📘 Park Overview
A showcase of melting glaciers, alpine meadows, carved valleys, and spectacular lakes. With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier is a paradise for adventurous visitors seeking a landscape steeped in human culture. Relive the days of old through historic chalets, lodges, and the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road.
🌤 Weather Information
Glacier's weather is highly variable and can be extreme. Expect warm, sunny summer days but be ready for any type of conditions. In the winter, temperatures can fall well below freezing and typically the park receives considerable amounts of snow. Glacier's geography, straddling the Continental Divide, sets the stage for clashes of two very different climates. Warm, wet Pacific air moves in from the west, and cold, dry Arctic air flows from the northeast. They meet at the Divide.
🚗 Directions
Glacier National Park is located in the northwest corner of Montana along the spine of the Rocky Mountains. By car you can access Glacier via Highway 2, which runs along the southern boundary of the park. You can reach the east side of the park via Highway 89. The nearest airports are in Kalispell and Great Falls, Montana.
Images
Glacier lilies dot the landscape off the Highline Trail.
Credit: NPS Photo
Glacier National Park is sculpted by water.
Credit: NPS Photo
Lobby of the historic Lake McDonald Lodge
Credit: NPS Photo / Jacob W. Frank
Majestic Heavens Peak is easily viewed from the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Credit: NPS Photo
The historic Swiftcurrent Lookout was built in a Swiss chalet architectural style.
Credit: NPS Photo
Going-to-the-Sun Road in the St. Mary Valley
Credit: NPS Photo
Glacier's dark sky is important to wildlife and people.
Credit: NPS Photo
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
Entrance Passes
3-Day Weather Forecast
Tuesday, Feb 17
Light freezing rain
High: 35.2°F | Low: 23.4°F
Humidity: 69%
Wind: 8.7 mph
Rain Chance: 67%
UV Index: 0.2
Sunrise: 07:40 AM
Sunset: 06:01 PM
Moon: New Moon (0%)
Visibility: 4 mi
Dew Point: 25.1°F
Cloud Cover: 67%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Wednesday, Feb 18
Overcast
High: 9.1°F | Low: -2.9°F
Humidity: 57%
Wind: 9.4 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 0.3
Sunrise: 07:38 AM
Sunset: 06:02 PM
Moon: Waxing Crescent (0%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: -2°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Thursday, Feb 19
Partly Cloudy
High: 24.6°F | Low: 1.2°F
Humidity: 67%
Wind: 5.1 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 0.4
Sunrise: 07:36 AM
Sunset: 06:04 PM
Moon: Waxing Crescent (3%)
Visibility: 5 mi
Dew Point: 5.2°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Weather Alerts (5)
yellow warning - snowfall - in effect
Effective: Feb 17, 2026 7:04am
Expires: Feb 17, 2026 8:20pm
Snowfall with total amounts of 15 to 25 cm is expected.
Where: Elk Valley, and Yoho Park - Kootenay Park (particularly Highway 93 through Kootenay Park).
When: Now until this afternoon.
Remarks: An incoming low pressure system continues to bring snow to southeastern British Columbia. Snowfall will continue through today bringing total amounts of 15 to 25 cm. Amounts may vary widely over short distances, however highest accumulations are expected in the Elk Valley.
The snow will taper off this afternoon as the system moves eastward through the Prairies.
###
Roads and walkways will likely be difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow. Visibility will likely be reduced at times.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to BCstorm@ec.gc.ca or post reports on X using #BCStorm.
For more information about the alerting program, please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/severeweather/weather-alerts/colour-coded-alerts.
yellow warning - snowfall - in effect
Effective: Feb 16, 2026 7:50pm
Expires: Feb 17, 2026 11:50am
Snowfall with total amounts of 15 to 25 cm is expected.
Where: Elk Valley, and Yoho Park - Kootenay Park (particularly Highway 93 through Kootenay Park).
When: Now until Tuesday afternoon.
Remarks: An incoming low pressure system brings snow to southeastern B.C. Snowfall will intensify this evening and continue through Tuesday bringing 15 to 25 cm of snow. Amounts may vary widely over short distances, however highest accumulations are expected in the Elk Valley.
The snow will taper off Tuesday afternoon as the system moves eastward through the Prairies.
