Climate and monthly weather forecastWest Yellowstone, MT
Climate and monthly weather forecast
The climate of West Yellowstone
West Yellowstone, Montana, resides within the Dfc zone under the Köppen climate classification, reflecting its subarctic, severe winter conditions. Within this zone, a cool summer with no dry season is the norm, supported by West Yellowstone's geographic positioning nestled in the Rocky Mountains region of the United States.Throughout the year, West Yellowstone experiences a wide range of weather patterns. Temperatures fluctuate fairly significantly, reaching a peak average high of 72.9°F (22.7°C) during July and plunging to an average low of 4.8°F (-15.1°C) in the heart of December. Rainfall is spread somewhat evenly across the year, albeit slightly heavier from April to October with August recording the least rainfall of 0.91" (23mm). Conversely, snowfall is significant during the colder months, with an average of 17.05" (433mm) in April dropping to a minute 0.08" (2mm) by July, then again rising to a noteworthy 16.38" (416mm) by December.
It is important to underline the considerable contrast between daylight and sunshine hours in West Yellowstone. There tend to be longer daylight hours from April to September, reaching a peak in June with 15.5 hours. Contrastingly, maximum sunshine occurs from June to August, with July shining the brightest with an impressive 11.8 hours. Despite a higher UV index from May to July, wind speed remains moderately consistent throughout the year, registering a relatively stable range from 6mph (9.7km/h) to 6.8mph (10.9km/h).
The best time to visit West Yellowstone
Evaluating the climate data, the ideal time to visit West Yellowstone extends from June to August. During these summer months, temperatures reach a comfortable range from 61.9°F (16.6°C) to 72.9°F (22.7°C). Rainfall is relatively low, ranging from 0.91" (23mm) to 2.2" (56mm), and snow is seldom a concern. Sunshine is at its prime, peaking at an impressive 11.8 hours in July, which also sees the longest daylight duration of 15.2 hours. For outdoor enthusiasts, this period offers the most favorable conditions for exploring the region's scenic beauty.The worst time to visit West Yellowstone
Winter months from November to March are arguably the least desirable for tourists in West Yellowstone. This period records the lowest temperatures, averaging from 6.1°F (-14.4°C) to 21.9°F (-5.6°C), and experiences the highest snowfall, peaking at 17.83" (453mm) in February. From December to February, daylight hours are the fewest, dropping to a low of 8.9 hours in December. The limited visibility in winter and increased cloud coverage, averaging 71% in January, can also restrict outdoor activities significantly.Spring weather in West Yellowstone
Spring in West Yellowstone, spanning March to May, heralds a gradual increase in temperatures, moving from an average of 6.1°F (-14.4°C) to 7.2°F (-13.8°C) in March, with a leap to 49.8°F (9.9°C) in May. Corresponding daylight hours also see a rise from 12 hours in March to 14.8 hours in May. However, rainfall tends to intensify during these months, with May receiving 2.8" (71mm). Alongside this, snowfall persists, albeit with a remarkable drop from 17.05" (433mm) in March to 1.69" (43mm) by May.Summer weather in West Yellowstone
Summer, encompassing June to August, is characterized by the most pleasant temperatures in West Yellowstone. The warmth escalates from June's 61.9°F (16.6°C) to July's warmest average high of 72.9°F (22.7°C), then slightly decreases to 71.4°F (21.9°C) in August. Rainfall experiences a significant drop from 2.2" (56mm) in June to 0.91" (23mm) in July, offering drier conditions. During this period, sunshine hours peak up to 11.8 hours in July while daylight hours oscillate from 15.5 hours in June to 14 hours in August.Autumn weather in West Yellowstone
Autumn in West Yellowstone, lasting September to November, sees a steady reduction in temperature from 61.9°F (16.6°C) to 29.7°F (-1.3°C). In this season, rainfall levels exhibit a slow increase from 1.57" (40mm) in September to 1.65" (42mm) in November. October experiences the lowest wind speed of 6mph (9.7km/h). Although daylight dips down to 9.6 hours in November, a steady amount of sunshine remains through September and October, making autumn a decent period for visitors in search of vibrant fall foliage.Winter weather in West Yellowstone
