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Best time to Visit Jasper - When to go to Jasper
When is the best time to visit Jasper, Alberta? In our opinion, the best time to visit Jasper, Canada is either in the latter half of May or the first couple weeks of September. There are several benefits to visiting at these times, but ultimately the best time for you to visit will depend on what you want to do.
Before deciding when you want to come, we should note that June, July and August are typically considered the “peak season” - meaning this it the time when Jasper National Park is at its busiest, and you can expect to pay much more for services during these months.
Table of Contents
March and April
March and April are unique times to visit Jasper National Park - but if you can't stand cold temperatures then we recommend you just stay away. At this point, Jasper is still relatively tranquil and quiet. However, if you are hoping to see the Park on a budget this might be the right time for you!
Weather and Temperatures
Jasper in March can still be quite cold, with the temperature hovering around a daytime high of 5°C and -7°C overnight (41°F and 19°F). Jasper in April warms slightly to 11°C and -2° (52°F and 28°F).
Both months are also relatively dry, both having roughly 4 days of precipitation (rain or snow) with minimal smoke cover. Expect there to still be snow on the ground during these months.
Activities and Attractions
Jasper National Park in March and April offers minimal in terms of activities and attractions. Downhill skiing, cross country skiing and snowshoeing are excellent options! Otherwise, all of the major tourist attractions are closed.
Additionally, most hiking trails are impassable because of snow fall. Finding wildlife can be a little more challenging because the bears are still hibernating - but otherwise elk and sheep galore!
Costs and Budgeting
Visiting Jasper in April and March offers budget friendly accommodations compared to the peak summer season. During this time, you can find decent rooms around $175/night - which would typically cost $400+ in the summer season.
Most lodges, cabins and campgrounds remain closed during this time, so navigating around the Park can be difficult.
May and June
May in Jasper is a truly remarkable time, as winter loosens its grip, spring brings with it a sense of awakening. The snow begins to melt and reveals the beautiful landscape hiding beneath. As the temperature warms, the Parks begins to open up and all the tourist attractions resume their activities.
Weather and Temperatures
Jasper in May really begins to warm up, with the temperature hovering around a daytime high of 16°C and 2°C overnight (61°F and 36°F). Jasper in June warms to 20°C and 6° (68°F and 43°F).
May is a relatively dry month, however June in Jasper can be quite wet as June is usually the rainiest month. The snow is typically gone once June comes around and temperatures don't get
much higher!
Activities and Attractions
Jasper National Park in May and June is in full swing as most of the attractions open up in mid May. In May, there will be too much snow to for summit hikes but many of the lower elevation hikes will be just fine.
The bears usually begin to come out of hibernation right around the second week of May as well, and they are not hard to find when they come out!
Costs and Budgeting
Visiting Jasper in May is a relatively budget friendly month for travel. During this time, you can find decent rooms around $225/night!
Jasper National Park in June is, by most standards, when peak season typically begins. You can except hotel prices to hover around $300/night. At this point, nearly all of the lodges, campgrounds and cabins have opened up full time which makes navigating the park easy!
July and August
July and August are the peak summer season for Jasper National Park, and for good reason - they are the best time to go to Jasper. Jasper in July and August offers the warmest temperatures and the longest daytime hours which gives you plenty of time to explore the extensive trail networks, serene views, and rugged landscape of the Canadian Rockies.
Weather and Temperatures
Jasper in July is when the Park is at its hottest, with the temperature hovering around a daytime high of 22°C and 8°C overnight (71°F and 46°F). Jasper in June sits nicely at 21°C and 7° (69°F and 45°F).
July in Jasper National Park is typically a relatively rainy month, and the same can be said for August. However, this is also when the forest fire season is at it's peak - be prepared for some
smokey days!
Activities and Attractions
Visiting Jasper National Park in July and August is the perfect time for any activities and attractions. Everything is open and the Park is in complete swing!
Wildlife is still relatively easy to find, however bears are a little more difficult to find as compared to May and June. With the snow completely melted, and mosquitos reduced, these are also the prime hiking months.
Costs and Budgeting
Visiting Jasper in July is full peak season, and you can expect to pay extra for rooms. During this time, decent hotel rooms typically go for more than $400/night!
Jasper in August is just as bad, except decent hotel rooms priced around $400/night. Be sure you pre-book any cabins or bungalows you wanted because they sell out fast!
September and October
September in Jasper, in our opinion, is the most beautiful time to visit Jasper National Park. As the season transitions to fall the forest is transformed into a blaze of red, yellow and orange leaves. This offers some one of a kind photography opportunities and the views are just phenomenal.
Weather and Temperatures
Jasper in September is when the Park really starts to cool down again, with daytime highs averaging 16°C and 3°C overnight (61°F and 37°F). Early September can still be quite warm though.
Jasper in October really starts to get cold; 10°C and -1°C (50°F and 30°F). You can expect snow to fall at any point during these months so come prepared!
Activities and Attractions
Visiting Jasper National Park in September is really the last opportunity to partake in the attractions. Everything starts to close in late September.
Additionally, the bears are all readying for hibernation and they are easier to spot than peak summer. This is also rutting season for several species so they are much more active than usual.
Costs and Budgeting
Jasper in September is still relatively expensive. During this time, you can find decent rooms around $325/night!
Jasper National Park in October is when the prices really start to decline - except hotel prices to go for less than $200/night At this point, nearly all of the lodges, campgrounds and cabins have closed - making it much more difficult to see all of the Park.
Summary - When is the Best Time to Visit Jasper?
In our opinion, if you are only going one and want to get the best of the park - visiting Jasper National Park in July or August is without the best time. Otherwise, visiting Jasper, Alberta in September or June are excellent options!
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I visit Jasper?
Ultimately, the best time for you to visit Jasper depends on what you want to do. In our opinion, anytime between June and September is a fine choice! Do your research before you decide.
How do you avoid crowds at Jasper?
Is September a good time to visit Jasper?
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