The Best Time to Visit Grand Teton National Park

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!

You’ll want to consider things like the weather, what’s open, and crowds when choosing the best time to visit Grand Teton. Here are my suggestions if you’re hoping to:

• Beat the crowds: September
• Travel during the summer: June
• See lots of wildlife: mid-late May or September
• Go backpacking: August
• Save money: May, September, or October
• Have a unique adventure: December or January

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

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sept	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg High (F)	26	31	39	49	61	71	81	79	69	56	38	27
Avg Low (F)	1	3	12	22	31	37	42	40	32	23	14	2
Avg Snow (“)	43	29	20	10	2.4	0.1	0	0	0.4	5	23	40
Avg Rain (“)	2.6	2	1.6	1.5	2	1.7	1.2	1.3	1.4	1.4	2	2.6

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 Teton

November 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

• The Teton Park Road is closed from the Taggart Lake Trailhead to the Signal Mountain Lodge starting on November 1. This road is not professionally groomed for skiing and snowshoeing until mid-December, but you can still snowshoe or ski to Taggart Lake, along the valley floor, or along the park road if there is enough snow.
• The Moose-Wilson Road is closed from the Granite Canyon Trailhead to the Death Canyon Junction. This 3-mile closure is open for walking, skiing, and snowshoeing but it is not professionally groomed.
• Highway 89 (the outer park road) is open year-round, weather-permitting
• Snowmobiles are not permitted in Grand Teton, but there are trails in the nearby national forests or the John D. Rockefeller Parkway (use the Grassy Lake Road — off-road travel is prohibited).
• All visitor centers are closed.
• All campgrounds are closed.
• All lodges within the national park are closed, but numerous lodging options can be found in the nearby town of Jackson.
• Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular winter activities in the park. Click here for information on safety, etiquette, and trails.
• Winter is the best time to view the elk at the National Elk Refuge. Sleigh rides don’t begin until mid-December, but you can often see elk from the road just north of Jackson.
• Activities abound in the town of Jackson during the winter. Downhill skiing, tubing, ice skating, dog sledding, and sleigh rides are popular winter activities in the area.
• The crowd levels are low.

December in Grand Teton

If 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

• The Teton Park Road is closed from the Taggart Lake Trailhead to the Signal Mountain Lodge. This road is professionally groomed for skiing and snowshoeing starting in mid-December.
• The Moose-Wilson Road is closed from the Granite Canyon Trailhead to the Death Canyon Junction. This 3-mile closure is open for walking, skiing, and snowshoeing but it is not professionally groomed.
• Highway 89 (the outer park road) is open year-round, weather-permitting
• Snowmobiles are not permitted in Grand Teton, but there are trails in the nearby national forests or the John D. Rockefeller Parkway (use the Grassy Lake Road — off-road travel is prohibited).
• All visitor centers are closed.
• All campgrounds are closed.
• All lodges within the national park are closed, but numerous lodging options can be found in the nearby town of Jackson.
• Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular winter activities in the park. Click here for information on safety, etiquette, and trails.
• Winter is the best time to view the elk at the National Elk Refuge. Sleigh rides that travel into the refuge and close to the elk begin in mid-December.
• Activities abound in the town of Jackson during the winter. Downhill skiing, tubing, ice skating, dog sledding, and sleigh rides are popular winter activities in the area.
• For some extra Christmas fun in Jackson, be sure to visit Santa in the historic Town Square, ski with Santa at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, enjoy the annual Christmas Show at the Jackson Hole Playhouse, or immerse yourself in Cowboy Christmas activities at the Spring Creek Ranch.
• The crowd levels are low.