Winter witnesses a sharp fall in the temperatures from December to February, with average lows dropping significantly from 20.1°F (-6.6°C) in December to as low as 4.8°F (-15.1°C) in February. In this season, heavy snowfall is evident, with maximums of 17.36" (441mm) in December, 17.83" (453mm) in February, and an average of 22.8 snowfall days in December. Short daylight hours, decreasing sunshine quantity, and decreased visibility mark this season, making winter in West Yellowstone a severe and rigorous period.Weather in January
Starting the year with a chilly atmosphere, January registers a maximum temperature of 21.9°F (-5.6°C) and a freezing low of 6.1°F (-14.4°C). The snowy landscapes of West Yellowstone, Montana are a common feature this month, making it a haven for winter sports enthusiasts. Weather in January »Weather in February
Coming off the heels of a cold January, February sees a slight increase in temperatures, shifting from 21.9°F (-5.6°C) to 23°F (-5°C) for the highest and from 6.1°F (-14.4°C) to 7.2°F (-13.8°C) for the lowest temperatures. Weather in February »Weather in March
The transition to slightly warmer weather starts in March, marking an eminent end to the intense winter experienced in West Yellowstone, Montana with temperatures climbing up to around 30°F (-1.1°C). The weather starts to show signs of spring, with longer days allowing more sunlight in. Weather in March »Weather in April
Getting noticeably warmer with temperatures reaching heights of 37.2°F (2.9°C), April sees a clearer indication of the onset of spring in West Yellowstone, Montana. Climatic conditions tend to fluctuate, with some days displaying characteristics of winter, while others feel decisively spring-like. Weather in April »Weather in May
The temperature in May takes a significant leap with highs reaching an average of 49.8°F (9.9°C). It signals the start of a warmer season in West Yellowstone, Montana. Weather conditions become increasingly pleasant, with the last vestiges of the snowy season finally melting away. Weather in May »Weather in June
June marks the onset of summer in West Yellowstone, Montana as the mercury further pushes to a comfortable high of 61.9°F (16.6°C). With the last of the snow long gone, the weather in June is typically sunny and bright. This makes outdoor activities and sightseeing very pleasant, with the city's natural beauty on full display. Weather in June »Weather in July
July is the warmest month of the year in West Yellowstone, Montana, with temperature tops hitting 72.9°F (22.7°C). The town transforms into the perfect summer getaway, offering a variety of outdoor recreational activities. Cool breezy evenings and starlit skies make for perfect camping conditions. Weather in July »Weather in August
August strikes a balance between summer's warmth and autumn's cool weather as temperatures moderately dip from 72.9°F (22.7°C) to 71.4°F (21.9°C). The weather in West Yellowstone, Montana remains favorable for outdoor activities. Weather in August »Weather in September
Entering fall, the average high temperature in September comes down to a comfortable 61.9°F (16.6°C). As autumn takes over the landscape is at its most vibrant, displaying a riot of colors. The pleasantly colder mornings and evenings give a hint of the impending winter months. Weather in September »Weather in October
October is an unmistakable herald of winter, with temperatures further shrinking to an average high of 44.2°F (6.8°C). The town of West Yellowstone dawns a serene and calm atmosphere. The wind develops a chill and the landscape transitions from autumn's warm colors to winter's stark white. Weather in October »Weather in November
Transitioning from fall to winter, November is characterized by a drop in temperature to a high of 29.7°F (-1.3°C) and a considerable increase in snowfall. The now-white cityscape of West Yellowstone, Montana is a sight to behold, with snow-laden terrains and trees. Weather in November »Weather in December
Ending the year with a high temperature averaging 20.1°F (-6.6°C), December plunges West Yellowstone, Montana into the midst of winter. With snowfall, comes the onset of the holiday season, transforming the town into a picturesque postcard scenario. Weather in December »Updated: Feb 13, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
Throughout the year, there are 109.2 rainfall days, and 23.15" (588mm) of precipitation is accumulated.
