaches. 

  • There's a noticeable increase in day length, providing prolonged light for winter activities and photography.

  • Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing around Lake McDonald and the Apgar area remain popular. 

  • The snow starts to melt, creating beautiful ice formations and gushing creeks, a delightful experience for nature lovers and photographers alike. 

  • As temperatures rise gradually, wildlife emerge from their habitats and become more active, increasing the chances of spotting wildlife. 

  • Since there's still a considerable amount of snow, most higher-elevation roads and trails remain closed. However, if you're interested in winter sports, this is still one of the best months to visit Glacier National Park. 

  • Lodging, dining, and other services are still limited. You're advised to be self-sufficient and well-prepared for winter conditions that still prevail in good measure.

Visiting Glacier National Park in April

• Season: Spring

• Minimum Temperature: 28°F (−2°C)

• Maximum Temperature: 53°F (12°C)

• Key Points:

  • With emerging spring scenery, more active wildlife, and fewer crowds, April offers you tranquil beauty. 

  • Snow at lower elevations begins to thaw, revealing the greenery, melting streams, and early wildflowers.

  • Consequently, the trails at lower elevations are open to the public. Nevertheless, expect them to be muddy or icy. 

  • The rising temperatures activate wildlife, increasing the chances of spotting bears, deer, and birds.

  • Though snow plowing begins in April, there's still massive snow on Going-to-the-Sun Road, so it remains closed beyond Lake McDonald Lodge. 

  • Lodging, dining, and visitor services remain limited until late spring. Packing accordingly is advised.

Visiting Glacier National Park in May

• Season: Spring

• Minimum Temperature: 35°F (1.5°C)

• Maximum Temperature: 64°F (18°C)

• Key Points:

  • May brings spring, full of pleasant daytime temperatures, blooming landscapes, and abundant wildlife. 

  • Crowds are still not as great as they were in peak season, so you can still have a peaceful experience. 

  • Lower elevations burst into waterfalls and verdant vegetation as the snow melts, creating vibrant scenery for photography and hikes.

  • Lower elevation trails that were already open become more accessible now, and mud and snow are possible at higher points.

  • Wildlife becomes highly active at this point. There are excellent opportunities for sighting bears emerging and grazing in meadows. You may also spot elk, deer, and birds.

  • In May, the Going-to-the-Sun Road is still not fully accessible, but parts of it begin to open. Snow removal continues until mid-June, when the peak season gathers pace. 

  • The availability of lodging, dining, and visitor services increases gradually, but not all services open until late May or early June.

Visiting Glacier National Park in June

• Season: Transition from Spring to Summer

• Minimum Temperature: 42°F (5.5°C)

• Maximum Temperature: 71°F (21.5°C)

• Key Points:

  • Early June is the best time to visit Glacier National Park in Montana if you're looking for optimal weather conditions, easily accessible activities, and not too much of a crowd. 

  • The weather is still changing till mid-June, so crowds increase but remain much lighter than peak season (July and August). 

  • Lower-elevation trails remain mostly free from ice and mud, offering an excellent hiking experience. However, lingering snow may still be found on higher-elevation trails. 

  • Waterfalls gain a rather spectacular grandeur at this time of the year, thanks to melting snow. The rapidly melting snow also makes the rivers roar. 

  • Wildlife sightings become even more frequent as animals actively forage in newly thawed areas. You may be able to spot bears, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep.

  • Only portions of Going-to-the-Sun Road are open in early June, though full access across Logan Pass is granted by mid to late June, depending on snow removal status.

  • Visitor services, lodges, and ranger programs begin fully reopening, bringing more amenities and guided activities.

Visiting Glacier National Park in July

• Season: Summer

• Minimum Temperature: 47°F (8.3°C)

• Maximum Temperature: 79°F (26°C)

• Key Points:

  • With July, the peak tourist season begins

  • The summer in Glacier National Park is warm, vibrant, and perfect for outdoor activities. 

  • The Going-to-the-Sun Road is fully open across Logan Pass, meaning you now have full access to the best high-elevation views and trailheads.

  • By this time, almost all hiking trails are cleared of snow, ice, and mud. Popular routes like the Highline Trail, Grinnell Glacier, and Hidden Lake Overlook start seeing massive footfall. 

  • The landscape becomes a vision of alpine meadows covered in colorful wildflowers, making the perfect scenery for photographers. 

  • Wildlife becomes even more abundant, and sightings are frequent. Mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and bears become common sights along trails and even roadsides.

  • All visitor services, lodges, and ranger-led programs start operating in full swing and offer plenty of amenities and activities.

  • July happens to be one of the two busiest months at the park. Expect dense crowds, higher prices for lodging, and activities. Advance reservation is essential.

Visiting Glacier National Park in August

• Season: Summer

• Minimum Temperature: 45°F (7°C)

• Maximum Temperature: 78°F (25.5°C)

• Key Points:

  • Peak summer and tourist season continue in August in Glacier National Park.  

  • Days are warm and sunny, ideal conditions for hiking, photography, and wildlife viewing.

  • All trails become fully accessible in July, making great opportunities for hiking popular trails such as Grinnell Glacier, Iceberg Lake, and the Highline Trail without snow, ice, and mud.

  • The bloom of wildflowers on alpine meadows begins to fade a little but these flowers dotting the meadows still make for a lovely scene. 

  • Wildlife such as mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and occasional bears continue to be spotted along trails and roadsides.

