Grand Teton National Park sits beneath dramatic mountain peaks, surrounded by pristine wilderness. The weather here? Honestly, it’s some of the most unpredictable weather you’ll find anywhere in the American West. Temperatures can swing by 40 degrees in a single day. Snow sometimes falls as early as October or sticks around until late May. Timing your visit really matters.
If you want the best weather, aim for mid-September after Labor Day. Temperatures feel comfortable, roads stay open, and the dramatic temperature swings from summer start to mellow out. Daytime highs usually hit the low 60s. Crisp mornings and golden aspen leaves set up some seriously stunning scenery against the Tetons.
Weather in this high-altitude spot shapes everything—road access, wildlife behavior, campground openings, and which activities you can actually enjoy. If you understand these seasonal variations, you can pick accommodations that stay open when you want to visit, plan your adventures around the weather, and even hop over to Yellowstone for a bonus trip.
Understanding Grand Teton National Park’s Weather Patterns
Grand Teton’s mountain climate brings wild weather changes all year. Temperatures swing from 6°F in winter up to 80°F in summer. Wet and dry seasons come and go, and they decide which roads you can drive, which trails you can hike, and what you can do outside.
Seasonal Climate Overview
You get four classic seasons here, just with a mountain twist. Summer (June-August) brings warm, dry days—think 70-80°F—with cool nights dipping to 40-50°F.
Spring (April-May) is all over the place. Daytime temps hit 50-65°F, but nights can drop to 25-40°F. You’ll see snow, rain, and sunshine, sometimes in the same afternoon.
Fall (September-October) usually brings the steadiest weather. Days hover between 60-70°F, and nights get chilly at 30-45°F. It doesn’t rain much compared to spring.
Winter (November-March) turns the park into a snowy wonderland. Highs rarely top 30°F, and the park can get over 400 inches of snow. Most roads close except the southern entrance.
Temperature Variations Throughout the Year
Temperatures in Grand Teton swing wildly, thanks to elevation and mountain weather. July feels hottest, with average highs at 79°F. January gets the coldest, often dipping below 10°F.
Elevation really matters. For every 1,000 feet you climb, expect temps to drop 3-5 degrees. Trails above 8,000 feet usually keep their snow until July.
Daily temperature swings can go over 40 degrees, especially in spring and fall. You might enjoy a 70°F afternoon, only to shiver through a near-freezing night.
The growing season runs from late May to early September. Frost can show up any month at higher elevations, so you need to pack layers if you’re heading into the backcountry.
Typical Precipitation and Storm Patterns
Most of Grand Teton’s precipitation falls as winter snow. Summer brings little rain—just 1.5-2.5 inches each month from June through August.
Afternoon thunderstorms pop up a lot in summer. They usually roll in between 2-5 PM, bringing lightning, hail, and heavy rain. Mornings tend to be calmer.
Spring brings wild weather, with snow, rain, and clear skies trading places fast. April and May can dump enough snow to mess with trail and road access.
Winter storms sometimes bring several feet of snow in just a day or two. These storms often shut down Teton Park Road and make driving tricky on the roads that stay open.
Weather Impacts on Visibility and Scenery
Clear weather means the best mountain views and photos. Fall usually offers the most clear days and sharp visibility.
Morning fog loves to settle over Jackson Lake and the Snake River during summer. It usually burns off by mid-morning, showing off those famous mountain reflections.
Storms can hide the peaks for days. But when storms clear, you might catch the most dramatic light and even a rainbow if you’re lucky.
Winter cuts visibility but creates a whole new world for photographers. Snow-capped peaks and frozen lakes look incredible if you come prepared.
Wind makes a difference all year. Summer winds can kick up dust, and winter gusts bring dangerous wind chills. Both can mess with your view or even your safety.
Month-by-Month Breakdown: When is the Best Time to Visit?
Grand Teton’s seasonal patterns mean every month feels different. Spring warms up slowly and access stays limited. Summer opens up the whole park. Early autumn? Fewer people and ideal conditions. By winter, the landscape transforms into a snow-covered world.
Visiting in Spring: April to May
If you visit in spring, you’ll need to plan around unpredictable weather. April highs reach the upper 40s, but nights can drop into the 20s.
Snow still falls in April, averaging about 10 inches. Most park facilities stay closed early in the season.