January through July, September through December are months with snowfall.
In West Yellowstone, Montana, during the entire year, snow falls for 159.3 days and aggregates up to 120.47" (3060mm) of snow.
January, February and December, with an average of 3.3h of sunshine, are months with the least sunshine in West Yellowstone, Montana.
January through April, October through December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index.
The most humid month in West Yellowstone is February, with an average relative humidity of 95%.
February is the month with the most snowfall in West Yellowstone, Montana. Snow falls for 23.2 days and accumulates 17.83" (453mm) of snow.
On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from MST to MDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from MDT to MST.
The month with the most rainfall in West Yellowstone is May, when the rain falls for 17.4 days and typically aggregates up to 2.8" (71mm) of precipitation.
June has the longest days of the year in West Yellowstone, with an average of 15h and 30min of daylight.
West Yellowstone's July weather, with an average high temperature of 72.9°F (22.7°C) and an average low temperature of 43.5°F (6.4°C), tends to be the warmest of the year.
The month with the least rainfall in West Yellowstone is July, when the rain falls for 11.9 days and typically collects 0.91" (23mm) of precipitation.
The month with the most sunshine is July, with an average of 11.8h of sunshine.
With an average maximum UV index of 5, July is the month with the highest UV index in West Yellowstone.
The least humid month in West Yellowstone is August, with an average relative humidity of 50%.
August is the only month when snow does not fall in West Yellowstone, Montana.
West Yellowstone's December weather, with an average high temperature of 20.1°F (-6.6°C) and an average low temperature of 4.8°F (-15.1°C), tends to be the coldest of the year.
December has the shortest days of the year in West Yellowstone, Montana, with an average of 8h and 54min of daylight.
Average temperature
West Yellowstone, MT
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (72.9°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is December (20.1°F).
The month with the highest average low temperature is August (43.7°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is December (4.8°F).
Average pressure
West Yellowstone, MT
- Average pressure in January:
30.24"Hg - Average pressure in February:
30.14"Hg - Average pressure in March:
30.05"Hg - Average pressure in April:
29.97"Hg - Average pressure in May:
29.94"Hg - Average pressure in June:
29.92"Hg
- Average pressure in July:
29.98"Hg - Average pressure in August:
29.98"Hg - Average pressure in September:
29.99"Hg - Average pressure in October:
30.06"Hg - Average pressure in November:
30.15"Hg - Average pressure in December:
30.23"Hg
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.24"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.92"Hg).
Average wind speed
West Yellowstone, MT
- Average wind speed in January:
6.2mph - Average wind speed in February:
6.7mph - Average wind speed in March:
6.5mph - Average wind speed in April:
6.2mph - Average wind speed in May:
6mph - Average wind speed in June:
6.8mph
- Average wind speed in July:
6.2mph - Average wind speed in August:
5.8mph - Average wind speed in September:
6mph - Average wind speed in October:
6mph - Average wind speed in November:
6.2mph - Average wind speed in December:
6.2mph
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is June (6.8mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (5.8mph).
Average humidity
West Yellowstone, MT
The month with the highest relative humidity is February (95%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is August (50%).
Average rainfall
West Yellowstone, MT
- Average rainfall in January:
2.09" - Average rainfall in February:
2.44" - Average rainfall in March:
2.28" - Average rainfall in April:
2.6" - Average rainfall in May:
2.8" - Average rainfall in June:
2.2"
- Average rainfall in July:
0.91" - Average rainfall in August:
1.18" - Average rainfall in September:
1.57" - Average rainfall in October:
1.46" - Average rainfall in November:
1.65" - Average rainfall in December:
1.97"
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is May (2.8").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is July (0.91").
