Are you thinking of taking a trip to Grand Teton, but are unsure of when to go? My name is Ash, and I’m a former park ranger. I can’t wait to help you decide when is the best time to visit Grand Teton for your upcoming vacation! Show
You’ll want to consider things like the weather, what’s open, and the crowds when choosing the best time to visit Grand Teton. Here are my suggestions if you’re hoping to:
Each month in this park is unique and can give you a completely different experience. Let’s talk through the pros and cons so that you can make an informed decision on the best time to visit Grand Teton! Average Monthly Temperatures in Grand Teton
Winter in Grand Teton (November-March)Welcome to the park’s longest season! A visit to Grand Teton during the winter is challenging, but it is an absolutely magical experience. During the winter months, the inner park road {from the Taggart Lake Trailhead to Signal Mountain} is closed to vehicles. The outer park road {Highway 89 to Moran, then Moran to Flagg Ranch} stays open year-round, weather permitting. Snowshoeing and skiing are the most popular activities you’ll find available during the winter months. I like to cross-country ski to Taggart Lake, along the groomed park road, or near the Oxbow Bend area {where I saw eight moose from my car one winter}! More information about planning a trip to Grand Teton National Park during the winter can be found here. November in Grand TetonNovember marks the beginning of the winter season in Grand Teton. While it often snows in September and October, November is when the snow heavily falls and tends to stick around for the remainder of the winter. Several of the main park roads close down, and most in-park facilities are closed on or before November 1. If you’re planning a trip to Grand Teton in November, expect cold temperatures and limited access to the park. There may be enough snow for skiing or snowshoeing, but it’s hit or miss depending on the year. What You Need to Know
December in Grand TetonIf you’re looking for a fun Christmas getaway, December in Grand Teton and the Jackson Hole area can be an enchanting experience. Temperatures typically drop well below freezing and snow falls often, so be sure to bring your warmest winter gear and get ready for some holiday fun! I recommend spending time in Grand Teton during December if you’re looking for a unique adventure. What You Need to Know
January in Grand TetonWith an average of over 40″ of snow, January is typically the snowiest month of the year in Grand Teton. Get ready to see the beautiful Grand Teton landscape covered in sparkling snow! That being said, temperatures can be absolutely brutal this time of year (it’s not uncommon for daytime highs to be in the teens). I recommend spending time in Grand Teton during January if you’re looking for a unique adventure. What You Need to Know
February in Grand TetonFebruary in Grand Teton is cold and snowy, so if you’re hoping to cross-country ski or hit the downhill slopes, you’re promised good snow and beautiful views! What You Need to Know
March in Grand TetonMarch in Grand Teton is a time of transition. Although winter conditions are still extremely prevalent in the park, many of the most popular snowshoeing and cross-country skiing routes are not accessible starting in mid-March because the road plowing begins. If you’re hoping to enjoy some of the amazing winter activities in the park, I suggest visiting earlier in the season to be sure that things will be open for you. What You Need to Know
Spring in Grand Teton (April-May)Springtime is a time of transition in the park. As the long winter starts to melt away, the wildlife begins to emerge, and the roads, campgrounds, and hotels begin to wake up and prepare for a busy summer season. Crowding during the spring is low, mostly because not everything is open yet. If you’re hoping to experience the hiking trails or stay in the park during your visit, I’d recommend travel dates in mid-May or later. In this park, later is better because it takes a while for the snow to melt away. April in Grand TetonApril in Grand Teton is considered spring, though I wouldn’t ditch your winter coat just yet! Temperatures start to creep into the upper 40s during the day, and things are starting to open in anticipation of warmer weather ahead. Snow is still common in April, and most park roads still aren’t open yet. I don’t recommend a visit to Grand Teton in April. It’s a transition time in the park, and the in-park lodges, visitor centers, campgrounds, and restaurants are not available at this time. What You Need to Know
May in Grand TetonMay in Grand Teton is typically still chilly, but it is common to experience some beautiful blue sky days! Snow is still a possibility, but the roads open up and this park has some spectacular scenic drives. May is also a great time to see wildlife in the park. A few of the valley trails may be mostly clear of snow by mid-May but be prepared for muddy conditions as things thaw out. All backcountry trails or trails that travel into the canyons will likely still be completely covered in snow. This can make route-finding difficult and dangerous if you’re not an experienced hiker. I recommend spending time in Grand Teton during the month of May if you’re looking for cheaper prices on hotels and activities or if you want to beat the crowds, especially if you’re not planning on doing much hiking. If this is the case, I suggest visiting Grand Teton in mid-May — the beginning of May can be more hit and miss with weather and closures. What You Need to Know
