Glacier Weather: Forecast and Month-by-Month Averages
Live forecasts from the National Weather Service. Monthly averages are NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals. Check the NPS alerts page for road and trail closures.
In shortGlacier National Park ranges from about 3,150 ft at Lake McDonald to 6,646 ft at Logan Pass on the Going-to-the-Sun Road (peaks reach over 10,000 ft), and it straddles the Continental Divide. The table is for West Glacier (about 3,200 ft) on the wetter west side: warm, fairly dry July-August days near 80°F and long, snowy, overcast winters. The east side (St. Mary, Many Glacier) is cooler, windier, and drier, and Logan Pass holds snow well into summer.
Glacier forecast by area
Weather changes a lot with elevation here, so check the forecast for where you are actually going. Each forecast covers the National Weather Service grid square around that spot.
West Glacier / Apgar / Lake McDonald 3,200 ft
Where the monthly table applies; the wetter west side, with summer highs that can top 90°F.
The live 7-day forecast loads here. You can also open the National Weather Service forecast for West Glacier / Apgar / Lake McDonald.
Logan Pass 6,646 ft
Generally 10-15°F cooler than West Glacier per NPS; snow lingers into July and the road over the pass is typically open only early July to mid-October.
The live 7-day forecast loads here. You can also open the National Weather Service forecast for Logan Pass.
St. Mary (east side) 4,500 ft
East of the Continental Divide: higher, cooler, windier, and drier; gusts of 50 mph or more are common.
The live 7-day forecast loads here. You can also open the National Weather Service forecast for St. Mary (east side).
Average weather in Glacier by month
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Precipitation | Snowfall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30°F | 19°F | 3.5 in | 32.0 in |
| February | 34°F | 19°F | 2.2 in | 16.0 in |
| March | 42°F | 25°F | 2.6 in | 14.0 in |
| April | 53°F | 31°F | 2.1 in | 3.1 in |
| May | 64°F | 39°F | 2.6 in | 0.5 in |
| June | 70°F | 45°F | 3.8 in | 0.0 in |
| July | 80°F | 50°F | 1.4 in | 0.0 in |
| August | 79°F | 48°F | 1.2 in | 0.0 in |
| September | 68°F | 41°F | 2.0 in | 0.0 in |
| October | 52°F | 33°F | 3.0 in | 2.0 in |
| November | 37°F | 26°F | 3.2 in | 16.2 in |
| December | 29°F | 20°F | 3.2 in | 31.4 in |
These are long-term averages at one station. Higher areas of the park are colder, and any single year can be much warmer, colder, wetter or drier.
Glacier weather month by month
Glacier in January
30°F / 19°F. The snowiest month at West Glacier (about 32 in) with highs near 30°F. Only lower-elevation sections of the Going-to-the-Sun Road stay open; it is a quiet month for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Glacier in February
34°F / 19°F. Still winter, with highs in the low-to-mid 30s°F. East-side chinook winds can raise temperatures more than 30°F within minutes.
Glacier in March
42°F / 25°F. Snow continues (about 14 in at West Glacier) but days lengthen. Plowing of the Going-to-the-Sun Road usually begins in spring and takes months.
Glacier in April
53°F / 31°F. Highs reach the low 50s°F in the valleys, but the alpine section of the road stays closed under deep snow while plowing continues.
Glacier in May
64°F / 39°F. Mild valley weather (mid-60s°F) while snow removal continues at higher elevations. St. Mary Visitor Center typically opens in late May.
Glacier in June
70°F / 45°F. Often the wettest month at West Glacier (about 3.8 in). The full Going-to-the-Sun Road over Logan Pass has opened anywhere from mid-June to mid-July in recent years and is typically fully open by early July; snow and avalanches can delay it.
Glacier in July
80°F / 50°F. Warmest, driest stretch (highs near 80°F at West Glacier, nights near 50°F); peak season with Logan Pass usually open. Logan Pass runs 10-15°F cooler.
Glacier in August
79°F / 48°F. Similar to July and the driest month. Wildfires can affect the park in late summer, closing areas or bringing smoke.
Glacier in September
68°F / 41°F. Cooling (upper 60s°F days, low 40s nights) with fewer crowds; early snow is possible at Logan Pass.
Glacier in October
52°F / 33°F. Highs drop to the low 50s°F and rain returns. The road over Logan Pass is typically open until the third Monday of October, weather permitting; St. Mary Visitor Center closes in early October.
Glacier in November
37°F / 26°F. Wet and gray, with snowfall picking up (about 16 in). Only lower road sections remain open.
Glacier in December
29°F / 20°F. Cold, cloudy, and snowy (about 31 in at West Glacier); east-side blizzards can bring very heavy snow.
Weather hazards to plan for
- Strong east-side winds: downslope gusts often exceed 50 mph and occasionally near 100 mph.
- Snow at Logan Pass and on high trails well into July, with steep snowfields that are dangerous without proper gear.
- Rapid changes where Pacific and Arctic air meet at the Continental Divide, including sudden blizzards (one storm dropped 44 inches in a day).
- Late-summer wildfires that can close roads (for example, the 2017 Sprague Fire closed the west side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road) and bring smoke.
- Avalanches and late snowstorms in spring that delay the Going-to-the-Sun Road opening.
Glacier weather questions
What is the weather like in Glacier National Park in October?
At West Glacier, October averages highs near 52°F and lows near 33°F with about 3 inches of rain or snow. The road over Logan Pass typically stays open until the third Monday of October, weather permitting, and it is colder there.
Does it snow in Glacier National Park?
Yes. West Glacier averages about 115 inches of snow a year, mostly November through March, and the park's average mountain snowpack is around 16 feet, which is why Logan Pass usually does not open until late June or early July.
When does Going-to-the-Sun Road open?
Lower sections are open all year. The full road over Logan Pass is typically fully open by early July and stays open until about the third Monday of October, but the exact date depends on snow and plowing.
How cold does it get at night in summer?
At West Glacier, July and August nights average in the upper 40s to about 50°F. Logan Pass is generally 10-15°F cooler.
What is the best month for weather in Glacier National Park?
July and August are the warmest and driest months and the road over Logan Pass is usually open. Early September is also good, with cooler days and fewer crowds.
Glacier planning guides
- Best Time to Visit Glacier National ParkWhen to visit Glacier National Park, month by month: Going-to-the-Sun Road opening dates, snow, wildfire smoke, crowds, fall color and what is open in winter.
- Going-to-the-Sun Road Guide: Reservations, Shuttle and Best StopsPlan your Going-to-the-Sun Road drive in Glacier: 2026 access rules, Logan Pass parking limit, shuttle tickets, size limits, opening dates and top stops.
- Best Hikes in Glacier National ParkThe best day hikes in Glacier National Park, from Trail of the Cedars to the Highline and Grinnell Glacier, with NPS distances, Logan Pass rules, bear safety.
- Camping in Glacier National Park: Campgrounds, Reservations and TipsAll 13 Glacier National Park campgrounds: sites, 2026 seasons, Recreation.gov reservations, first-come sites, RV limits, wilderness permits and closures.