We receive a lot of questions about Idaho’s weather as well as the types of activities you can do depending on the season. With summer on the way and trip planning in full effect, here are answers (with travel tips and resources included) to some of the most frequently asked questions about planning a vacation in Idaho.
What is the best time of year to visit Idaho, and what can I do when I get there?
Any time of year is great for visiting Idaho—and we’re not just saying that because we’re biased. The Gem State is fortunate to experience all four seasons to their fullest, and we have an endless array of activities for various ages and skill levels. To make your planning easier, we’ve compiled some of our favorite adventures and experiences around the state by season:
Spring & Summer
Spring and summer are some of the best times for a vacation in Idaho. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely horseback ride or seeking the thrills of whitewater rafting, there are tons of great activities for all sorts of outdoor enthusiasts. You’ll also find a multitude of amazing museums, historical sites and unique destinations, like Shoshone Falls, to explore.
Fall
Fall is a great time to check out Idaho’s natural attractions. The weather tends to cool off during these months, so this time of year is perfect for soaking in one of Idaho’s many natural hot springs or taking an easy, scenic drive to enjoy the changing fall colors.
Winter
Snow is no stranger to Idaho. Every year, our mountains are transformed into winter playgrounds. Each region offers at least one resort for skiing and snowboarding, along with multiple sites for snowmobiling.
How hot does it get during the summer?
Tucked in between the Pacific Northwest and the Rocky Mountains, Idaho’s geography and climate are diverse. Generally, the emerald-green hillsides in the northern part of the state receive more precipitation than the high-mountain desert terrain in the southern regions (which tend to experience warmer temperatures). While the midsummer months can reach the 90s (and sometimes even 100+ degrees), these hotter days are tempered by relatively low humidity and cooler evenings.
Thankfully, Idaho boasts 93,000 miles of rivers and streams (the most navigable miles of whitewater in the lower 48 states) and 2,000 lakes. So staying cool and refreshed on a hot day is not only easy, it’s all part of the summer fun.
We’re taking a road trip to Idaho. Where should we go, and what should we see?
Whether you’re loading up the SUV for an adventure on the open road or taking the scenic route for a serene solo tour, Idaho’s byways offer plenty of stunning scenery, rich history and unexpected sights waiting to be experienced and captured by you.
To help with your planning, check out these 32 scenic drives to rev up your summer road trip inspiration. Stay up to date on road conditions and traveler information during your visit by checking 511.idaho.gov or by downloading the Idaho 511 app.
Bonus: What’s the craft beer scene like?
We can’t do an Idaho vacation 101 without mentioning our craft beer! As the top barley producer and the second largest hops producer in the U.S., Idaho is literally where beer comes from, and fans of craft brew will find no shortage of breweries serving up frothy, palate-pleasing pints. Start planning your brew adventure here.
Have a question about Idaho that you’d like us to cover in the future? We’d love to hear it. Let us know here.
Updated on May 05, 2023
Published on June 11, 2019
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