If you are planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park for the month of March, you’re in the right place. In this article, we will go over everything you need to know about exploring this National Park during early spring, including what you can expect in terms of weather and wildlife. We will also go over your lodging options as well as what some of the top activities are during this time of year. Let’s get started!
Things to Do in Yellowstone in March
There are a number of different things to do in Yellowstone during the month of March, though there is one important thing to note before diving in. A number of roads are closed to personal vehicles for the entirety of winter, limited to oversnow travel only. However, come early March, these roads close to oversnow travel as well until the end of April, leaving you with only a few roads to explore via car, snowmobile, or snow coach. This can mean that there are even fewer activities to do than you may have originally thought. However, you can still drive through the northernmost portion of the park, observe wildlife, and rent snow equipment such as snowshoes and cross country skis so that you can enjoy the great outdoors with a bit more ease! This is a great time of year for bird watching as well, given the fact that many birds are beginning to wake up as the weather warms. Yellowstone will also be in a transition period in terms of its weather. The rivers and lakes will begin melting during the month of March, as the sun shines more and the average temperature rises.
Weather in Yellowstone in March
The weather in March can be fairly unpredictable when it comes to visiting Yellowstone National Park. You can expect average temperatures ranging anywhere from 9 degrees Fahrenheit all the way to 36 degrees Fahrenheit, and there is roughly 12 hours of daylight each and every day. This gives you plenty of daylight to explore this National Park! However, given that the seasons are changing during this time of year, you may find that your trip falls during a particularly warm season or a particularly chilly one. For example, there’s still an average of 25 inches of snowfall during this month, with the potential for rain as well. Be sure to pack for the unexpected!
Wildlife in Yellowstone in March
Wildlife viewing is one of the best activities you can do in Yellowstone National Park during the month of March. Not only do the bison cause traffic jams, but the birds are just beginning to sing again after a long, dark winter. You can expect to see any of the following animals during your trip:
BisonDeerElkBighorn sheepRabbitsFoxesWeaselsWolvesMany different bird varieties, including raptors
For your own safety, Yellowstone Park Rangers recommend that you stay at least 100 yards away from the nearest large animal, particularly bison and elk. Keep in mind that, although they may seem accustomed to humans, these are indeed wild animals in one of the wildest National Parks in America!
Getting to Yellowstone in March
It is important to reiterate that the weather plays a huge part as to whether or not you can access Yellowstone during the month of March. For example, most roads and entrance gates to the park remain closed during this time of year, with the northernmost and northeastern entrances of the park being the only access points. Additionally, all motorized oversnow options stop during the early weeks of March. Yellowstone closes all roads to motorized traffic besides the road between the north and northeastern entrances, so this is important to note should you plan on visiting.
Lodging in Yellowstone in March
There are a number of different lodging options within Yellowstone and just beyond. Unfortunately, the Old Faithful Snow Lodge as well as the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins close for a brief month starting in the middle of March. This means that there are no lodgings within the park from the middle of March until the end of April. However, you can still find plenty of fantastic places to stay within miles of the entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Some of these places will be in nearby towns, such as Cody, Gardiner, and Livingston, Montana. While it may not be the romantic in-park stay you were hoping for, there are a number of great dining and lodging options in local towns!
Tips and Tricks for Yellowstone in March
Besides paying close attention to what roads are open when, there’s one fantastic thing to note about Yellowstone in March. Given the fact that it is significantly less busy than during the warm summer months, there are far fewer visitors during this time of year. Plus, many animals are more common and easier to view during March as well, making you feel like one of the only visitors inside Yellowstone during early spring!
