The Best Times To Visit Glacier National Park, Montana

Visiting Glacier National Park during any time of the year is always worth the effort. With over 700 miles of trails, the beauty of this majestic corner of Montana attracts over 3 million visitors a year.  

Glacier Park is incredibly diverse in its terrain, weather, and ecosystems from one area to the next. Which areas are open to visitors changes greatly from season to season. Your experience will be highly dependent on when you choose to visit Glacier Park and where you want to go.

Natural factors such as avalanches and snowpack typically keep the Going-To-The-Sun Road closed through mid-June. In late August, there is a higher chance of wildfires or smoke being a factor during your visit.

So how do you know when is the best time to visit Glacier? How do you beat the crowds and find the ideal time for your favorite activities in Glacier? We’ll lay out the key factors for you to consider so you can find the sweet spot and plan your perfect adventure to the Crown of The Continent.

What We'll Cover In This Guide:

• When Is the Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park?
• What to Know About Glacier Weather, Closures, and Other Seasonal Factors
• Best Times for Popular Glacier National Park Activities
• How to Time a Trip to Glacier National Park to Beat the Crowds
• The Advantages of Visiting Glacier National Park in Summer
• The Advantages of Visiting Glacier National Park in Fall
• The Advantages of Visiting Glacier National Park in Winter
• The Advantages of Visiting Glacier National Park in Spring

When Is the Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park?

The first week of July through early September is the best time to visit for most people. The roads and stores are open, the waterfalls are pumping with crystal clear water and the weather in Glacier is fine. Of course, this is also the most crowded time of the year to visit so you’ll need to expect more traffic and encounter more hikers on popular trails. Also, make sure you’ve reserved your ticketed entry so you can access the park during this peak window.

Our team analyzed monthly visitation data provide by the National Park Service to get some insights into the most popular times to visit Glacier Park historically. As you can see from the chart above the June-September window is a clear favorite. In 2024, 84% of all Glacier Park visitors arrived during those 4 months. 

For those who want to escape the crowds, visiting in late September is the sweet spot. Some of the typical restaurants and attractions may be closed after Labor Day, but most of the park is still accessible and the crowds are nearly cut in half just as the fall colors are starting to come alive.

For those who prefer to maximize their time with the top activities and things to do in Glacier, July and August are the best months if you want a little bit of everything like rafting, horseback riding, fly fishing, hiking, and tons of local rentals and tours.

Deciding when to visit Glacier should depend on what you and your family are hoping to see and the activities that are the most important for you to do while you are here.

What to Know About Glacier Weather, Closures, and Other Seasonal Factors

Weather

Perhaps the most important factor for timing your trip is considering the weather in Glacier National Park. Peak summer weather is from late June through the first week of September when you’ll find temperatures in the 70s and 80s with little rainfall.

April and May you can expect cool temperatures and rains that make for incredible waterfalls and rushing rivers. Mid-September and October bring crisp temperatures that will typically be in the 60s and 50s during the day and may drop below freezing at night. Make sure to always check current conditions before your visit as the temperatures and weather patterns are constantly changing.

Local Tip: June and July are great times to visit because the surroundings are still green and lush from the spring rains.

Roads & Openings

Another important consideration is when the Going-To-The-Sun Road opens. This drive over the continental divide is iconic and dependent on the depth of the snowpack. While there is not a set date each year, the road typically opens during the last two weeks of June. Get updates on the progress of the road opening and other key information on closures. But, even when the road is not open and Logan Pass is inaccessible, you can still access Lake Mcdonald in West Glacier, East Glacier, and St. Mary on the east side of the Park which will make your visit worthwhile.

On the east side, Many Glacier typically opens in late May or early June. East Glacier is a quaint town along the famous Great Northern Railway system, tucked at the edge of Glacier and the rolling plains of Montana. It provides great access to the southeastern area of Glacier Park and is open year-round. With that said, the historic Glacier Park Lodge and many other amenities will be closing up by mid to late September, so bring your own supplies when coming in the off-season. The popular Two Medicine, just a short drive from East Glacier, provides better access to the park and usually opens in late May and closes in late October.

When heading up to Polebridge and the Northwest entrance to the Park, timing becomes even more important. Attempting this drive on the 35-mile (mostly dirt) road in the winter is not for the faint of heart. Even in the summer, the road is bumpy and recommended for four-wheel drive vehicles only or those with good clearance. You’ll typically find the best road conditions in May and June before the summer traffic has worsened potholes and the rains keep the dust down. It is still accessible later, but prepare yourself for bumps, dust, and a slower pace.

Glacier Entry Ticket

The newest seasonal factor is the ticketed entry system for Glacier Park which began the summer of 2021. A ticketed entry is required to go into the Park from West Glacier and also required for entry into Polebridge. A ticketed entry is required in these two entrances June 13 through September 28, 2025 to enter before 3PM. After 3PM no ticket is required. What's new in 2025 is the park is introducing a timed entry program for a specific 2-hour time block to make your entrance. 

