The Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park – Weather, Crowds & Activities

Bearhat Mountain

A postcard-perfect peak rising dramatically over Hidden Lake, this iconic landmark is accessible via a moderate 5.8-mile round-trip hike from Logan Pass. The trail offers sweeping views of alpine meadows and distant snow-capped ridges, making it a summer favorite.

Wildflowers

In July and August, Glacier’s meadows erupt into a vibrant riot of color—purple lupine, fiery Indian paintbrush, and delicate glacier lilies blanket the slopes.

Look for these blooms along trails like Highline or Hidden Lake Overlook, where they frame the rugged landscape.

Glaciers

Grinnell Glacier and Bear Glacier, two of the park’s most accessible icy wonders, can be reached by trail, though they’re shrinking rapidly due to climate change. The 10.6-mile Grinnell Glacier hike reveals turquoise meltwater pools—visit soon to witness these relics before they vanish.

Going-to-the-Sun Road Highlights

Do you have a favorite photo of Glacier?

It’s hard to play favorites when around every corner is a view like this one, taken from the Wild Goose Island Overlook along St. Mary Lake! pic.twitter.com/9YHpQfyM5T

— Glacier National Park (@GlacierNPS) July 23, 2020

This scenic 50-mile drive is dotted with must-see stops. Pause at Wild Goose Island Lookout on St. Mary Lake for a classic photo of the tiny island against a mountain backdrop, or marvel at the Weeping Wall, where a sheer cliff sends water cascading directly onto the road below.

Avalanche Lake

A rewarding 4.5-mile round-trip hike from the Trail of the Cedars leads to this crystal-clear lake, nestled in a cirque framed by towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls. The serene waters reflect Bearhat Mountain, offering a tranquil reward for your effort.

Autumn (Fall): September to October

Weather

Autumn in Glacier is a painter’s palette of gold, red, and orange, with crisp air and shorter days.

The weather turns unpredictable as summer fades, so flexibility is key.

• Early Fall: September feels like an extension of summer, with warm afternoons perfect for hiking.
• Late Fall: October brings a chill, with snow dusting peaks by mid-month. Going-to-the-Sun Road typically closes between early and mid-October, depending on snowfall.
• Microclimates: The west side stays wetter, while the east side gets windier as storms funnel through.

Frosty mornings give way to pleasant days in September, but by October, you’ll need a jacket—and maybe snow boots—for higher trails.

Crowds

Crowds thin dramatically after Labor Day. September sees a manageable flow—about half of the summer’s numbers—while October feels like a ghost town, with fewer than 100,000 visitors total.

Most facilities (lodges, visitor centers, shuttles) operate until mid-to-late September, then shut down. By October, you’re largely on your own, with only basic services in Apgar Village or St. Mary.

Activities

Fall balances solitude with stunning scenery:

• Hiking: Trails like the 14-mile Pitamakan-Dawson Loop in Two Medicine dazzle with fall colors and fewer hikers. The shorter Bearhat Mountain Overlook (5.8 miles) offers sweeping views.
• Photography: Golden larch trees peak in mid-October, contrasting with rugged peaks. Sunrise at Swiftcurrent Lake is a must.
• Wildlife Viewing: Bears gorge on berries before hibernation, while elk bugle during mating season—listen for their haunting calls near St. Mary.
• Fishing: Cooler waters spark trout activity in rivers like the Flathead—fly fishing shines through mid-October (check regulations).
• Scenic Drives: Going-to-the-Sun Road remains open until snow closes it, offering a quieter ride past glowing foliage.
• Backpacking: Multi-day trips in the backcountry (e.g., Gunsight Pass) provide solitude—just secure a permit.

What to See

Larch Trees

These deciduous conifers transform into a brilliant yellow spectacle by mid-October, lighting up the mountainsides around Bearhat Mountain and Hidden Lake. Their golden needles create a striking contrast against the dark evergreens, especially along higher trails.

Two Medicine Valley

A hidden gem with fiery maples and serene lakes, this less-visited area shines in fall as crimson and orange hues reflect off Two Medicine Lake. The quieter trails here offer a peaceful retreat from summer’s busier spots.

Swiftcurrent Lake

Nestled in Many Glacier, this lake becomes a photographer’s dream in autumn, framed by golden larches and the rugged peaks of Bear Mountain. Early mornings bring mirror-like reflections and a serene stillness.

McDonald Creek

Fall colors—yellows and reds—reflect vividly in the creek’s clear waters, especially near McDonald Falls. A short walk along the banks reveals the season’s beauty in this western valley.

St. Mary Falls

A quick 1.7-mile round-trip hike leads to this turquoise cascade, where the water glows against a backdrop of autumn foliage. The trail’s gentle grade makes it an easy fall highlight.

Insider Tips

Winter: November to April

Weather

Winter wraps Glacier in a thick blanket of snow, turning it into a quiet, ethereal wilderness.

