Yellowstone Weather in September: What to Expect

As summer starts to wind down, what is Yellowstone weather in September like? Given the fact that many people return to school and life during this month after a summer of travel, you can imagine that there may be some pros to visiting Yellowstone National Park during this time of year. But what might you need to know before planning your trip? 

In this article, we will go over everything you need to know about the weather in Yellowstone National Park during the month of September. We will address all of the pros and cons of visiting the park as well as what you can expect in terms of wildlife and plant life. Finally, we will go over some of the most popular activities in Yellowstone during September. Let’s get started now! 

What is the Weather Like in Yellowstone in September?

The weather in Yellowstone in September remains pleasant, reaching 61 degrees Fahrenheit as the average high, while the nights drop to a crisp 32 degrees Fahrenheit. There is also a limited amount of snow and rain, typically less than two inches for the entire month. 

While you won’t get as many hours of daylight compared to July and August, Yellowstone National Park is a beautiful place to visit during the month of September. There are fewer crowds compared to the summer months, along with a few other perks. Let’s go over what some of those might be now. 

Pros of Visiting Yellowstone in September

As previously mentioned, Yellowstone is a great National Park to visit during the month of September due to the fact that there are significantly fewer visitors compared to the summer months. When you keep in mind that more than half of the total annual visitors to Yellowstone National Park occur during July and August, September is a breath of fresh air for this National Park. 

Additionally, September is an active breeding season for both the elk and bison populations that live within Yellowstone National Park. While it is not recommended for you to approach either of these two creatures, especially during this territorial time, the wildlife viewing in September is unmatched. When you also consider the fact that the foliage is beginning to change, September is truly a wonderful time of year to visit Yellowstone! 

Cons of Visiting Yellowstone in September

While September isn’t nearly as busy as August and July, you should still expect to see some crowds in Yellowstone National Park during this time of year. However, choosing to arrive at the park early typically helps, as well as choosing hikes or scenic areas that are less popular than others should help you avoid most people. 

Additionally, the services and potential rental opportunities sponsored by Yellowstone National Park dwindle during this time of year. Sections of the park begin closing during the month of September, and most everything closes up for the season by the end of the month. You can always check these dates out on the National Park website, as they are set dates, not weather-dependent ones. 

It’s also a good idea to pay attention to the local wildfire season happening near Yellowstone. You may find that these natural disasters make it impossible for you to visit, or otherwise alter your trip due to road closures or other unforeseen circumstances. Just stay flexible, and you’re likely to have a good time! 

What to Do in Yellowstone in September

As the seasons change, what can you expect out of your potential activities in Yellowstone National Park during the month of September? Here are some of the most popular choices for you to consider while planning your trip. 

Wildlife Viewing

Given the fact that it is a busy time of year for both the bison and elk populations, September is a wonderful time to view wildlife in Yellowstone National Park. Some animals may be more hidden or located in the upper elevations of the park, but there are still a number of different species that you can view from a safe distance. 

Some of the animals you can expect to see during this time of year are: 

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

This also means that you should pay special attention when hiking or traversing the park, as you may stumble upon wildlife that you were not expecting to see. Always maintain a safe distance from larger wildlife, such as wolves and bears as well as bison and elk, especially if it is their mating season! 

Hikes and Backpacking Opportunities

While the nights may get chilly when compared to August or July, September is still a wonderful time to hike and backpack any of the 900 miles of trails found in Yellowstone National Park. You can choose to hike or backpack on your own, or you can join a number of guided trip opportunities hosted by Yellowstone National Park and a variety of vendors. Some of these include llama backpacking tours and kayak opportunities, should you be interested in those sorts of things. 

Foliage and Flower Viewing

Many visitors are surprised to see that Yellowstone National Park doesn’t have nearly as much foliage changing with the seasons as other locations in the United States. However, there are still a number of different wildflowers and trees that are beautiful during this time of year. You can still find the leaves changing with the seasons throughout the park, and this is why Yellowstone is a wonderful place to visit during the month of September. 

The photo featured at the top of this post is © O.S. Fisher/Shutterstock.com