Summer in Grand Teton (June-August)The great thing about Grand Teton during the summer is that everything is open! You’ll have numerous lodging and dining options, plus access to all of the main points of interest, tours, programs, and visitor centers. Your options are endless during the summer, but that comes with a price….crowds. Be prepared to share the fantastic sights of Grand Teton with people from all over the world during the popular summer season. June in Grand TetonJune in Grand Teton is characterized by warm weather and good access to the park’s frontcountry hiking trails and viewpoints. If you’re hoping to do some hiking on the park’s longer trails that travel into the canyons, be aware that they will still likely be covered in snow! The park lodges and campgrounds are running at full capacity by the middle of the month, and all roads are open. I recommend spending time at Grand Teton in June if you need to travel during the summer, hope to find slightly smaller crowds, and don’t plan on hiking in the backcountry. What You Need to Know
July in Grand TetonThe month of July is typically the busiest time in Grand Teton, so make sure you have a good plan for navigating the crowds and finding parking! Expect daytime temperatures to be in the low 80s with thunderstorms in the afternoons. What You Need to Know
August in Grand TetonAugust is another extremely busy month in Grand Teton, so make sure you have a good plan for finding parking and navigating through the crowds. Daytime temperatures are usually in the high 70s, but you’ll want to be aware that this is wildfire season. It’s not uncommon for the air to be smoky and the landscape views to be hazy. Large thunderstorms also commonly roll through in the afternoons. I recommend spending time at Grand Teton in August if you are hoping to go backpacking in the park. What You Need to Know
Traffic and crowding in Grand Teton can be terrible. Did you know that it’s common to wait in a huge line to enter the park? Are you hoping to see the best sights without getting stuck in traffic, circling parking lots, or being surrounded by people? Stay ahead of the crowds with this Grand Teton Itinerary. You will see all of the can’t-miss spots, plus get lodging and dining guides, driving directions, and insider tips! Autumn in Grand Teton (September-October)A quiet solitude begins to fall over the Grand Teton landscape as the busy summer crowds start to die off. A chill fills the air as the animals and plants begin to prepare for winter…and it’s magical! Autumn in Grand Teton is fabulous, especially after Labor Day weekend. A few highlights of a trip during this season include fall colors, fantastic wildlife watching, and more elbow room to enjoy the sights. September in Grand TetonGrand Teton in September is ideal. The temperatures are still warm but comfortable, providing some of the best hiking weather you’ll find in this park. The summer crowds have gone, but most things in the park are still up and running. This is a wonderful time to be here! I recommend spending time at Grand Teton in September if you’re looking for cheaper prices on hotels and activities or if you want to avoid the summer crowds. It’s also a great time to visit if you’re hoping to see wildlife. What You Need to Know
October in Grand TetonIt’s hard to know what you’ll get if you take your trip to Grand Teton in October! Sometimes the weather is mild and pleasant, but sometimes the snow comes and stays. Things start to close down in preparation for the cold, but the weather just may hold out for some fabulous sightseeing opportunities. What You Need to Know
Now that you’ve learned about the best time to visit Grand Teton, you’re ready to make your dream trip a reality. Happy trails! More Grand Teton Trip Planning InformationGrand Teton Itinerary — a detailed hour-by-hour sightseeing
schedule. This post may contain affiliate links. Dirt In My Shoes gets paid a small commission (at no extra cost to you) when you purchase from these links. Thanks for your support! What is the best time to see wildlife in Grand Teton National Park?The Teton Park Road, one of our favorite spots to look for bugling elk in fall, closes on November 1st for the winter. But don't let the limited road access discourage you, for wildlife enthusiasts, winter is one of the best times to observe wildlife in the GYE.
How much time should I spend in Grand Teton National Park?How Many Days Do You Need in Grand Teton National Park? Plan on spending at least one full day in Grand Teton National Park. This gives you enough time to drive Scenic Loop Drive and take your photos at Mormon Row, Schwabacher Landing, and Oxbow Bend.
How many days in Grand Teton is enough?Three days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Grand Teton National Park if you're an avid hiker. Plus, then you can combine it with our four day Yellowstone itinerary and make it a week-long adventure. You can do it in two days, but you'll be rushed. One day is not enough.
What is the best month to go to Jackson Hole Wyoming?The best times to visit Jackson Hole are the months of April, May, September and October, unless you're a skier, then winter is the season for you.
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