Grand Teton National Park Weather & Seasons
Since Grand Teton weather can be unpredictable at any time of year, it’s recommended that you are always prepared with a warm jacket, layers of clothing and rain gear. The heart of the summer typically spans from July through August with average temperatures of 70 to 80 in lower elevations. Fall is pleasant and quiet but be prepared for early winter weather. Winter months bring cold temperatures, often in the single digits with epic amounts of snow. Spring is unpredictable. Depending on the year, winter can drag on until June.
Summer
Dates: June - August
Weather: Summers often bring afternoon thundershowers, and lightning storms are common. The mild temperatures make it ideal for touring Grand Teton’s higher elevations. Average summer daytime temperatures range in the 70s with lows at night in the upper 30s and lower 40s.
Things to Do:
- Whitewater Rafting the Snake River
- Scenic Rafting
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Camping
- Horseback Riding
- Jackson Hole Rodeo
- Chuckwagon Dinner
- Town Square Shootout
- Jenny Lake Boat Rides
- Canoeing, Kayaking, Paddle Boarding on Leigh and String Lakes
Fall
Dates: September - October
Weather: Fall brings cold nights and sunny pleasant days, though you will find snowstorms increasing in frequency and intensity as winter approaches. Daytime temperatures in September are in the upper 60s, falling to the mid-50s by October and even lower (the upper 30s) by November. Nighttime lows are in the 30s in September, the 20s in October and the teens by November.
Things to Do:
- Horseback Riding
- Fishing
- Scenic Float
- Biking
- Hiking
- Wildlife Viewing
- National Museum of Wildlife Art and Jackson Hole History Museum
- Fall Arts Festival
- Jenny Lake Boat Rides
- Canoeing, Kayaking, Paddle Boarding on Leigh and String Lakes
- Hiking in Rockefeller Preserve
Winter
Dates: November - early April
Weather: Days are beautifully sunny (between the storms) and nights are extremely cold and frigid. Winter travel in Grand Teton will necessitate four-wheel drive or all-weather tires. Daytime temperatures average in the 20s during the winter months of December and January, warming to the 30s by February and reaching as high as 40 by March. Nights hover close to zero until March when it may only reach 11 degrees F.
Things to Do:
- Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Grand Targhee
- Snow Tubing at Snow King
- Snowmobiling
- Guided Snowshoeing Walk
- Cross Country Skiing
- Dog Sled Ride to Granite Hot Springs
- Guided Backcountry Skiing
- Elk Refuge Sleigh Ride
- Wildlife Viewing
Spring
Dates: April - May
Weather: Spring offers mild days with cool nights, but trails will be covered with snow until late May. Rain and even occasional snow is common. Temperatures during the spring begin to warm up in May, with the highs reaching in the low 60s; lows are usually in the 30s. By June the daytime highs get into the lower 70s for pleasant walking and hiking temperatures.
Things to Do:
Questions & Answers
The park opens for the year in mid-May and remains open through October. In the spring you can see new growth and the tail-end of the winter snowpack. In the summer, the entire park is open with unhindered access to all the backcountry has to offer. The fall, while sometimes chilly, is a beautiful time to come and view the changing foliage and witness the elk in rut. By November, the park closes the majority of the main road through the park, but leaves it open for biking for a short period before snowfall naturally preps the road as a cross-country ski surface. The limited access available through the winter months can still provide excellent opportunities for cross-country skiing, backcountry skiing, and snowshoeing.
You’ll want to bring requisite gear for the activities you plan on doing. Day hikers will need sturdy shoes, hiking pants or shorts, a breathable shirt, and a daypack with hydration, food, insect spray, first aid kit, bear spray, a jacket, and binoculars. Those planning on playing in lakes or rivers may want water shoes or river sandals and swimwear. Backpackers will need backpacking equipment like a tent, sleeping bag, pad, cooking utensils, approved bear boxes, and bear spray as well as enough food and water for their trip.