###
Roads and walkways will likely be difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow. Visibility will likely be reduced at times.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to BCstorm@ec.gc.ca or post reports on X using #BCStorm.
For more information about the alerting program, please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/severeweather/weather-alerts/colour-coded-alerts.
Winter Weather Advisory issued February 15 at 12:17PM MST until February 17 at 5:00PM MST by NWS Missoula MT
Effective: Feb 15, 2026 2:17pm
Expires: Feb 17, 2026 7:00pm
* WHAT...Snow expected. There is a likelihood of moderate winter
weather impacts. Total snow accumulations between 1 and 3 inches,
with 3 to 6 inches along the eastern shore of Flathead Lake.
* WHERE...Flathead Valley, Flathead Lake, Polson, and Mission Valley.
* WHEN...From 2 AM to 5 PM MST Tuesday.
* IMPACTS...For MODERATE winter weather impacts, expect disruptions
to normal activities. Hazardous traveling conditions. Use extra
caution while driving. Closures and disruptions to infrastructure
may occur. The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday
morning and evening commutes.
Winter Weather Advisory issued February 15 at 12:17PM MST until February 17 at 5:00PM MST by NWS Missoula MT
Effective: Feb 15, 2026 2:17pm
Expires: Feb 17, 2026 7:00pm
* WHAT...Snow expected. There is a likelihood moderate winter
weather impacts. Total snow accumulations between 1 and 3 inches,
with 4 to 8 inches in the mountains.
* WHERE...Highway 93 Eureka to Whitefish, Highway 37 Eureka to
Libby, Highway 2 Kalispell to Libby, and Highway 56 Bull Lake Road.
* WHEN...From 2 AM to 5 PM MST Tuesday.
* IMPACTS...For MODERATE winter weather impacts, expect disruptions
to normal activities. Hazardous traveling conditions. Use extra
caution while driving. Closures and disruptions to infrastructure
may occur. The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday
morning and evening commutes, especially over higher passes.
Winter Weather Advisory issued February 15 at 12:17PM MST until February 17 at 5:00PM MST by NWS Missoula MT
Effective: Feb 15, 2026 2:17pm
Expires: Feb 17, 2026 7:00pm
* WHAT...Snow expected. There is a likelihood moderate winter
weather impacts. Total snow accumulations between 2 and 5 inches
in valley areas with 4 to 8 inches in higher terrain, including
Marias Pass.
* WHERE...Polebridge, Highway 83 Bigfork to Swan Lake, Marias Pass,
Bad Rock Canyon, Glacier National Park, and Essex.
* WHEN...From 2 AM to 5 PM MST Tuesday.
* IMPACTS...For MODERATE winter weather impacts, expect disruptions
to normal activities. Hazardous traveling conditions. Use extra
caution while driving. Closures and disruptions to infrastructure
may occur. The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday
morning and evening commutes, especially over higher passes.
Park Alerts
Park Events
Winter Snowshoe Walk
Explore Glacier National Park on a two-hour ranger-led snowshoe walk and take an intimate look at the park in winter. Search for signs of wildlife, discover the plants and animals of the park, and enjoy the solitude of winter during this unique experience.
Not recommended for children under age 6.
Participants should be prepared for a variety of winter conditions by wearing appropriate winter clothing, dressing in layers, and bringing water and snacks. You may use your own snowshoes or rent snowshoes for $2 at the Apgar Visitor Center beginning 1 hour prior to the program. Rental snowshoe availability is limited and only available for those participating in ranger-led snowshoe hikes. Snowshoe rentals are also available in neighboring communities.
Program is offered conditions-permitting. Walks will be canceled if West Glacier temperatures are forecasted below 10° F. Walks may proceed without snowshoes if there is not sufficient snow cover.
As of mid-February 2026, snow cover has not been sufficient for snowshoe use and recent walks have proceeded without snowshoes. Please check the Apgar Visitor Center Plaza webcam for snow cover conditions.
Location: Meet at the Apgar Visitor Center.
Date: Jan 10, 2026 12:00am to Mar 15, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
64 Grinnell Drive
Glacier National Park Headquarters
West Glacier, MT 59936
🏤 Mailing Address:
PO Box 128
West Glacier, MT 59936
📞 Voice Phone: 406-888-7800
📞 Fax Phone: 406-888-7808
📞 TTY Phone: 406-888-7806
✉️ Email: glac_questions@nps.gov