Best time to visit Glacier National Park

July to September. Month by month below, with the weather, what's on and what it costs to fly there from your city.

July to September

Most sources put the best time in summer, from late June or July through mid-September, when Going-to-the-Sun Road and trails are open.

“late June through mid-September is the best time to visit Glacier” glacierguides.com
“The best time to visit Glacier National Park is typically July” roadscholar.org
“is between July and September” intrepidtravel.com

5 of the 10 travel guides we read name these months.

Glacier National Park month by month

Average high and low in Glacier (U.S.), and days with rain

January30°F / 19°F · 18 rainy daysChecking fares…Winter use is snowshoeing and cross-country skiing; facilities are limited and most roads are closed to vehicles.
February34°F / 19°F · 15 rainy daysChecking fares…The Whitefish Winter Carnival runs in early February just outside the park.
March43°F / 25°F · 15 rainy daysChecking fares…Rockies spring weather can bring anything, so pack snow gear, rain gear and sunscreen.
April53°F / 31°F · 14 rainy daysChecking fares…Plants and animals start to wake up; plowing on Going-to-the-Sun Road begins.Lower-elevation trails and park edges are typically clear by mid-April.
May64°F / 39°F · 14 rainy daysChecking fares…Few crowds before school lets out, though not all roads and trails are open.Bikers can ride the lower road before it opens to cars, and the river runs high for rafting.Most roads are open to vehicles by late May, except Going-to-the-Sun Road over Logan Pass.
June70°F / 45°F · 15 rainy daysChecking fares…Snowmelt makes waterfalls roar, and spring runoff gives peak whitewater rafting.Daily showers are likely, especially on the west side; highs average 72F.Going-to-the-Sun Road typically opens to cars in mid to late June.
Best timeJuly80°F / 50°F · 9 rainy daysChecking fares…Roadscholar's pick for the best month: trails mostly snow-free and the full road open.Alpine meadow flowers peak around the first week of July.Most high-elevation trails open only in mid to late July after the snow melts.
Best timeAugust79°F / 48°F · 7 rainy daysChecking fares…Wildflowers cover hills and valleys and all trails are snow-free.Huckleberry season brings a good chance of seeing grizzlies and other wildlife.July and August are the busiest months.
Best timeSeptember68°F / 41°F · 10 rainy daysChecking fares…Crowds taper after Labor Day, trails empty out and fall color starts around mid-month.West-side trees start changing color in mid-September.Most in-park lodging and services close by mid to late September.
October52°F / 33°F · 14 rainy daysChecking fares…Western larch turn yellow in mid-October, the last color change of the year.Going-to-the-Sun Road usually stays fully open until the third Monday in October.Elk bugling typically peaks around mid-October.
November37°F / 26°F · 16 rainy daysChecking fares…Many Glacier Road closes the third weekend in November, weather permitting.
December29°F / 20°F · 18 rainy daysChecking fares…Whitefish Mountain Resort typically opens for the season in the first week of December.Christmas and New Year are the busiest winter weeks.

Weather: Glacier (U.S.) averages (long-term averages), as listed in its climate table on Wikipedia.

Every date to Kalispell from your city

Live fares from your airport. Watch them and we alert you when they drop.

Busy, quiet and what to watch for

Busiest

July and AugustWarmest, most reliable weather with most roads and trails open, and the most visitors.
May through AugustSources advise reserving well ahead.

Quietest

Spring and fallQuieter than summer, with fewer services.
WinterLongest season, mid-November through March.

Watch for

Spring to early summerHigher-elevation trails can be dangerous and snow-covered until late June.
SpringBears are active, so carry bear spray.
Late September and OctoberVisitor centers close and weather can shift quickly with early snow.
SummerExpect full parking lots and entrance delays; reservations are needed for the North Fork and the west side of Going-to-the-Sun Road.
WinterMost roads are closed to vehicles and facilities are limited.

Questions people ask

Do I need bear spray in Glacier?: Sources advise carrying bear spray, especially in spring when bears wake up.

Best time to visit Glacier National Park

July to September

Glacier National Park month by month

Every date to Kalispell from your city

Busy, quiet and what to watch for

Busiest

Quietest

Watch for

Questions people ask

Best time to visit other places

Best time to visit Glacier National Park

July to September

Glacier National Park month by month

Every date to Kalispell from your city

Busy, quiet and what to watch for

Busiest

Quietest

Watch for

Questions people ask

Best time to visit other places