Best Time to Visit Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is a spectacular destination with stunning mountain scenery, abundant wildlife, and endless outdoor activities. While the park is open year-round, the best time to visit depends on what you want to experience. Each season offers unique opportunities, from hiking in the summer to wildlife viewing in the fall and skiing in the winter. This guide will help you determine the best time of year to plan your trip based on weather, activities, and monthly highlights.

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Weather and Activities by Season

Spring (March – May)

Weather: Spring in Grand Teton is unpredictable. There is lingering snow in March and April, transitioning to milder temperatures in May. Daytime highs range from 40°F in March to 60°F in May, with nights often below freezing.

Activities:

• Wildlife viewing is excellent as animals become more active. Bears emerge from hibernation, and elk, moose, and bison migrate.
• Early-season hiking is limited due to snow, but lower-elevation trails start to clear by late May.
• Photography opportunities are stunning as wildflowers begin to bloom and snow-capped peaks contrast against green valleys.
• Spring skiing at nearby Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is still possible in March and early April.
• Fishing becomes popular in the spring attracting anglers from around the world. The Snake River is home to endemic species of trout. If you choose to go fishing, a Wyoming fishing license is required.

Summer (June – August)

Weather: Summer is the most popular time to visit, with daytime temperatures ranging from 65°F in June to 80°F in July and August. Nights can be cool, dipping into the 40s. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, especially in July.

Activities:

• Hiking trails are fully accessible, including iconic routes like Cascade Canyon, Paintbrush Divide, and Delta Lake. You’ll find the best hiking options in the summer from easy hike outings to multi-day backpacking trips.
• Boating and kayaking on Jenny Lake and Jackson Lake are popular in warm weather.
• Wildlife spotting remains excellent, with bison, moose, and bears often visible at dawn and dusk.
• Fishing in the Snake River and mountain lakes is at its best.
• Summer ranger programs, including guided hikes and evening talks, are available.

Fall (September – November)

Weather: September sees mild days (60°F-70°F) and crisp nights, while October and November bring colder temperatures and the first snowfall. Grizzly bears are most active in the fall when they prepare for winter. 

Activities:

• Fall foliage peaks in late September, with golden aspens and colorful landscapes.
• Wildlife is highly active as animals prepare for winter; elk bugling is a highlight in September and October.
• Crowds diminish after Labor Day, making for a quieter park experience.
• Hiking remains possible in September, but higher-elevation trails may see snow by October.
• Photography enthusiasts can capture stunning sunrise and sunset views with dramatic autumn colors.

Winter (December – February)

Weather: The winter months are cold, with highs averaging 20°F-30°F and lows often below zero. Heavy snowfall blankets the park, creating a winter wonderland for cross-country skiers and snowshoers.

Activities:

• Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are excellent ways to explore the park.
• Wildlife viewing is still possible during the cold weather season, particularly for moose, bison, bighorn sheep and elk.
• The National Elk Refuge offers sleigh rides through massive elk herds.
• Nearby Jackson Hole Mountain Resort provides world-class downhill skiing.
• Photography opportunities include snow-covered peaks and serene frozen lakes.

Best Time to Visit Grand Teton National Park by Month

January & February

• Best for winter sports like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
• Excellent time for wildlife spotting, especially in the National Elk Refuge.
• Coldest months with frequent snowstorms.

March

• Still a winter experience but with longer daylight hours.
• Skiing remains great, but backcountry conditions should be checked for avalanche risk.

April

• A transition month; some roads and facilities start reopening.
• April is a wonderful time to ride the Inner Park Loop Road (Teton Park Road).
• Wildlife activity increases as bears emerge from hibernation.
• For lodging, your best option is to stay in the nearby town of Jackson, which also offers lower prices during the shoulder season.

May

• Spring blooms and active wildlife make this a fantastic time to visit.
• Hiking begins at lower elevations, though many trails still have snow.

June

• One of the best months for hiking as trails clear up.
• Warm weather and active wildlife make it a great time for photography and outdoor activities.

July & August

• Peak visitor season with the best hiking, camping, and boating opportunities.
• Afternoon thunderstorms are common; be prepared for sudden weather changes.
• Some hikers experience snow when hiking at higher elevations even at this time of year.

September

• Arguably the best month to visit for fall colors, cooler temperatures, and fewer crowds.
• Wildlife, especially elk, is very active, making it prime for photography and wildlife watching.

October

• A quiet time in the park with beautiful fall scenery.
• Some early snowfall can provide an early start to winter and may limit high-elevation access.

November

• The start of winter; many facilities and roads close.
• Still good for photography and peaceful scenery before heavy snow arrives.

December

• Snowy landscapes and excellent opportunities for winter sports.
• Ideal for those looking for a serene, crowd-free national park experience.

Where To Stay When Visiting Grand Teton National Park

When planning your visit to Grand Teton National Park, choosing the right place to stay can enhance your experience, offering both comfort and proximity to the park’s breathtaking landscapes. One of the most iconic accommodations is the Jackson Lake Lodge, nestled in the heart of the park. This lodge offers sweeping views of the majestic Teton Range and Jackson Lake, with large picture windows that frame the scenery beautifully. It’s an ideal spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying the convenience of dining and amenities.

The Jenny Lake Lodge is a popular option, but don’t let the name trick you into thinking you’ll get a waterfront room. If you want waterfront rooms, you’ll want to look at Signal Mountain Lodge.

Teton Village is an excellent choice for visitors seeking a more vibrant atmosphere. Located near the park’s southern entrance, Teton Village offers a variety of accommodation options ranging from cozy lodges to luxurious hotels. It’s a great base for those who wish to balance outdoor adventures with dining, shopping, and cultural experiences. The Village is also a hub for skiing and other winter sports, making it perfect for those interested in winter activities.

Find lodging in Jackson Hole and nearby areas using the interactive lodging map below:

Good To Know Before Your Visit

Certain roads are closed seasonally. The Inner Loop Road, spanning from the Bradley-Taggart Lakes Trailhead to Signal Mountain, and the Moose-Wilson Road between the Death Canyon and Granite Canyon Trailheads are closed each year from November 1 to April 30 because of snow conditions. Additionally, the scenic drive to Signal Mountain frequently remains closed until early July. 

Grand Teton is home to grizzly bears as well as black bears. If you plan on hiking, always have bear spray with you while on the park’s trails and know how to use it.

Weather conditions change dramatically with higher elevation gain, so be prepared for the weather you’ll experience during your entire hike.

Conclusion: When Should You Visit Grand Teton National Park?

The best time to visit Grand Teton National Park depends on what you want to do. 

Summer (June-August) is ideal for hiking, camping, and water activities, while fall (September-October) offers breathtaking foliage and excellent wildlife viewing. During the peak season from Mid-May through late September, you’ll find the park visitor centers open, plus the access to hiking trails and popular activities like kayaking, horseback riding and fishing. If you love winter sports and solitude, December through February is magical. Spring (April-May) is perfect for wildlife watchers and photographers, though some trails remain snow-covered.

You may want to consider several trips to Grand Teton National Park. It is large measuring nearly 310,000 acres. Still, it pales in size to its northern neighbor of Yellowstone National Park which spans nearly 2.22 million acres. 

No matter when you visit, Grand Teton National Park offers incredible scenery, abundant wildlife, and unforgettable outdoor adventures. Plan ahead based on your preferred activities, and enjoy one of the most stunning national parks in the United States!

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