• Snowfall: Averages 225 inches annually in lower areas, with 300+ inches at higher elevations like Logan Pass.
• Wind Chill: January lows can hit -40°F with gusts off the Divide.
• Sunlight: December offers just 8 hours of daylight, stretching to 12 by April.

The west side sees heavier snow, while the east side battles fierce winds.

Roads like Going-to-the-Sun close beyond lower sections, leaving the park a pristine, snowy expanse.

Crowds

Winter is Glacier’s quietest season, with fewer than 50,000 visitors from December to February combined. You might go days without seeing another soul, especially in the backcountry.

Apgar Village and St. Mary serve as basic entry points, but services are minimal—no shuttles, lodges, or ranger programs.

Activities

Winter demands preparation but rewards with unique experiences:

• Snowshoeing: Explore the 2.6-mile McDonald Falls Trail or the 5-mile Rocky Point Trail along Lake McDonald—both offer gentle terrain and stunning views.
• Cross-Country Skiing: The lower Going-to-the-Sun Road becomes a groomed ski path (up to Avalanche Campground), with sweeping vistas of snow-laden peaks.
• Photography: Capture frozen waterfalls, like Baring Falls, or the stark contrast of white snow against dark evergreens.
• Winter Camping: Primitive sites at Apgar and St. Mary are free but lack amenities—bring a four-season tent and warm sleeping bag.
• Wildlife Tracking: Spot wolf or lynx tracks in the snow, though sightings are rare.

What to See

Lake McDonald

Its edges freeze into a glassy fringe, reflecting snow-draped mountains in an eerie stillness. On calm days, the lake’s western shore near Apgar Village offers a stark, beautiful contrast of white and evergreen.

Avalanche Lake

A challenging 4.5-mile snowshoe trek from the Trail of the Cedars reveals this frozen basin, encircled by cliffs and iced-over waterfalls. The snow softens the landscape into a peaceful, otherworldly scene.

Apgar Lookout

A 7-mile round-trip snowshoe hike climbs through snow-laden forests to a panoramic vista of Lake McDonald and the park’s whitewashed peaks. The effort rewards with solitude and sweeping winter views.

Upper McDonald Creek

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Ice forms delicate, intricate patterns along its banks, especially near the upper reaches accessible from Going-to-the-Sun Road’s lower sections. The frozen details are a quiet marvel up close.

Two Medicine

This remote valley, blanketed in deep snow, offers a pristine winter escape. The drive to its entrance is rugged, but the sight of snow-covered Sinopah Mountain against the lake is worth it.

Insider Tips

Spring: May to Early June

Weather

Spring is a fleeting, transitional season, with snowmelt giving way to renewal. Weather varies widely, from lingering winter chills to summer-like warmth.

• Lower Elevations: Thaw by mid-April, with wildflowers emerging by late May.
• Higher Elevations: Snow clings to Logan Pass and Bearhat Mountain into July, keeping many trails closed.
• Rain: May and June are wet, fueling waterfalls and muddying paths.

The west side warms faster, while the east side stays cooler and windier. Expect soggy conditions, but also the freshness of a park waking up.

Crowds

Spring is blissfully quiet, with crowds building slowly.

May sees minimal visitors—fewer than 200,000—while early June marks the start of summer’s influx.

Most facilities (lodges, shuttles) don’t open until late May or June, leaving the park to early birds and locals.

Activities

Spring offers a gentle reawakening:

• Hiking: Low-elevation trails like Running Eagle Falls (0.6 miles) and Trail of the Cedars (0.7 miles) open early, showcasing waterfalls and cedar groves.
• Biking: Going-to-the-Sun Road opens to cyclists in April or May (before vehicles), offering a peaceful 10-20 mile ride from Apgar.
• Wildlife: Bears emerge from hibernation, and deer graze in greening meadows—carry bear spray.
• Waterfalls: Snowmelt powers McDonald Falls and St. Mary Falls into roaring spectacles.
• Birdwatching: Migratory birds like warblers and hawks return—bring binoculars.

What to See

Wildflowers

By late May, bear grass and trillium begin to bloom, dotting trailsides with white and purple accents. Low-elevation paths like Trail of the Cedars showcase these early signs of the park’s awakening.

Running Eagle Falls

A short 0.6-mile hike in Two Medicine leads to this double waterfall, where snowmelt creates a dramatic dual flow in spring. The surrounding greenery starts to emerge, framing the scene.

Lake McDonald

Clear waters mirror melting peaks, with fewer boats than summer disrupting the calm. The lake’s western shore near Apgar offers a serene spot to watch the snow recede from nearby ridges.

Avalanche Gorge

A 2-mile hike along the Trail of the Cedars reveals this narrow chasm, where spring runoff roars through, carving the rock and misting the air. Mossy cliffs add a lush touch.

Bowman Lake

Tucked in the park’s northwest corner, this remote lake thaws slowly, its shores lined with greening trees and reflected peaks. The 6-mile dirt road to reach it deters crowds, enhancing its springtime charm.

Insider Tips

Final Thoughts: When Should You Visit?