May feels a bit friendlier for visitors who want warmth. Highs reach 61°F, but nights still get cold—down to 31°F.
Most campgrounds open in mid-May. You can usually stay at Jenny Lake or Signal Mountain by then. The Teton Park Road usually opens by late May if the weather cooperates.
Wildlife becomes more active in late May. Bears start waking up, and migratory birds return.
If you’re coming in spring, bring layers and waterproof gear. May brings about 2 inches of rain, and higher elevations can still get snow.
Summertime Advantages: June to August
Summer gives you the best access to everything in Grand Teton. All campgrounds open up during these months.
June feels pleasant, with highs around 71°F and lows at 37°F. It’s great for hiking before the real summer heat sets in.
July and August are the warmest. July peaks at 81°F, August cools slightly to 79°F. Nights stay comfy in the low 40s.
Every park road stays open in summer, including the Jenny Lake Loop. You can reach every trail and facility, no problem.
Crowds surge in July and August. You’ll want campground reservations, and popular trails can get packed.
Thunderstorms hit most afternoons in summer. Rain usually comes in short, intense bursts—1.2 to 1.7 inches a month.
Early Autumn Highlights: September to October
September brings awesome weather and smaller crowds. Highs average 69°F, and lows drop to 32°F.
Roads and campgrounds stay open through September. Most facilities run normally until early October.
October changes things fast. Highs fall to 56°F, and nights get cold—around 23°F.
Fall colors peak late September into early October. Aspen trees go gold, making for incredible photos with the mountains behind them.
Wildlife gets busy in autumn. Elk start their rut, filling the valley with their bugling calls.
Snow becomes more common in October, with around 5 inches falling. You’ll want to prep for winter conditions, especially up high.
Winter Conditions: November to March
Winter covers Grand Teton in deep snow, so you’ll need special gear and some know-how. The Teton Park Road closes from Taggart Lake Trailhead to Signal Mountain Lodge starting November 1st.
All campgrounds shut down by November 1st. You can’t stay inside the park, so most people book a place in nearby Jackson.
December to February brings the most snow. January alone averages over 40 inches, and temps can drop below zero.
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing take over as the main activities. Park staff groom the closed Teton Park Road for winter sports by mid-December.
March starts the slow shift to spring. Road grooming ends mid-month as crews start prepping for snow removal.
Highway 89 stays open all year, weather permitting. You can still reach some park areas and see wildlife if you don’t mind braving the cold.
How Weather Affects Park Accessibility and Activities
Weather pretty much decides which roads you can drive, which trails you can hike, and when you can get on the water. Snow closures sometimes last from October through June in the mountains. Summer weather opens up everything for adventure.
Road Openings and Closures
Grand Teton’s roads close and open with the seasons, thanks to heavy snowfall and rough winters. The park gets about 200 inches of snow each year, so access is a real challenge.
Teton Park Road closes to vehicles from November until late April or early May. When that happens, it turns into a haven for cross-country skiers and snowshoers.
Signal Mountain Summit Road closes the longest. Snow can keep it shut until June, making it the last road to open every year.
Most roads start opening in May, but it really depends on the weather. Late spring snowstorms sometimes delay openings. Maintenance crews work hard to clear snow and fix winter damage before letting cars in.
Some roads stay partly open in winter. Main entrance roads usually remain accessible, though you might need chains or four-wheel drive during storms.
Hiking and Trail Availability
Trail conditions change a lot with the seasons, so hiking options vary. Snow covers most trails from November through April, so winter hiking sticks to lower elevations.
Spring hiking can be tough. Melting snow and muddy trails keep many routes closed in April and May. The mix of thawing snow and spring rain makes some trails unsafe or just plain impassable.
June through September gives you the best trail access. High-elevation trails finally lose their snow, and the whole network opens up. Favorites like Jenny Lake Trail and Taggart Lake become easy to reach.
Fall hiking stays good through September and early October. Trails stay open until the first big snow, usually in mid or late October.
Weather can flip fast at high elevations. Even in summer, visitors should pack for sudden cold snaps and afternoon thunderstorms, especially on exposed trails.
Water Activities and Lake Access
Water adventures depend on seasonal weather and ice. Jackson Lake and other big lakes freeze over in winter, so boating’s out from November through April.
