Late winter · Weather & things to do
Yellowstone in February
Yellowstone 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 12 min
- Comfort score
- 40/100 · Tough
What February feels like
Highs only reach about 21°F (-6°C), so plan short stints outside between indoor stops.
Average lows of 2°F (-17°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
About 3.0 in (75 mm) of rain or snow falls in the month, and with temperatures averaging below freezing, much of it may come as snow.
Skies are often grey, with average cloud cover around 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).
- February sits inside the Mid-Dec – Mar window our Grand Teton, Jackson & Yellowstone route recommends.
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 places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Yellowstone in February
With highs near 21°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Lamar Valley
Wide valley in northeast Yellowstone with bison, elk and the park's best chances of seeing wolves in winter.
Mammoth Hot Springs
Travertine terraces near the North Entrance, steaming and frosted in winter, with boardwalks you can walk on your own.
Grand Prismatic Spring
The largest hot spring in the United States, in Midway Geyser Basin; in winter its steam drifts over the Firehole River.
Old Faithful
Yellowstone's best-known geyser, erupting about every 60 to 110 minutes; in winter the plume of steam towers over the snow.
Nearby in February
- Yellowstone National Park 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~57 mi · highs 26°F, 2.9 in rain or snow · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Jackson in February~79 mi · highs 29°F, 2.4 in rain or snow · 5°C (8°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Salt Lake City in February~274 mi · highs 41°F, 1.8 in rain or snow · 11°C (20°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 in February: quick answers
Is February a good time to visit Yellowstone?
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. February is inside the Mid-Dec – Mar window our Grand Teton, Jackson & Yellowstone route recommends.
How cold is Yellowstone 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 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 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 places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Yellowstone
Routes in season in February
- Grand Teton, Jackson & Yellowstone Mid-Dec – Mar
Planning Yellowstone 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.