Yellowstone in October: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Shoulder · VisitWhen score 65/100 · #6 of 12 months
October is a solid shoulder-season month to visit Yellowstone National Park: crowds run 33% of the July peak (302,468 average visits). Weather: highs average 46°F and lows 22°F, with 1.9″ of precipitation and 11 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
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Bring for Yellowstone in October
- Insulated jacket, beanie and glovesSee it on AmazonWhy: nights average 22°F, below freezing.
- Bear spraySee it on AmazonWhy: recommended by the park in grizzly country (check current park regulations before you carry).
- Sturdy, broken-in hiking bootsSee it on AmazonWhy: every park, every month.
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Yellowstone in October: what the park service says
October is when Yellowstone's season winds down. On the park service's projected schedule, Dunraven Pass and the Beartooth Highway close first, on October 11 in 2027 (Dunraven can stay open longer if the weather allows), and most other park roads close to cars on October 31. From then until the oversnow season starts in mid-December, only the road between the North and Northeast entrances stays open to regular vehicles.
Source: NPS, checked 2026-11-05.
Crowds in October
Yellowstone averages 302,468 recreation visits in October — 33% of what July, the peak month, draws. That crowd level sets the tone for parking, permits and lodging.
Weather & daylight
Daytime stays cool (highs average 46°F), and nights drop below freezing (lows average 22°F). It is typically dry (1.9″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 11 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 October.
What to pack for Yellowstone in October
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 22°F, below freezing
- 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 May and June.
Also at their best in October
Other parks whose computed October verdict is a best window — same NPS × NOAA formula:
- Badlands in October — 27% of peak crowds, highs 63°F, score 81/100
- Isle Royale in October — 2% of peak crowds, highs 51°F, score 81/100
- Wind Cave in October — 25% of peak crowds, highs 61°F, score 81/100
- Gateway Arch in October — 26% of peak crowds, highs 69°F, score 80/100
Common questions
Is Yellowstone crowded in October?
No — October is one of the quieter months: 33% of the July peak, averaging 302,468 visits (NPS, 2021–2025). See every month at Yellowstone.
What is the weather like in Yellowstone in October?
Average highs of 46°F, lows of 22°F, 1.9″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, YELLOWSTONE LAKE, WY US station). Compare it with other national parks in October.
What should I pack for Yellowstone in October?
Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves; Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit; Bear spray — the full weather-computed list is on this page. Going in November instead? Yellowstone in November has its own list.
See also: the best national parks to visit in October · Last verified 2026-09-24