  • The Going-to-the-Sun Road is still open, making all trailheads fully accessible. 

  • All visitor services, lodging, and ranger-led programs are.

  • August has the largest crowds. It is highly advised to make reservations in advance and start early in the morning for activities. 

  • There may be occasional wildfire smoke, impacting air quality and views.

Visiting Glacier National Park in September

• Season: Fall

• Minimum Temperature: 37°F (2.7°C)

• Maximum Temperature: 66°F (19°C)

• Key Points:

  • September is the best time to visit Glacier National Park, with its vibrant fall hues, mild temperatures, thinner crowds, and excellent wildlife sightings. 

  • This transition month bathes the park's valleys and slopes in warm red, gold, and orange hues. 

  • Crowds dwindle significantly, making the roads, trails, and landscapes quieter.

  • Higher elevation trails begin receiving snow late in September. However, many trails remain fully accessible early to mid-September.

  • Lower-elevation trails are still accessible till late September. Crisp mornings and mild afternoons create perfect hiking conditions on these trails.

  • Wild animals begin preparations for the winter and are thus active. You'll get excellent opportunities to sight bears, elk, and other species.

  • The Going-to-the-Sun Road usually closes down post mid-September but can close early depending on weather or road work.

  • Once again, lodging, dining, and visitor services begin scaling down operations towards the end of September.

Visiting Glacier National Park in October

• Season: Fall

• Minimum Temperature: 29°F (−1.5°C)

• Maximum Temperature: 53°F (12°C)

• Key Points:

  • In October, Glacier National Park continues to adorn itself with the brilliant colors of the fall. Golden larch trees, particularly in valleys and lower slopes, make for quite a sight. 

  • October offers crisp air, tranquil trails, and good opportunities to witness wildlife before winter arrives.

  • Temperatures plummet considerably, making mornings chilly and afternoons brisk—perfect for hikes.

  • The number of visitors becomes minimal, and snow activities have not begun yet, making October not the best month to visit Glacier National Park. 

  • As wildlife prepares for winter hibernation, it remains active. This means you'll be able to spot bears, elk, and other animals.

  • Most higher-elevation trails start gathering snow, thus limiting access to some popular trails and passes.

  • By mid-October, the Going-to-the-Sun Road typically closes beyond Logan Pass due to snow and ice, thus reducing access to trailheads leading to higher elevations.

  • Dining, lodging, and visitor services are extremely limited for the rest of the season.

Visiting Glacier National Park in November

• Season: Transition from Fall to Winter

• Minimum Temperature: 21°F (−6°C)

• Maximum Temperature: 39°F (4°C)

• Key Points:

  • November brings solitary winter beauty to the park; however, it has not yet been groomed for winter sports. 

  • Very few visitors mean peaceful, crowd-free landscapes and quiet, snowy scenery.

  • The park witnesses frequent snowfall, especially at higher elevations, and it feels like winter.

  • Though the lower sections of the Going-to-the-Sun Road, near Apgar and Lake McDonald, remain open, most of this iconic road remains closed all winter. 

  • Most trails become snow-covered or muddy, making hiking challenging. 

  • While most wildlife animals become pretty much inactive, you may still be able to spot elk or deer in the valleys. 

  • Most visitor services remain shut. Very few amenities are available inside the park. So, plan accordingly.

Visiting Glacier National Park in December

• Season: Winter

• Minimum Temperature: 15°F (−9.5°C)

• Maximum Temperature: 30°F (−1°C)

• Key Points:

  • December brings not only magical winter scenery but also adventure and minimal crowds. 

  • It is one of the best times to visit Glacier National Park, Montana, if you want to experience snow sports with minimal crowds. 

  • The landscape is blanketed by deep snow, making it perfect for snow sports and photography. 

  • Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing around Apgar, Lake McDonald, and other lower-elevation areas become operational in December.

  • Days are short and temperatures are cold, requiring careful hiking with proper gear.

  • Like in November, the Going-to-the-Sun Road remains closed beyond Lake McDonald Lodge. Thus, no access to higher elevations. 

  • Wildlife sightings are not frequent but possible. You may be able to spot deer, moose, and occasional wolves.

  • Lodging, dining, visitor services, and ranger-led programs remain extremely limited.

Why should you book your Glacier National Park adventure tour with AdventureTripr?

AdventureTripr, with its solid experience in curating small-group, sustainable, and affordable adventure trips, ensures you get the most out of your Glacier National Park trip. Our expertly crafted itineraries include iconic hikes, hidden gems off the beaten path, and everything in between. We rely on our local guides in the park to figure out the best time to visit Glacier National Park and prepare you well for the season you're visiting. AdventureTripr lets you explore Glacier’s breathtaking landscapes stress-free. We handle the logistics, so you can focus on creating memories.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Question 1: When is the best time to visit Glacier National Park?

Answer 1: The peak season is believed to be July and August. However, when crowds are thinner, you can have a better experience in mid-June and early September. 

Question 2: What should I pack for my trip to Glacier National Park?

Answer 2: Layered clothing, sturdy hiking shoes, a daypack, rain gear, sun protection, and reusable water bottles are essentials. If visiting in the off-season, please carry ready-to-eat snacks, water, and a first-aid kit. 

Question 3: Do I need a permit to hike in the park?

Answer 3: You do not need a permit for day hiking. However, if you are camping in the backcountry overnight, you will need one per person per night.