If you’re heading into the Going-to-the-Sun Road (West Entrance) or the North Fork area, you’ll need a vehicle reservation with a specific two-hour entry window. The time slots are: 7–9 a.m., 9–11 a.m., 11 a.m.–1 p.m., or 1–3 p.m.

Once you’re in during your chosen time slot, you’re good to go—you can stay in the park for the rest of the day.
Missed your window? No worries. You can still enter after 3 p.m. when the reservation requirement ends for the day.

If you know your dates of travel this summer, tickets can be reserved for West Glacier's GTTS Road 120 days in advance.  A second chance to snag a reservation opens each evening at 7 p.m. starting June 12, 2025, for next-day entry. This is a great option for folks already in the area or anyone planning their Glacier adventure on the fly. Note that a separate entry ticket is required for Polebridge / North Fork entry. 

IMPORTANT: Each year the ticketing system changes a bit. Make sure you check in on most recent updates to plan your entry accordingly. 

The Best Times for Popular Glacier National Park Activities

Knowing what activities in Glacier National Park that you want to do can greatly influence when you choose to visit.

• Hiking In Glacier - Glacier is perhaps the greatest area for hiking in the entire lower 48 states. With over 700 miles of trails and unlimited opportunities to climb inspiring peaks, it is worth spending time exploring this Park on foot. The prime time for hikers is July through September. Most snows have melted, wildlife abounds and the weather is ideal. Check out our Favorite Hikes In Glacier for some ideas on where to begin. Overall, Glacier is very welcoming to explore on your own, but you can also find a local guide to take you on a guided hike ranging from 1-10 miles as well. 

• Biking In Glacier - The spring is the ideal time for bikers looking to enjoy Going To The Sun Road with no car traffic. Bike along upper McDonald Creek and catch views of Heavens Peak as you make your way up Going-To-The-Sun before the fun ride back down. Check out places to rent bikes and e-bikes if you don’t bring your own.

• Water Activities - Kayaking, Rafting, SUPs and Fishing In Glacier - July through September is ideal for water sports in Glacier. The air and water temps have warmed and the long days make evening floats amazing. Kayak Lake Mcdonald or SUP along the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. July through September is also ideal for anglers looking to catch famous Montana trout in nearby streams.

• Snowshoeing & Skiing In Glacier National Park - The winter months have more limited access, but there is still plenty to do. Access Lake Mcdonald for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing tours, and backcountry skiing on the surrounding peaks of Glacier. There is also excellent cross-country trails along the southern edge of the park near Marias Pass. Check out our Guide to Snowshoeing and Cross Country skiing to see our favorite tours and get a local guide you to these gems.

• Best Time for Photos - Any time of year in Glacier can provide amazing photo opportunities, but our personal favorite is late September and early October. Not only do the minimal crowds make those nature shots even more natural, but the colors of the changing Larches are breathtaking. The fall colors create iconic yellow and green hillsides for more dynamic photos. The air is almost always clear of any late summer smoke, which is an important added bonus.  We talked to local photographers and did a bit of first-hand research to find the best sunset spots in Glacier Park for photos as well. 

How to Time a Trip to Glacier National Park to Beat the Crowds

The best way to beat the crowds in Glacier is simply to come in late-September or October. It gets chilly so bring extra layers. But, the hiking is amazing and the ability to access trailheads that might be completely full in the summer months makes it totally worth the late-season visit. If you can’t make the Fall, get to Glacier in May before school ends and you can enjoy many beautiful lower-elevation hikes without the crowds. Winter is always mellow and crowd-free, but don’t expect to find many stores or restaurants open within the park.

The Advantages of Visiting Glacier National Park in Summer

Glacier National Park in the Summer is, well….heaven on earth. This is the best weather window, the trails are all cleared of snow (usually by early July) and there are tons of great things to do that you can’t find any other time of the year. For example, white-water rafting on the middle fork of the Flathead is ideal from June through the first weeks of August before river flows get too low. Fishing is great in the summer and you can even fish without a license when inside of the Park!

There is a palpable buzz during the summer and local festivities abound. Bars and restaurants that are shuttered in the off-season brim with people, food and drink. Locals and tourists alike will find their way to summer concerts or other fun festivals as well.

Hotel and Glacier Park lodge options, which are often quite limited October-May, are awake and ready for visitors in the prime months of June-September. 

Additionally, nearby attractions of Whitefish and Flathead Lake provide many more places to visit beyond Glacier during the summertime. Enjoy ziplines and other activities on Whitefish Mountain, boating on Flathead Lake, or get on an off-road vehicle to explore the mountains nearby. In Glacier and the surrounding area, you can also enjoy picking wild huckleberries in late June and July.

