If you’re thinking about visiting Gros Morne National Park, one of the first questions you’ll probably ask yourself is when to go. The park is stunning year-round, but depending on what you want to do, some seasons are better than others.
I visited Gros Morne in late June and totally lucked out with the weather. We had two sunny days with temps in the 60s (Fahrenheit) and one rainy day in the 50s. Around these parts, that’s about the best you can ask for.
Here’s a breakdown from my experience and what I’ve learned about timing a trip to this Newfoundland gem.
Summer: Peak Season, Easy Access, Small Crowds
Summer is when Gros Morne is at its busiest. From late June into September, the weather is usually warm enough to be outside comfortably without many layers. Gros Morne’s best hikes, including my favorites Green Gardens and the Tablelands, are fully accessible and dry, and the boat tours on Western Brook Pond run several times a day. Hiking, road cycling, and mountain biking are the most popular things to do here in the summer months.
The downside is that everyone else thinks summer is the perfect time too! Parking lots fill up, fjord tours sell out fast, and accommodations can be pricey.
If you want to avoid crowds but still enjoy decent weather, try late June, late August, or September. You’ll still have good weather but fewer people.
But honestly, even the peak summer months of July and August don’t attract an unbearable number of visitors. Gros Morne is very off-the-beaten-path for the average traveler, so only those select few hikes will you see a lot of people.
Fall: Colors, Fewer People, and Unpredictable Weather
September and early October are some of the most underrated months to visit Gros Morne. The fall colors in Gros Morne are incredible. Trails are quiet and you’ll have a better chance to enjoy the scenery without other hikers in the frame.
But because you’re so far north and east, the area is prone to unpredictable and often poor weather, even by September and October. Some days are sunny and T-shirt weather. Others are wet, grey, chilly, and windy.
Boat tours run less frequently than in the peak summer months. For example, the BonTours boats through the famous fjords of Western Brook Pond run just twice a day in September compared to five times a day in July and August. Boat tours also wrap up around the first week of October. So make sure to plan carefully and accordingly. However, I think September and early fall are still great times to visit Gros Morne
Spring: Green Trails and Wildlife Awakening
I’d advise against visiting in March or April, as weather is often downright terrible. Snowmelt combined with cold rain on many days makes for very little to do unless you’re fine with braving those conditions.
Snow still lingers in some spots by May and early June, and trails can still be wet. However, it can still be rewarding, particularly if you luck out with the weather. It’s a quiet time, so you’ll have trails mostly to yourself. Wildlife will be active too.
The catch is that some trails or boat tours might not be available yet. Western Brook Pond doesn’t open until the snow and ice clear, which usually happens in late May. Roads can still be tricky early in spring. But if solitude is your goal, this season can be very rewarding. Plus, May and June are great times to see icebergs and puffins along Newfoundland’s East Coast!
Winter: Snow, Adventure Activities, and Solitude
Gros Morne in winter offers incredible adventure activities for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s ideal for snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.
But if you don’t love the snow, stay away from Gros Morne in winter. Boat tours do not operate in winter, and some roads may be closed making it much more difficult to get to Gros Morne and get around once there (some entrances might be closed). Temperatures are generally below freezing and weather can change fast.
That said, while winter in Gros Morne is not for casual sightseeing, it can be unforgettable for adventurous travelers.
Picking the Best Time for You
The best time to visit really depends on what you want. If you want easy access, full services, and warm weather, summer is your season. For colorful landscapes, fewer people, and crisp air, fall is perfect. If you’re chasing peace and wildlife, spring works well. Winter is for those who love snow and quiet landscapes.
No matter when you go, Gros Morne is stunning. Just check the weather before you go and plan around what activities you care most about.
