Late winter · Weather & things to do
Yellowstone National Park in February
Yellowstone National Park edges warmer than January, with highs of 21°F (-6°C), lows of 2°F (-17°C) and about 3.0 in (75 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 40/100 (10th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 21°F (-6°C)
- Avg low
- 2°F (-17°C)
- Rain or snow
- 3.0 in (75 mm)
- Humidity
- 99%
- Cloud cover
- 77%
- Daylight
- ~10 h 13 min
- Comfort score
- 40/100 · Tough
What February feels like
It's cold: daytime highs average just 21°F (-6°C), so build the days around warm stops.
Average lows of 2°F (-17°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
Expect about 3.0 in (75 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because the average temperature is below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 77%.
Plan around February
February is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are July – September.
- Comfort holds steady from January (40 → 40/100).
- Our Glacier to Yellowstone route recommends Jun – Sep, so February falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for February
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 2°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 3.0 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Yellowstone National Park in February
Cold days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
Bear Pit Lounge
Small bar off the Old Faithful Inn dining room with historic etched-glass panels.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 21°F.
Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room
Dining room in the park's oldest hotel, overlooking Yellowstone Lake.
Lamar Valley
Broad northern valley known as the best wolf-watching area in the park.
Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces
Travertine terraces built by hot springs, with boardwalks and elk around the village.
Norris Geyser Basin
The park's hottest, most acidic basin, home to Steamboat, the world's tallest active geyser.
Nearby in February
- Yellowstone in February~13 mi · highs 21°F, 3.0 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Grand Teton National Park in February~44 mi · highs 26°F, 2.9 in rain or snow · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Jackson in February~67 mi · highs 29°F, 2.4 in rain or snow · 4°C (8°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Salt Lake City in February~262 mi · highs 41°F, 1.8 in rain or snow · 11°C (19°F) warmer by day, drier
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Yellowstone National Park in February: quick answers
Is February a good time to visit Yellowstone National Park?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 40/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are July – September. Expect highs of 21°F (-6°C) and 3.0 in (75 mm) of rain or snow. Our Glacier to Yellowstone route recommends Jun – Sep, so February is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Yellowstone National Park in February?
Average highs are 21°F (-6°C) and average lows 2°F (-17°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Yellowstone National Park in February?
Some: about 3.0 in (75 mm) of rain or snow falls across February on average, the 6th-driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 32.8 in (834 mm).
What should I pack for Yellowstone National Park in February?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 2°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 3.0 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Yellowstone National Park
Planning Yellowstone National Park in February?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.