Glacier National Park

Known as the 'Crown of the Continent,' with pristine forests, alpine meadows, rugged mountains, and spectacular lakes. It's a stronghold for grizzly...

Glacier National Park at a Glance

Location
Rocky Mountains & Northern Plains, United States, North America
Coordinates
48.759600, -113.787000
Area
4101 km²
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate

Safari Activities in Glacier National Park

  • Hiking
  • Backpacking
  • Scenic drives
  • Exploring historic sites
  • Cultural programs
  • Camping

Getting to Glacier National Park

Nearest airport: Riddick Field, 274 km away.

Nearest international airport: Clear Creek International Airport, 340 km away.

Weather & Climate in Glacier National Park

The warmest temperatures in Glacier National Park occur in July, averaging 16.6°C (up to 22.5°C). The coolest conditions are in February at -8.5°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in July with average rainfall of 31.6mm. Average humidity: 55.7%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: -7.2°C (rainfall: 115.5mm)
  • February: -8.5°C (rainfall: 111.2mm)
  • March: -4.5°C (rainfall: 99.9mm)
  • April: -1.0°C (rainfall: 82.7mm)
  • May: 4.8°C (rainfall: 119.5mm)
  • June: 9.6°C (rainfall: 115.7mm)
  • July: 16.6°C (rainfall: 31.6mm)
  • August: 15.4°C (rainfall: 71.7mm)
  • September: 10.8°C (rainfall: 61.3mm)
  • October: 2.8°C (rainfall: 90.4mm)
  • November: -4.6°C (rainfall: 139.8mm)
  • December: -6.8°C (rainfall: 126.6mm)

Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park

The best months to visit Glacier National Park are July, March, April, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Poor, temperature -7.24°C, rainfall 115.5mm, sunshine 3.8 hrs, humidity 87.4%
  • February: Poor, temperature -8.51°C, rainfall 111.2mm, sunshine 5 hrs, humidity 83.4%
  • March: Good, temperature -4.48°C, rainfall 99.9mm, sunshine 8.1 hrs, humidity 77%
  • April: Good, temperature -1°C, rainfall 82.7mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 72.1%
  • May: Good, temperature 4.75°C, rainfall 119.5mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 73.6%
  • June: Good, temperature 9.62°C, rainfall 115.7mm, sunshine 12.1 hrs, humidity 71.7%
  • July: Great, temperature 16.58°C, rainfall 31.6mm, sunshine 14.4 hrs, humidity 55.7%
  • August: Good, temperature 15.4°C, rainfall 71.7mm, sunshine 12.3 hrs, humidity 59.8%
  • September: Good, temperature 10.83°C, rainfall 61.3mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 67.6%
  • October: Poor, temperature 2.82°C, rainfall 90.4mm, sunshine 7.6 hrs, humidity 77.9%
  • November: Poor, temperature -4.6°C, rainfall 139.8mm, sunshine 4 hrs, humidity 88.3%
  • December: Poor, temperature -6.85°C, rainfall 126.6mm, sunshine 2.8 hrs, humidity 88.1%

Wildlife in Glacier National Park

Home to 20 recorded species including 7 birds of prey, 5 waterbirds, 3 big herbivores, 3 iconic birds, 2 predators.

Recommended Packing List for Glacier National Park

Based on average temperature of 2.3°C, typical conditions, humidity 75%.

  • Heavy layers & thermal clothing - temperatures around 2°C require warm insulation
  • Warm hat & gloves - critical for early morning game drives
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Glacier National Park

10 safari lodges available.

Other

luxury

mid-range

Similar Parks in Rocky Mountains & Northern Plains

Visitor Tips - Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park, truly the 'Crown of the Continent,' offers an unparalleled immersion into a pristine alpine wilderness. We find the dramatic glaciated peaks, turquoise lakes, and abundant wildlife create a sensory experience that feels both ancient and incredibly vibrant, especially when you're deep on a trail away from the crowds. The sheer scale and raw beauty here are simply breathtaking, making every hike an unforgettable journey.

Gate Times

We recommend checking the official NPS website for current road status and reservation requirements, especially for the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road which typically requires a vehicle reservation from late May through early September. Access to popular areas like Many Glacier and Two Medicine also often requires a reservation during peak season. Most park gates are open 24/7, but visitor centers and specific facilities have seasonal operating hours.

Tipping

For private guides on activities like whitewater rafting, guided hikes, or fishing trips, we recommend 15-20% of the trip cost if you feel they provided excellent service. Tipping park rangers or official NPS staff is not customary or expected. For shuttle drivers, a small gratuity is always appreciated.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for United States

Travel advisory for United States

Glacier National Park FAQs

When is the optimal time to visit Glacier National Park for both scenic drives and prime wildlife viewing opportunities?

The best time is typically from late June through September, when the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road is fully open, providing access to breathtaking alpine vistas. During these months, wildlife like grizzly bears, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep are highly active, especially in the early mornings and late evenings.

What specific safety precautions should I take in Glacier National Park, particularly concerning its unique wildlife and the mentioned moderate malaria risk?

Given the presence of grizzly bears and other large wildlife, always carry bear spray, know how to use it, and make noise on trails. While malaria risk is generally low in the park's high-altitude environment, it's prudent to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves/pants, especially near water sources, as a precaution.

How can I best experience the park's 'Crown of the Continent' landscapes and its historic sites, given the primary activities are hiking and scenic drives?

To fully appreciate the park, plan to drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road, stopping at numerous overlooks and trailheads for short hikes. Explore historic chalets like Sperry or Granite Park (accessible by hike) and participate in ranger-led cultural programs to delve into the park's rich history and geology.

What should I anticipate regarding visitor access and potential crowding, considering Glacier National Park's low crowding level but high demand?

While the overall crowding level is low (1/5), popular areas like Going-to-the-Sun Road and major trailheads can experience congestion, especially during peak summer months. To ensure access and a more serene experience, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (late spring/early fall) or entering the park early in the morning.

Beyond the well-known grizzly bears, what other unique and elusive wildlife can I hope to spot in Glacier National Park, and where are the best chances?

Keep an eye out for mountain goats and bighorn sheep, frequently seen near Logan Pass and along high-elevation trails. While rare, the park is also a stronghold for wolverines, though spotting these elusive creatures requires immense luck and patience, often in remote backcountry areas.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.