January in Grand Teton

With 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

• The Teton Park Road is closed from the Taggart Lake Trailhead to the Signal Mountain Lodge. This road is professionally groomed for skiing and snowshoeing starting in mid-December.
• The Moose-Wilson Road is closed from the Granite Canyon Trailhead to the Death Canyon Junction. This 3-mile closure is open for walking, skiing, and snowshoeing but it is not professionally groomed.
• Highway 89 (the outer park road) is open year-round, weather-permitting
• Snowmobiles are not permitted in Grand Teton, but there are trails in the nearby national forests or the John D. Rockefeller Parkway (use the Grassy Lake Road — off-road travel is prohibited).
• All visitor centers are closed.
• All campgrounds are closed.
• All lodges within the national park are closed, but numerous lodging options can be found in the nearby town of Jackson.
• Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular winter activities in the park. Click here for information on safety, etiquette, and trails.
• Winter is the best time to view the elk at the National Elk Refuge. Take a sleigh ride that travels into the refuge and brings you up-close to the elk.
• Activities abound in the town of Jackson during the winter. Downhill skiing, tubing, ice skating, dog sledding, and sleigh rides are popular winter activities in the area.
• The crowd levels are low.

February in Grand Teton

February 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

• The Teton Park Road is closed from the Taggart Lake Trailhead to the Signal Mountain Lodge. This road is professionally groomed for skiing and snowshoeing starting in mid-December.
• The Moose-Wilson Road is closed from the Granite Canyon Trailhead to the Death Canyon Junction. This 3-mile closure is open for walking, skiing, and snowshoeing but it is not professionally groomed.
• Highway 89 (the outer park road) is open year-round, weather-permitting
• Snowmobiles are not permitted in Grand Teton, but there are trails in the nearby national forests or the John D. Rockefeller Parkway (use the Grassy Lake Road — off-road travel is prohibited).
• All visitor centers are closed.
• All campgrounds are closed.
• All lodges within the national park are closed, but numerous lodging options can be found in the nearby town of Jackson.
• Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular winter activities in the park. Click here for information on safety, etiquette, and trails.
• Winter is the best time to view the elk at the National Elk Refuge. Take a sleigh ride that travels into the refuge and brings you up-close to the elk.
• Activities abound in the town of Jackson during the winter. Downhill skiing, tubing, ice skating, dog sledding, and sleigh rides are popular winter activities in the area.
• The crowd levels are low.

March in Grand Teton

March 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 crosscountry 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

• The Teton Park Road is closed from the Taggart Lake Trailhead to the Signal Mountain Lodge. This road is professionally groomed until about mid-March. After that, they ask visitors to stay off the park road until it can be cleared by the plows.
• The Moose-Wilson Road is closed from the Granite Canyon Trailhead to the Death Canyon Junction. This 3-mile closure is open for walking, skiing, and snowshoeing but it is not professionally groomed.
• Highway 89 (the outer park road) is open year-round, weather-permitting
• Snowmobiles are not permitted in Grand Teton, but there are trails in the nearby national forests or the John D. Rockefeller Parkway (use the Grassy Lake Road — off-road travel is prohibited).
• All visitor centers are closed.
• All campgrounds are closed.
• All lodges within the national park are closed, but numerous lodging options can be found in the nearby town of Jackson.
• Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular winter activities in the park. Click here for information on safety, etiquette, and trails.
• Winter is the best time to view the elk at the National Elk Refuge. Take a sleigh ride that travels into the refuge and brings you up-close to the elk.
• Activities abound in the town of Jackson during the winter. Downhill skiing, tubing, ice skating, dog sledding, and sleigh rides are popular winter activities in the area.
• The crowd levels are low.

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 mid-May or later.  In this park, later is better because it takes a while for the snow to melt away.

April in Grand Teton

April 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

• The Teton Park Road is closed to vehicles from the Taggart Lake Trailhead to the Signal Mountain Lodge. This road is usually plowed within the first week or two of April, after which time it is available for biking or walking.
• The Moose-Wilson Road is closed from the Granite Canyon Trailhead to the Death Canyon Junction. This 3-mile closure is open for walking, skiing, and snowshoeing until it reopens to cars in mid-May.
• Highway 89 (the outer park road) is open year-round, weather-permitting
• The Craig Thomas Visitor Center in Moose is open. All other visitor centers are closed.
• All campgrounds are closed.
• All lodges within the national park are closed, but numerous lodging options can be found in the nearby town of Jackson.
• Most snow activities are no longer available in April, but the park’s hiking trails will likely still be completely covered in snow. This will limit the activities that are available to you during your visit.
• The crowd levels are low.

