Yellowstone in July: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Peak crowds · VisitWhen score 65/100 · #5 of 12 months
July is peak season — expect the year's biggest crowds at Yellowstone National Park: crowds run 100% of the July peak (922,896 average visits), days average 72°F with 15.2 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
Crowds in July
July is Yellowstone's busiest month — an average of 922,896 recreation visits (2021–2025), the park's crowd peak. That crowd level sets the tone for parking, permits and lodging — book early and start days at dawn.
Weather & daylight
Days are pleasant (highs average 72°F), and mornings are chilly (lows average 39°F). It is typically dry (1.5″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 15.2 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 July.
What to pack for Yellowstone in July
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy) — mornings average 39°F
- 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)
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Want quieter or kinder conditions? The computed best months for Yellowstone are April and May.
Common questions
Is Yellowstone crowded in July?
Yes — July runs 100% of Yellowstone's peak, averaging 922,896 recreation visits (NPS, 2021–2025).
What is the weather like in Yellowstone in July?
Average highs of 72°F, lows of 39°F, 1.5″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, YELLOWSTONE LAKE, WY US station).
What should I pack for Yellowstone in July?
Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy); Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit; Bear spray — the full weather-computed list is on this page.
See also: the best national parks to visit in July · Last verified 2026-09-12