When to Visit the National Parks

At almost every park in this section, you’ll soon see that the busiest season is summer. From late May through August, visitation numbers soar.

There’s good reason for those booming numbers. Not only do the summer months coincide with most vacation times, but these months also represent the best time in terms of weather at many of the parks.

Many parks in the mountains and the North close certain sections during the winter months so for full access the only time to visit is during warm weather.

Spring & Summer

However, spring and summer months are great times to visit many parks. While southern locations such as San Antonio may suffer 100 degree temperatures in August, the spring and fall usually offer beautiful days to sightsee without worrying about climbing into a stifling hot car.

Winter in the Parks

Even mid-winter days are comfortable at many of the southern and western parks.

And winter can be a unique time to visit even cold weather parks. Yellowstone takes on a completely different atmosphere during the winter months, when wildlife can more easily be spotted, crowds are nil, and activities mean snowmobiling or snow shoeing.