Visiting Yellowstone in October is the best decision you will ever make.
Being the shoulder season, there is no traffic on the road or long lines at major tourist attractions.
This means it is the perfect time to enjoy hiking and wildlife without bumping into people.
But what type of clothes would be a good pick for the Yellowstone trip in October?
Let’s find out.
Weather In Yellowstone In October:
October in Yellowstone is cooler than the previous month. During the day, the highest temperature you may experience is 14.44°C (57.9°F) while the lowest is 6.1°C (42.98°F).
The nights are even colder with the highest temperature being 0.5°C (32.9°F) and the lowest being -4.44°C (24.0°F).
The average temperature of the water is 0°C (40°F). So there is no chance of swimming in Yellowstone lake.
October is considered to be the driest month of the year with rain falling over five days out of thirty-one. The chance of rain on any day is 18%.
As far as snow is concerned, Yellowstone receives 25 inches of snowfall every October spread over ten days.
As October is the start of winter in Yellowstone, the length of the day shortens as we move toward the end of the month.
The sun, however, shines for at least seven hours even on rainy and snowy days. The shortest day of the month is the 31st of October.
The days become more cloudy over the month and humidity levels fall to 0%. The speed of the wind varies from 0.2 miles per hour to 5 miles per hour throughout October.
What To Wear For Daytime Activities In October?
During the daytime, the weather in Yellowstone is quite tolerable.
So it is best to dress up in clothes that are comfortable and slightly warm.
Instead of wearing thick clothes, we will recommend you wear layers.
A base layer consists of lighter clothes like T-shirts and a top layer of a light fleece jacket, cardigan, or sweater.
If you plan on bathing in the geysers, hot springs, and mud pots of Yellowstone, do it in a cute onesie or bikini. Wear a sarong on top to protect your skin from the cold wind.
As far as footwear is concerned, it is best to wear comfortable walking shoes with thick soles.
For hiking, you can opt for a pair of sturdy, water resistant hiking boots.
What To Wear For Nighttime Activities In October?
At night, the temperature in Yellowstone reaches 0°C or even lower at times. So if you want to make the most out of your time, it is best to dress up in layers.
How to layer up? Let’s talk about it step by step.
The first layer is the light thermal underwear that keeps you warm and wicks sweat off your skin.
The second layer is meant to act like an insulator. This can be a long-sleeved t-shirt or turtleneck. It preserves your body heat and protects you from the cold.
The last layer works as a shell and protects you from wind and rain. A fleece jacket, thick sweater, or cardigan can serve as the outer layer.
It is best to be prepared for rain at all times. Keep full rain gear in your backpack at all times, this includes a rain jacket with hood and rain pants.
On nights when the temperature falls below 0°C, wear a woolen hoodie and a warm pashmina shawl around your neck. If you get cold easily, don’t forget to wear warm gloves and woolen socks.
For bottoms, fleece leggings or pants are perfect. On snowy days, you can switch those for insulated snow pants that keep your legs warm in inches of snow.
For footwear, opt for water-resistant hiking shoes or sneakers with thick soles.
ls To Pack On A Trip To Yellowstone In October?
- Refillable Water Bottle: On your trip to Yellowstone, you will be spending a lot of time on your feet.
- It is best to pack a refillable water bottle that not only keeps you hydrated but also plays a part in conserving nature.
- Sun Screen Lotion: The sky may be covered with clouds but don’t let it fool you. Exposure to UV radiation in October is still quite high.
- So if you love your skin and want to protect it, don’t forget to wear sunscreen lotion.
- Lip Balm With UV protection: A good balm will not only keep your lips hydrated but also protect them from sun damage.
- Wind Proof, Travel Sized Umbrella: October may be the driest month of the year, but it still sees some rainy days. So keeping an umbrella in your bag is a must.
- Flashlight Or Headlamp: Yellowstone experiences shorter days and longer nights in October.
- If you wish to explore the beauty of the park at night time, it is best to carry a headlamp or flashlight.
- Insect Repellant: An insect repellent is an absolute necessity for a trip to Yellowstone. It is best to carry the one that comes with DEET as they protect you from most of the bugs.
- First Aid Kit: This may sound a little extra but we will recommend you carry a first aid kit in your backpack as the likelihood of getting a cut or scratch on your hike is quite high.
- Prescription Medication: If your doctor has prescribed you some medicine, do not forget to keep them in your bag.
Final Advice:
A trip to Yellowstone means you will be seeing a lot of animals in their natural habitat. As October is the mating season, try not to get too close to the animals.
It is best to rent a car for your trip and watch the animals from the safety of your vehicle.
Keep a map with you to make your tour enjoyable and do not forget to take some nonperishable food items for yourself.
Hope all thing information helps make your vacation a memorable one.
