One of the first things you need to decide when planning a trip to Grand Teton National Park is when to go.
The park is open all year, but varies greatly throughout the year. So the best time to visit Grand Teton National Park depends on your interests, preference for weather, and tolerance for crowds.
I’m James and I’m a national park expert. In this article, I’ll give you a quick summary of the best times to visit Grand Teton National Park so you can make the right decision.
While this is my choice for the best time to go to Grand Teton National Park, the park is great throughout the year. I’ve provided a detailed breakdown by season so you can easily see what to expect and then make your own choice.
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The Best Time to Visit Grand Teton National Park
The best time of year to visit Grand Teton National Park in a Nutshell
Grand Teton National Park is open all year, but each season has different highlights. For a regular (i.e. non-winter) visit, the best time is when the weather is pleasant and all the facilities and trails are open. My personal favorite time to go is early-mid-September. Early September has the last gasps of summer, without the crowds. Mid-September has fall foliage.
If you like cross country skiing or snowshoeing, then the winter months are great. the main road in the park is closed and groomed for winter activities.
12 Fun Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park in Winter
If you are planning to visit Grand Teton National Park in spring, summer or fall, make your planning easy and stress free with a detailed itinerary. I have 1-, 2-, and 3-day itineraries for Grand Teton that include all the park highlights, give you choices based on your preferred activity level, and take all the stress out of planning your trip.
When is the best time to visit Grand Teton National Park (for different interests)?
The best time to visit Tetons to see wildlife
There is tons of wildlife in Grand Teton. In general, the best time is mid-late May when animals are enjoying the abundance of spring or September when they are filling up for winter and mating. For elk, winter is best, as they leave the area in summer.
The best time to avoid the crowds when everything is still open
September is my favorite time to visit. The busy summer/ school break period is over and things haven’t started closing down for winter yet.
The best time to travel in summer
If summer is your only option, I’d try to go in June. The weather is nice and the park is less busy than in July and August.
The best time to see the fall color in Grand Teton National Park
Of course this can vary from year to year, so don’t hold me to it, but the fall color is typically at its peak the third week of September.
The best time to travel on a budget
The park is typically cheapest in the shoulder seasons: May, September, October. (The area is a popular and expensive ski area in winter, as well, so prices are high then, as well, of course, as in summer).
The best time to have a winter adventure in Grand Teton National Park
Winter in Grand Teton National Park is wonderful. December – February are the best months.
Complete Guide to Visiting Grand Teton National Park in Winter
Enjoy Grand Teton National Park whenever you go!
What do you think is the best month to visit Grand Teton National Park? Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know.
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The Best Time to Visit Grand Teton National Park
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If you are also planning to visit Yellowstone in the same trip, read my Yellowstone National Park Guide and detailed Yellowstone itineraries.
About the author
James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.
He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.
Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for most of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, comprehensive camping and hiking gear reviews and buying guides, and helpful packing lists and gift guides will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.
As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.
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