Visiting Grand Teton National Park: What To Expect Throughout the Year

Are you thinking about visiting Grand Teton National Park but aren’t sure what to expect when you want to go? Then this guide is for you. 

I’m James and I’m a national park expert. In this guide, I’ll describe in detail what to expect each season, so you can plan a trip that suits your needs.

If you just want a quick snapshot about my thoughts on the best time to visit Grand Teton National Park, check out my Best Time to Go To Grand Teton National Park guide.

No time right now to find out what to expect each season when visiting Grand Teton National Park?  Pin It and save it for later: 

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So, you are trying to decide when to visit Grand Teton National Park.  Grand Teton National Park is technically open all year, though not all roads are.  The best time to go to Grand Teton National Park depends on what you want to do. Let’s take a look at the main seasons of the year. 

Grand Teton in Spring (May)

Because winter is so long, spring is extraordinarily short. May sees things start to open up, the weather starts to warm up and the snow start to melt.  But this is very much a transitional period and things may not be open or accessible.   

The inner Teton Park Road usually opens May 1 but other roads in the area that you may want to access such as Antelope Flats, Moose-Wilson Road and Signal Mountain Summit don’t usually open until mid-May at the earliest.   

The campgrounds and hotels in the park open mid-May and they usually have lower rates at this time of year. 

There is still lots of snow on the ground and what you are able to do will be somewhat limited.  The average high is usually in the low 60s F / mid-teens C.  

Visiting Grand Tetons in May/ spring is (together with fall) the best time to see wildlife, as the animals are becoming more active.

This is also when the annual antler auction is usually held in Jackson’s Town Square.  Thousands of elk antlers are collected from the neighboring areas (the elk shed them) and they are sold by the Scouts.  

Read More: How to Get to Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton in Summer (June-August)

By June, the snow has usually melted from most areas, though it can still be on the ground in the back country until well into July.   

These are the warmest and driest months and it is possible to enjoy hiking, boating, fishing, wild water rafting, kayaking, cycling and even swimming in summer.

The weather in Grand Tetons in August is especially lovely, with temperatures often in the low 80s F/ mid-late 20s C.  Everything is open and there is lots to do. 

However, the downside to these months is that they coincide with school summer holidays, so they are also the most crowded and expensive.  July – August especially can see clogged roads, crowded trails and expensive accommodations. 

If you plan to visit then, check out my one-day, two-day and three-day itineraries, to help with your planning. 

Although these are the driest months, afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August, so consider packing rain gear (find a rain jacket on Amazon here). 

Alternatively, there may well be wildfires in the area, with smoke and some areas closed.   

That being said, these are definitely the most popular months to visit Grand Teton National Park. 

Check out my guide on How Long to Spend in Grand Teton National Park to help you decide if you aren’t sure.

Grand Teton in Fall (September-October)

The campgrounds and lodgings in Grand Teton National Park remain open for most of September (but at cheaper prices than the summer), the roads and hiking trails are still open (but less crowded), and the weather is cooler (but still typically in the late 70s F / mid-20s C). 

Fall is also when the wildlife is more active, making this a good time to see animals like moose and bison. 

The aspens in the park turn a blaze of yellow, usually peaking the 3^rd week of September. 

All of this makes September, in my opinion, the best time of year to visit Grand Teton National Park. 

However, the weather can be changeable, and it is possible to experience all four seasons in a day or week.  The campgrounds, lodges, restaurants and activities close throughout September and by the start of October, winter is coming.  

Grand Teton in Winter (November – April)

There is a LOT of snow in winter; there can often be as much as 14 feet of snow at Moose, the southern part of the park. 

Temperatures are very cold, averaging between 2°F / -16.5°C and 28°F / -2°C in December through February. 

Most of the park is shut down, including all of the lodges and campgrounds inside the park.  The inner Teton Park Road is closed to traffic November to May, although the outer road (highway 191) is open all year. 

This does not mean that you cannot – or should not – visit during the winter months.  The park and surrounding areas are a winter wonderland and this is the best time to visit Teton National Park if you love winter activities.  You can try out winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, hiking, and so many more.         

The inner road may be closed to traffic, but it is groomed frequently for cross country skiing and snow shoeing. 

The nearby towns of Jackson and Teton Village are downhill ski centers, so are especially busy in the winter months. 

You can also do dog sledding and snow mobiling in winter.

In addition, this is a great time to see elk in the National Elk Refuge just south of the national park, and you can even take a sleigh ride through the refuge to see elk.  About 7,500 elk congregate there in winter.  Book a sleigh ride tour here. 

Tips for visiting Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole in winter:   

1. Book winter activities in advance

You can book them here: 

• Guided snow mobile tour 
• Cross-country skiing 
• Snow shoeing with guide 
• Dog sledding experience 
• Sleigh ride through the elk refuge 

2. Dress appropriately 

If you are looking for new gear, read by detailed guides to the best: 

• Winter coats for extreme cold 
• Winter boots for men 
• Winter boots for women 
• Microspikes for winter hiking 
• Snowshoes for beginners 

3. Read my Guide to Visiting Grand Teton in Winter 

4. Check out the Best Things to Do in Grand Teton in Winter 

5. Pack appropriately

Check you have everything on my: 

• Winter hiking gear list 
• Packing list for a winter vacation 

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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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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