Glacier Weather: Forecasts, Climate, and Current Conditions
Glacier National Park in Montana spans both sides of the Continental Divide and combines two sharply different climate patterns. On the west side, Pacific air brings mild temperatures and abundant precipitation. On the east side, Arctic air masses sweep down from the north, bringing dry cold and powerful winds. These two influences meet along the crest, making the weather unpredictable at any elevation and in any month. In short, expect generally sunny summers in the valleys, harsh winters with heavy snow on the west side, and conditions that can change within hours.
Current readings are unavailable. See the seasonal averages farther down this page.
Open-Meteo readings · updating… · park time zone
Current Conditions at Glacier
Temperatures vary widely by side of the park and by elevation. The west side, around Apgar and Lake McDonald, has a milder, wetter microclimate. The east side, around St. Mary and Many Glacier, is exposed to continental winds and sharper temperature swings. On the same morning, you might see 64°F at the west entrance and 50°F with gusts at Many Glacier.
Glacier Forecasts (7 to 14 Days)
A 10-day forecast is useful when you're planning access to Going-to-the-Sun Road or choosing an entrance area. Conditions can deteriorate quickly at higher elevations, even in the middle of July, including at Logan Pass (6,646 feet).
Glacier Climate Month by Month
The averages below apply to the park's valley floors, at roughly 3,000 to 3,600 feet. At higher elevations, including passes and ridgelines, expect temperatures 9 to 14°F lower, with lingering snowpack into June.
| Month | Low | High | Precipitation | Typical conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14°F | 32°F | High (snow) | Bitter cold, interior roads closed |
| February | 18°F | 37°F | High (snow) | Deep winter, limited access |
| March | 23°F | 45°F | Moderate | First daytime thaws, snow at night |
| April | 30°F | 55°F | Moderate | Springlike but snow is possible, partial access |
| May | 39°F | 64°F | Moderate | Vegetation returns, passes still closed |
| June | 46°F | 73°F | High | Going-to-the-Sun Road gradually opens |
| July | 50°F | 82°F | Low | Peak season, long days, afternoon thunderstorms |
| August | 50°F | 81°F | Low | Best weather, cool nights at higher elevations |
| September | 41°F | 72°F | Low to moderate | Golden fall, first snow on the ridges |
| October | 32°F | 57°F | Moderate | Closures begin, snow possible at any time |
| November | 21°F | 39°F | High | Winter settles in, limited park access |
| December | 16°F | 34°F | High (snow) | Deep winter, interior roads closed |
Glacier's Climate by Season
Winter (December, January, February)
Winter is severe throughout the park. Valley nights regularly drop below 18°F, and temperatures can be much lower on the east side, where Arctic air sometimes pushes them below -4°F. Nearly all precipitation falls as snow. Snowpack is substantial on the west side, while on the east side, chinook winds can bring sudden thaws before the cold returns. Almost all interior roads close, including Going-to-the-Sun Road. The park remains open, but activities are largely limited to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing for experienced visitors.
Spring (March, April, May)
Spring is the season of uncertainty. A sunny mid-April afternoon can reach 59°F, then give way to 4 inches of fresh snow by the next morning. Valley roads gradually reopen, but access to high-mountain areas, including Logan Pass and Many Glacier Road, remains closed until June. This is waterfall season, when melting snow swells the streams and the first grizzlies become active again. Crowds are absent, which is a real advantage for wildlife enthusiasts.
Summer (June, July, August)
July and August are the park's main season. Days are long, skies are often clear, and valley temperatures are comfortable, ranging from 59 to 82°F. Going-to-the-Sun Road is usually fully open from early July through mid-October. Watch for convective thunderstorms that build over ridges and passes in the afternoon. Lightning, hail, and powerful winds can catch you off guard even when the day starts clear. These storms develop quickly, often between 1 and 5 p.m. Use extra caution on exposed summits as soon as clouds begin to build.
Fall (September, October)
We recommend September to visitors who want to enjoy the park without July and August crowds. Daytime temperatures remain mild, around 59 to 72°F, fall light brings out the best in the larches and cottonwoods, and air quality is often exceptional. The first snow reaches the ridges by mid-September. In October, closures follow one another. Going-to-the-Sun Road closes after the first significant snowfall, usually between mid-October and early November, depending on the year.