May in Grand Teton

May 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

• The Teton Park Road opens to vehicles on May 1, conditions permitting.
• The Moose-Wilson Road typically reopens to vehicles sometime in mid-May.
• Highway 89 (the outer park road) is open year-round, weather-permitting
• The Craig Thomas Visitor Center in Moose is open for the entire month of May. The Jenny Lake Visitor Center and the Colter Bay Visitor Center open up in mid-May. All other visitor centers are closed.
• Several campgrounds open at the beginning or middle of May, though it’s still quite chilly at night!
• A few in-park lodges open in May.
• You’ll likely still encounter snow on many of the park’s hiking trails. This will limit the activities that are available to you during your visit.
• May is typically a great time to see wildlife in the park. Keep your eyes peeled for moose, bears, buffalo, pronghorn, and elk as you drive or hike!
• Ranger-led programs are available, especially as it gets closer to Memorial Day weekend.
• The crowd levels are moderate.

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 Teton

June 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

• All park roads are open.
• All visitor centers are open.
• All campgrounds are open.
• All lodges within the national park are open.
• You’ll likely still encounter snow on many of the park’s longer hiking trails (Paintbrush Canyon, Cascade Canyon, Death Canyon, the Teton Crest Trail, etc.). Most valley trails (Taggart Lake, Phelps Lake, Hidden Falls, etc.) should be snow-free.
• Ranger-led programs are available.
• The crowd levels are high.

July in Grand Teton

The 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

• All park roads are open.
• All visitor centers are open.
• All campgrounds are open.
• All lodges within the national park are open.
• You’ll likely still encounter snow on many of the park’s longer hiking trails (Paintbrush Canyon, Cascade Canyon, Death Canyon, the Teton Crest Trail, etc.) until mid-late July. If you plan on backpacking in the park, try to schedule your trip for the last half of the month if you can.
• The Fourth of July in the town of Jackson is amazing! Click here for details about the parade and fireworks.
• July is wildfire season in Grand Teton.  You may find air to be smoky from nearby fires, areas may be closed, or fire restrictions may be in place.
• Ranger-led programs are available.
• The crowd levels are extremely high.

August in Grand Teton

August 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

• All park roads are open.
• All visitor centers are open.
• All campgrounds are open.
• All lodges within the national park are open.
• Take advantage of the warmer nights by packing your tent and spending some time in the backcountry. It’s a great way to avoid all of the summer crowds and see a new part of the park!
• You shouldn’t encounter much snow on the park’s longer hiking trails (Paintbrush Canyon, Cascade Canyon, Death Canyon, the Teton Crest Trail, etc.) in August, but the Paintbrush Divide is notorious for still being snowy or icy this time of year.
• August is wildfire season in Grand Teton.  You may find air to be smoky from nearby fires, areas may be closed, or fire restrictions may be in place.
• Ranger-led programs are available.
• The crowd levels are extremely high.

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 Teton

Grand 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

• All park roads are open. weather-permitting.
• Most visitor centers are open, but with reduced hours.
• Most campgrounds are open.
• Most lodges within the national park are open.
• You shouldn’t encounter snow on the park’s longer hiking trails (Paintbrush Canyon, Cascade Canyon, Death Canyon, the Teton Crest Trail, etc.) in September, but new snow may fall this month — especially in the higher elevations. As you near the end of the month, snow in the park becomes more likely.
• Peak fall colors typically hit the Tetons around the third week of September.
• Ranger-led programs are available.
• The crowd levels are high, especially around Labor Day.

October in Grand Teton

It’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

• All park roads are open. weather-permitting.
• Most visitor centers are closed, but the Craig Thomas Visitor Center typically stays open through October.
• All campgrounds are closed by early-mid October.
• Most lodges within the national park are closed, but a few stay open until mid-October.
• Bring your coat — snow happens!
• The crowd levels are moderate.

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!

If you’re looking for everything you need to plan your amazing trip, click NEXT for the Ultimate Guide to Grand Teton.

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