The Advantages of Visiting Glacier National Park in the Fall

We can’t reiterate enough how wonderful Glacier is in the Fall. The crowds shrink noticeably by mid-September, yet the incredible views, hiking, and wildlife remain the same or even better than in the summer. Many shops and restaurants will wait until the last week of September to close down so you can still enjoy many amenities and creature comforts. Try the Huckleberry pie!

We also like the Fall in Glacier because of the changing colors. Larch needles turn to a fiery yellow and deciduous trees turn red and gold. In particular, Going-To-The-Sun Road the last week of September and the first week of October is a treat. For me, doing this trip on a UTV is the best way to go in the fall. This is a great time to snap your family photos or capture frame-worthy nature landscapes.

The Advantages of Visiting Glacier National Park in Winter

Encounter Glacier National Park in its most quiet and serene state. Avoid the crowds and enjoy the mountain views, which look even more dramatic when covered with snow.

West Glacier is the primary point of entry into Glacier during the Winter. Here, you’ll find crowd-free access to Lake McDonald all winter long. For the adventurous, strap on cross-country skis or snowshoes to tour around the upper end of Lake McDonald. You can even go as far up as the famous Avalanche Lake trail.

Driving in the winter is restricted beyond the Lake McDonald Lodge, so park at the lodge and enjoy the winter wonderland beyond. To get the most out of Glacier Park in the winter, check out a couple of our favorite winter activities.

The Advantages of Visiting Glacier National Park in Spring

For those who don’t mind a bit of inclement weather, the Spring in Glacier can be an underrated prize. Our favorite feature is probably the rushing waterfalls, many of which have slowed to a trickle or are non-existent in August and are a sight to behold in April through early June.

As the snow melts, hiking and paddling opportunities open up. Personally, I love to head over to East Glacier and the Two Medicine areas in May and June as there is fantastic camping and the snow melts out sooner. 

Second, whitewater rafting can be at its prime in the spring months of May and June. If you choose to head to the Northwestern entrance near Polebridge, you’ll find road conditions are usually at the prime condition (still be prepared for bumps) before the dust and potholes of summer can become a bit overwhelming.

The other big attraction in the spring is biking in Glacier. Because the Going-To-The-Sun Road is closed through mid to late June, the road up to Logan Pass is only open to hikers and bikers. You can catch incredible views along McDonald Creek, stop at the Trail of the Cedars, and climb up to “the loop”. You can even ride as high as Logan Pass once the snow has been cleared, but before it is open to automobiles. While biking is still open later in the summer months, it has restricted hours and the narrow shoulder is less than ideal for sharing the road with cars.

FAQs About Visiting Glacier Park During Various Seasons

Do I need a reservation if I’m just driving through Glacier?

Yes—if you plan to enter through West Glacier or Polebridge entrances by vehicle between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. during the ticketed season, you’ll need a reservation, even if you're just passing through without planning stops (which would be a mistake in and of itself :) For 2025 the June 13 through September 28. 

Can I get into Glacier without a reservation if I book a tour?

If you book a guided tour, lodging, or shuttle within the ticketed zones, your confirmation often serves as your park entry ticket—no separate vehicle reservation needed. For example a Going-to-the-sun Road Tour ticket means you don't need a reservation. A boat ride on Lake McDonald means you don't need a reservation. However, local rentals in Apgar like ebikes or kayaks will not get you GTTS Road access.

Do I need a reservation for Going-to-the-sun Road if I have a National Parks Pass?

This is a common confusion. Your park entry pass (like America the Beautiful) cover the park entrance fee, not the timed-entry reservation. So you do need to get your vehicle entry pass separately if entering the North Fork of Glacier Park or heading into the West entrance of Going-to-the-sun Road from June 13th to September 28th of 2025. After 3PM daily does not require a vehicle reservation. 

What’s the best month to avoid crowds but still enjoy hiking in Glacier Park?

Late September has fewer people, fall colors, and great trail access to the entire national park. 

When is the best time for wildflowers in Glacier? 

Wildflower season typically peaks late June through mid-July. You’ll see beargrass, glacier lilies, and fireweed lighting up alpine meadows—especially near Logan Pass and Many Glacier. Generally the higher the elevation the later the bloom for flowers due to the cooler weather. 

When are bears most active in Glacier National Park? 

Bears in Glacier are most active from April through November, with peak sightings from July to September during berry season. Grizzlies and black bears follow ripening berries up the mountains and are often spotted along trails and meadows. Always carry bear spray and stay alert, especially in the late summer and fall. Checkout more tips on bear safety here. 

The Best Time To Visit Is...? 

As you can see, there's pros and cons to visiting Glacier Park in any season. Most would agree "summer" is the best season to visit Glacier, but we just love 'em all!

Hopefully, this guide will help you plan when you’ll visit Glacier National Park.Our local team is eager to share more tips or connect you to the top things to do in the area. Please reach out with any questions and enjoy this majestic place!