Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park: The Weather Guide

Glacier National Park has a very short season. For many parks, shoulder season is a great option to avoid peak crowds, but that’s really hard to do at Glacier.

In Zion or Grand Canyon, you can visit almost any time of year. But Glacier is high in the mountains in the far north of Montana. The winter is long, and the summer is short.

If you arrive too early in June, the main “Going-to-the-Sun” road can still be buried under snow. If you arrive too late in October, the same scenario can happen.

You have a very small window to see the “Crown of the Continent.” I’ve actually walked stretches of the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road in the early July as it was still closed for snow.

So, when is the best time to go to Glacier? This guide will help you figure it out.

Executive Summary: The Quick Answer

• Best Overall Time: July and August. You will have to deal with crowds, but this is the only time when it’s almost guaranteed that the Going-to-the-Sun Road is fully open.
• Best for Avoiding the Crowds: September. The crowds disappear after Labor Day, but the park should still be fully open. It starts to get a bit chilly, but the weather is still perfect for hiking.
• Riskiest Time: June. Many people book trips in June hoping to avoid peak season, but the main road over the mountains is often still closed by snow.
• Worst Time: November to April. Most of the park is buried in snow and closed to cars.

The Short Summer (July and August)

This is the prime season.

The Good. Everything is open. The mountains are still covered in snow, and the views are epic. You can drive the full length of the Going-to-the-Sun Road. You can hike to the glaciers. The days are long, with sunlight until 10 PM.

The Bad. It is crowded. Lodging in and near the park is hard to get and expensive. Finding a parking spot at Logan Pass is tough. Glacier no longer requires reservations to enter in peak season, which may sound like a good thing, but it will also mean more traffic and crowds. Consider taking the park shuttle to avoid parking hassles.

My Advice. If you go in July, try to book your hotels at least 8-12 months in advance. Stay in or as close to the park as possible on the East Side in St. Mary to avoid the crowds and be closer to the best scenery in the park. Use my Glacier National Park Itinerary to plan your days so you avoid the worst traffic.

The Secret Season (September)

If your schedule allows it, this is definitely what I would recommend.

The Good. The crowds leave after Labor Day. The trails and parking lots are significantly less crowded. Hotel prices go down, and availability is better. The animals are active as they prepare for winter.

The Bad. The weather is unpredictable. It might be 70 degrees and sunny or it could snow. The shuttles stop running, so you have to drive yourself everywhere.

My Advice. Go in the first two weeks of September. Waiting longer means fewer people and lower prices, but there’s a risk with the weather. Text GNPROADS to 333111 to get the most updated road closure information.

The Risky Season (May and June)

Winter lingers here, and spring starts late.

The Good. The snow is melting, so the waterfalls are rushing at high volume. The park is quiet, and hotels are easier and less expensive to book. You will likely see baby animals.

The Bad. The Going-to-the-Sun Road is usually closed at the higher elevations. You cannot drive from one side of the park to the other. You have to drive the long way around the park (Highway 2) to get from West Glacier to St. Mary.

My Advice. If you visit in June, stay on the West side. Visit Lake McDonald and Trail of the Cedars. Do not expect to drive over Logan Pass.

The Winter Season (November to March)

Glacier is a very harsh place in winter. Unless you really, really love the cold, I wouldn’t recommend it.

The Good. You won’t have to fight crowds. You can cross-country ski or snowshoe on the closed roads. It is beautiful in a white, frozen way.

The Bad. Almost everything is closed, including in-park lodges. The roads are unplowed, and you need to be an experienced winter-weather driver.

My Advice. Only go in winter if you are experienced with winter travel and have a 4-wheel drive.

What About Wildfires and Smoke?

Wildfires can be real in the West. It’s unlikely they will directly impact what’s open in Glacier, but smoke from fires in Canada or other states can blow into the park, making the views hazy.

July usually has clearer air than late August. August is fire season, but it’s tough to predict.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

When does the Going-to-the-Sun Road open?

It changes every year, depending on the snow. Usually, it opens fully by late June or early July and closes for winter in mid-October.

Do I need bear spray in the summer?

Yes. Bears are awake and active all summer. Carry spray on your belt, not in your bag. Unprovoked bear attacks are extremely rare, but better to be safe than sorry. In general, if you don’t bother them, they won’t bother you, but keep your distance.

Is it cold at night in July?

Yes. It can drop to 40 degrees at night. Bring a jacket, even if it is hot during the day.

When do the huckleberries ripen?

Late July and August. You can pick them and eat them. And you’ll find a wide range of huckleberry pie, ice cream, jam, and more around the Glacier area.

Stop Researching and Start Dreaming

Glacier is gorgeous and one of my absolute favorite places in the world. But, there’s a short season to appreciate the sun hitting the peaks at Many Glacier and driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

The weather decides what you can do and makes avoiding the crowds off-season more challenging. So, you have to plan for the crowds and get accommodation early.

I can help you pick the best dates and organize a trip around available lodging options if you are booking more last-minute.