Average rainfall days
West Yellowstone, MT
- Average rainfall days in January:
2.2 days - Average rainfall days in February:
3.6 days - Average rainfall days in March:
6.6 days - Average rainfall days in April:
9.8 days - Average rainfall days in May:
17.4 days - Average rainfall days in June:
16.9 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
11.9 days - Average rainfall days in August:
12.3 days - Average rainfall days in September:
10.5 days - Average rainfall days in October:
9 days - Average rainfall days in November:
5 days - Average rainfall days in December:
4 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is May (17.4 days).
The month with the least rainy days is January (2.2 days).
Average snowfall
West Yellowstone, MT
- Average snowfall in January:
17.36" - Average snowfall in February:
17.83" - Average snowfall in March:
17.64" - Average snowfall in April:
17.05" - Average snowfall in May:
8.23" - Average snowfall in June:
1.69"
- Average snowfall in July:
0.08" - Average snowfall in August:
0" - Average snowfall in September:
3.27" - Average snowfall in October:
7.32" - Average snowfall in November:
13.62" - Average snowfall in December:
16.38"
The month with the highest snowfall is February (17.83").
The month with the least snowfall is August (0").
Average snowfall days
West Yellowstone, MT
- Average snowfall days in January:
22.8 days - Average snowfall days in February:
23.2 days - Average snowfall days in March:
24.4 days - Average snowfall days in April:
19.9 days - Average snowfall days in May:
10.3 days - Average snowfall days in June:
2.7 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0.2 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0.2 days - Average snowfall days in September:
2.4 days - Average snowfall days in October:
10.7 days - Average snowfall days in November:
19 days - Average snowfall days in December:
23.5 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is March (24.4 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are July and August (0.2 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
West Yellowstone, MT
- Average daylight in January:
9h and 18min - Average daylight in February:
10h and 30min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 0min - Average daylight in April:
13h and 30min - Average daylight in May:
14h and 48min - Average daylight in June:
15h and 30min
- Average daylight in July:
15h and 12min - Average daylight in August:
14h and 0min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 30min - Average daylight in October:
11h and 0min - Average daylight in November:
9h and 36min - Average daylight in December:
8h and 54min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 30min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 8h and 54min).
- Average sunshine in January:
3h and 18min - Average sunshine in February:
3h and 18min - Average sunshine in March:
4h and 42min - Average sunshine in April:
7h and 12min - Average sunshine in May:
9h and 36min - Average sunshine in June:
10h and 42min
- Average sunshine in July:
11h and 48min - Average sunshine in August:
11h and 30min - Average sunshine in September:
9h and 48min - Average sunshine in October:
6h and 24min - Average sunshine in November:
5h and 0min - Average sunshine in December:
3h and 18min
The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 11h and 48min).
The months with the least sunshine are January, February and December (Average sunshine: 3h and 18min).
Average sunshine days
West Yellowstone, MT
- Average sunshine days in January:
8.6 days - Average sunshine days in February:
5.3 days - Average sunshine days in March:
6 days - Average sunshine days in April:
5.5 days - Average sunshine days in May:
5.5 days - Average sunshine days in June:
8.3 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
14.7 days - Average sunshine days in August:
13.9 days - Average sunshine days in September:
14.7 days - Average sunshine days in October:
14.5 days - Average sunshine days in November:
10.9 days - Average sunshine days in December:
8.2 days
The months with the most sunshine days are July and September (14.7 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is February (5.3 days).
Average UV index
West Yellowstone, MT
The month with the highest UV index is July (UV index 5).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, March, April, October, November and December (UV index 1).
Average cloud cover
West Yellowstone, MT
The month with the most cloud cover is February (Cloud cover 76).
The month with the least cloud cover is July (Cloud cover 16).
Average visibility
West Yellowstone, MT
The months with the highest visibility are June, July, August and September (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March and December (3mi).
