Yellowstone Weather in March: What to Expect

While March may be a popular travel time during other locations in the United States, what is Yellowstone weather in March like? Can you explore the entirety of this National Park without worrying about snow and closed roads? Or is March still a bit too chilly for the average camper to fully enjoy their experience?

In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about Yellowstone National Park weather during the months of March. We will address the average temperatures during this time of year, as well as the average precipitation. Additionally, we will discuss what there is to do in this National Park during this time, as well as what might be unavailable to you. Let’s get started now! 

What is the Weather Like in Yellowstone in March?

Yellowstone National Park remains a winter wonderland during the month of March, with snow and freezing temperatures possible. You can expect the average high temperature to be 36 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low temperature of roughly nine degrees Fahrenheit. This is still not ideal for many outdoor enthusiasts, though Yellowstone National Park begins waking up during this month of the year. 

This isn’t to say that you will feel particularly warm and active should you choose to visit the park during March. In fact, most large animal species and other possible wildlife are still not active during this time. But Yellowstone in March is still a wonderful place to be. Let’s discuss some of the possible pros of visiting during this time of year now. 

Pros of Visiting Yellowstone in March

One of the main benefits of visiting Yellowstone National Park during the month of March is the fact that there are far fewer people visiting. This means that you will likely not feel crowded or overwhelmed while exploring this beautiful natural area, as the winter months during Yellowstone see significantly fewer tourists compared to the warmer months. 

In addition, the month of March is much warmer compared to the previous month of February, which means that many rivers and waterfalls are likely starting to defrost. You may also notice an abundance of birds during this time of year, as some species begin to wake up. It is a time of year that allows you to see nature and Yellowstone National Park in a new light, unseen during the warmer months of the year! 

Cons of Visiting Yellowstone in March

In case you hadn’t already guessed, one of the main cons of visiting Yellowstone during the month of March has to be the fact that it is cold. You likely won’t have the opportunity to spend hours and hours outside without feeling a bit of a chill, especially if you want to do any hiking or outdoor exploring. 

Speaking of exploring, many of the roads and upper elevation hiking opportunities are still closed during the month of March in Yellowstone National Park. This isn’t to say that you won’t be able to hike at all, but you may need to put on your snowshoes rather than your hiking boots in order to accomplish this! 

What to Do in Yellowstone in March

Given the fact that the park isn’t entirely open during the month of March, what is there to do in Yellowstone National Park during this time of year? Here are some of the top opportunities for you to explore during the month of March! 

Wildlife Viewing

There’s still an abundance of wildlife to be seen in Yellowstone National Park during the third month of the year. March is a fantastic opportunity to view wildlife in the nearby meadows and lower elevation areas of the park, since many animals traverse into the lower valleys to avoid the chill of winter. 

If you are a fan of photography or simply want to view wildlife without throngs of people surrounding you, March is a wonderful time to visit Yellowstone National Park. Many different animal species rest or feed in areas of the park that you can view from the safety of your vehicle. Some of the animals you can expect to see during this time of year are: 

• Elk
• Foxes
• Bighorn sheep
• Bison
• Wolves
• Deer
• Weasels
• Hare

Hiking and Snowshoeing

Despite snow being absolutely present in Yellowstone National Park during the month of March, you can still do a decent amount of hiking. However, you may need to strap on some snowshoes or cross-country skis in order to do the hike of your dreams. Lucky for you, Yellowstone National Park offers rental opportunities for both of these recreational items, as well as snowmobiles or guided drives through the park. This gives you the option to explore Yellowstone in safety, given the fact that it is still a winter wonderland during March! 

Birdwatching

As Yellowstone National Park begins to warm up, this also brings with it a number of bird species. March is a wonderful time to begin birdwatching and sightseeing, as some level of snow begins to melt with the warming temperatures. You may notice a number of different bird species chirping and talking during this time of year, making it a peaceful and contemplative time to visit Yellowstone.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Grey Mountain Photo/Shutterstock.com