Yellowstone in January: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Harsh season · VisitWhen score 22/100 · #11 of 12 months
January is a harsh-season month at Yellowstone National Park: crowds run 5% of the July peak (42,153 average visits), days average 23°F with 9.2 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
Crowds in January
Yellowstone averages 42,153 recreation visits in January — 5% of what July, the peak month, draws. That crowd level sets the tone for parking, permits and lodging — this is genuine quiet-season territory.
Weather & daylight
It is properly cold (highs average 23°F), and nights are frigid (lows average 1°F). It is typically dry (1.8″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 9.2 hours.
NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station YELLOWSTONE LAKE, WY US (6 mi from park coordinates, 7,835 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of January.
What to pack for Yellowstone in January
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Insulated parka + thermal base layers — average lows of 1°F
- Headlamp — only 9.2 hours of daylight in mid-January
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
- Bear spray — recommended by the park in grizzly country (check current park regulations before you carry)
Want quieter or kinder conditions? The computed best months for Yellowstone are April and May.
Common questions
Is Yellowstone crowded in January?
No — January is one of the quieter months: 5% of the July peak, averaging 42,153 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).
What is the weather like in Yellowstone in January?
Average highs of 23°F, lows of 1°F, 1.8″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, YELLOWSTONE LAKE, WY US station).
What should I pack for Yellowstone in January?
Insulated parka + thermal base layers; Headlamp; Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — the full weather-computed list is on this page.
Is everything open at Yellowstone in January?
Most park roads close to regular vehicles early November through mid-April (staggered spring reopening); winter access is by guided oversnow travel. Always check the park's live NPS alerts for current conditions.
See also: the best national parks to visit in January · Last verified 2026-07-16