Is Glacier Cold? Records and Extremes
Cold can be severe, especially on the east side. Arctic air regularly drives winter temperatures below -4°F in the most exposed areas. Winters are much milder on the west side because of the Pacific influence, but snowfall is considerably heavier.
In summer, valley temperatures regularly reach 77 to 82°F in July, and some days feel almost Mediterranean. At Logan Pass (6,646 feet), however, summer temperatures hover around 59 to 64°F, with near-constant wind. High-elevation hikes feel entirely different from valley walks, and the temperature difference can reach 18°F within a few hours of hiking.
Wind is the second extreme factor to consider, especially on the east side. Gusts of more than 50 mph have been recorded on exposed roads, strong enough to destabilize a tall vehicle.
What to Wear by Season
Summer (July and August): Layering is still the rule, even when it's warm. Start your morning with a lightweight windbreaker and a thin insulating layer in your pack. At higher elevations in the afternoon, a waterproof jacket is essential when thunderstorms roll in. Waterproof hiking shoes are a good idea even under blue skies because some trails stay soaked long after a storm. Sun protection rated SPF 50+ and mountain-ready sunglasses are essential. UV exposure is intense at this elevation.
Spring and fall: Add more layers. Keep a waterproof jacket, fleece mid-layer, and light gloves in your pack at all times. Morning temperatures can easily fall below 32°F at higher elevations, even in May or September. If you're planning hikes, check trail conditions in the Glacier hiking guide. Lingering snow and icy sections are common into June.
Winter: Bring full winter gear. Wear a coat rated for at least -4°F, a thermal base layer, gaiters, and microspikes or crampons depending on your route. Don't head into the backcountry without checking the avalanche forecast first. The risk is real from December through April, especially on wind-exposed east-facing slopes.
Alerts and Conditions to Watch
Road closures are the most common constraint at Glacier. Conditions on Going-to-the-Sun Road change with the weather and maintenance work, so check NPS information before every departure. Temporary closures caused by rockfall or sudden snow can happen even in midsummer. Traffic rules for Going-to-the-Sun Road and shuttle options are covered in the Glacier access guide.
Convective thunderstorms are the main weather hazard in July and August. Avoid ridges, passes, and exposed areas from early afternoon onward. If lightning strikes, descend immediately below treeline and move away from isolated high points.
Flash flooding can occur in spring. Never wade across a swollen stream, and stay on marked trails. Snowmelt streams can go from manageable to dangerous within hours.
On the east side, follow posted speed limits during extreme winds on exposed roads. Limits are often 19 mph in windy areas. Tall vehicles have been overturned before.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the weather like at Glacier National Park right now?
Weather at Glacier National Park varies widely by side of the park, Pacific on the west and continental on the east, as well as by elevation. Real-time conditions appear in the weather block above. In summer, expect often sunny valley days, with possible afternoon thunderstorms at higher elevations.
Is Glacier National Park cold?
Yes, especially in winter and on the east side of the park. Valley temperatures regularly fall below 14°F from December through February, and the east side can see cold snaps below -4°F. Even in July, high-elevation nights hover around 41°F, and wind makes it feel colder.
What kind of climate does Glacier National Park have?
Glacier has two mountain climates. The west side of the Continental Divide is Pacific, mild, and very wet. The east side is continental, cold, dry, and windy. Most winter precipitation falls as snow, while summers are generally dry and sunny.
What temperature is it at 6,600 feet in Glacier?
At Logan Pass (6,646 feet), the highest point on Going-to-the-Sun Road, summer daytime temperatures range from 50 to 64°F, with frequent wind. Outside July and August, temperatures below 32°F and snow are possible at any time.
What should I wear to visit Glacier National Park?
Layering works in every season: a thermal base layer, an insulating layer, and a waterproof windbreaker. In summer, add strong sun protection rated SPF 50+. In winter, full cold-weather gear is essential, with microspikes depending on your planned route.
When is the best time to visit Glacier?
In brief, choose July through mid-September for access to the entire park, or September to avoid the crowds while still enjoying pleasant days. The guide to when to visit Glacier breaks down each season in detail for families, budgets, and crowd levels.
Is this page about Glacier 3000 in Switzerland?
No. This page covers Glacier National Park in Montana, United States, accessible from Whitefish or Kalispell. Glacier 3000 is a Swiss ski area in the Vaud Pre-Alps. They are two entirely different destinations.