The Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park
When to visit Glacier National Park for scenic drives, wildlife viewing, hiking, and avoiding crowds. Plus, top tips you need to know before you depart!
Montana’s Glacier National Park is a renowned destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Make the most of your trip by choosing the best time to visit, which depends on what you want to do and see.
Before you go: Glacier National Park now requires vehicle registrations at several entrances during peak seasons to limit crowds. If you plan to visit between May 24 and September 8, get your reservation well before you depart.
For more details, see Glacier’s vehicle registration page.
The Best Times to Visit Glacier
Late Spring (May to mid-June)
Springtime in Glacier is the sweet spot for the solitude of fewer crowds and watching the park transition out of winter. Wildflower meadows at lower elevations are intense with color and waterfalls are spectacular during peak runoff.
Activities: Lower McDonald Falls Trail, Avalanche Lake Trail (lower section only), birdwatching, June whitewater rafting on the Flathead River (water levels permitting), and exploring amenities in nearby towns.
Good to Know: Prepare for cold temperatures, muddy trails, snow and rain, and road closures. Many roads are often closed due to snow, and the Going-to-the-Sun Road typically doesn’t fully open until early July, so check Glacier’s current conditions page. Services and amenities may also be limited, with some restaurants and shops opening later in the season.
Planning Your Glacier Road Trip?
Early Summer (mid-June to early July)
The early summer marks one of the best times to visit Glacier with more of the park’s roads and trails opening up, including full access to the Going-to-the-Sun Road in early July.
Activities: Early summer is excellent for hiking, with popular trails like Hidden Lake and the Highline Trail becoming accessible. It's also a prime time for wildlife viewing, as animals are active and more visible.
Good to Know: Expect varied trail and road conditions, including lingering snow on higher trails. Pack layers for sudden cool temperatures or heavy rain storms. Traffic increases as visitors arrive, so plan for potential crowds.
Summer (July to August)
Summertime is the peak season for Glacier visitors, with warm temperatures and the best access throughout the park. This period sees the highest number of visitors, so be prepared for traffic and crowds at popular locations.
Activities: Take advantage of the warm weather for water sports on the park’s lakes, like boating and kayaking. All visitor services are open, making it a great time to learn about the park, join a ranger-led hike, or attend a Logan Pass Star Party.
Good to Know: Arrive early or prepare for crowds, especially at popular viewpoints and along busy trails. First-come, first-served campgrounds book up quickly, and in-park lodging is pricey—reserve your accommodations well in advance. There's also a chance of encountering wildfires and smoky skies, particularly in late summer.
Pro Tip: There is a nice drop in visitors in mid to late August.. Most schools are already back in session and because retirees typically wait until fall September to come, early September can get crowded.
Early Fall (September to early October)
For those looking for a quieter experience, visiting Glacier in mid to late September is one of the best times to visit. Daytime temperatures are still mild, the crowds are smaller, and the park’s flora changes to autumn colors.
Activities: This season is perfect for scenic drives, less-crowded hiking opportunities, and fishing. Wildlife is preparing for winter, so sightings are common.
Good to Know: Some visitor centers and in-park amenities close in September. Check Glacier’s condition page for road closures and other helpful information.
Be Bear Aware Every Time You Visit Glacier
Glacier National Park is home to about 300 grizzly bears, incredible animals that help make this spectacular park so special. Whenever you travel to Glacier, be sure each person in your group carries and knows how to use bear spray.
Hike in groups, make noise, and keep food secure no matter where you are. This not only protects the animals, it ensures a safer visit for you and your group.
Selecting the Right Time to Visit Glacier
Determining the best time to visit Glacier National Park depends on your personal preferences for weather, crowd sizes, and desired activities.
Whether you’re coming for the tranquility of late spring or early fall, the vibrant early summer or the busy mid-summer, you’re bound to have a memorable trip to this Crown of the Continent.