Ice starts breaking up in May, but boat launches and marinas usually wait until late May or June to open. Cold water and unpredictable spring weather can push the boating season later.
Peak water season runs June through September. Boat launches work at full speed, and water temps finally get bearable. Rafting on the Snake River hits its stride in summer.
Fall keeps water activities going through September and sometimes into early October. Air temps cool off, but lakes stay ice-free.
Weather really matters for water safety. Summer storms can whip up dangerous conditions on lakes like Jackson. Mornings usually bring the calmest water for boating or fishing.
Wildlife Viewing and Safety Considerations by Season
Wildlife activity in Grand Teton changes a lot each season. The best viewing happens during certain months. Bear safety is always a must from spring through fall—bring bear spray and know how to use it.
Best Months for Wildlife Encounters
May through September brings peak wildlife action. Animals come out of hiding and look for food, making them easier to spot.
Early morning and late evening are your best bets for sightings. Most animals prefer these cooler hours.
June and July are especially active. Elk, moose, and deer often hang out in meadows or near water.
August and September let you watch animals prepping for winter. Bears get busy fattening up before hibernation.
Winter months make wildlife viewing tough. Many animals head to lower elevations or hibernate, so you won’t see much.
Bear Activity and Bear Spray Essentials
Black bears and grizzlies stay active from April to October. They’re busiest in late spring and early fall as they hunt for food.
Bear spray is a must for hikers and campers. Keep it handy—on your belt or backpack strap, not buried in your bag.
July through September brings the highest risk for bear encounters. Bears love berry season and salmon runs in nearby areas.
Bring bear spray with 1.0 to 2.0 percent capsaicin. It should reach at least 25 feet and last for six seconds.
Store your food carefully during peak bear months. Use bear-proof containers or lockers for all food, toiletries, and anything with a scent.
Seasonal Migratory Patterns
Spring migration kicks off in March and April. Elk and deer start heading back from their winter ranges, and you’ll see big herds moving through valleys and lower elevations.
Bird migration really ramps up in May and September. It’s wild—over 300 bird species pass through the park during these windows.
Fall elk migration gets going in September and usually lasts through October. Bulls act pretty aggressive during rutting season, so visitors need to keep their distance.
Moose stick around year-round but you’ll spot them most often in summer near lakes and wetlands. They get more aggressive during their fall mating season, especially in September and October.
Bighorn sheep climb to higher elevations for the summer. If you want to see them, check out rocky slopes and cliffs between June and August.
Choosing the Right Campgrounds and Accommodations for Each Season
Grand Teton’s campgrounds all have their own schedules. Most shut down in winter, and weather really affects which amenities you’ll find open.
Campground Availability by Month
Summer Season (June-September)
All five main campgrounds open up during the busy summer months. Gros Ventre Campground stays open the longest, usually from early May through mid-October.
Jenny Lake Campground opens in mid-May and shuts down in late September. Signal Mountain Campground follows a similar pattern.
Spring and Fall Operations
Colter Bay Campground runs from late May through September. Lizard Creek Campground has the shortest season, opening in mid-June and closing by early September.
Winter Closures
All park campgrounds close for winter. Snow piles up fast, making access impossible, and they shut down water systems to keep pipes from freezing.
If you visit in winter, you’ll need to stay in Jackson or nearby towns. Most park lodges also close from November through April.
Amenities and Facilities in Different Weather
Cold Weather Limitations
When temps drop below freezing, campgrounds shut off water spigots. Restrooms might not have running water or could be closed during the shoulder seasons.
Dump stations usually close before the campsites themselves. RV campers should expect limited hookups during spring and fall.
Summer Full Services
Everything’s running in summer. You’ll get hot showers, laundry, and camp stores at the main campgrounds.
Spring Preparations
Early season campers should bring extra water. Don’t count on every facility being open until late May or even June.
Campfire restrictions often pop up when it’s dry. Always check fire rules before planning to cook outside.
Tips for a Comfortable Stay
Cold Weather Camping
A four-season tent makes a huge difference for spring and fall camping. Nighttime temps can drop below freezing—even in July sometimes.
Pick a sleeping bag rated for at least 10-15 degrees colder than you expect. Down insulation works best if it’s dry.
Reservation Strategy
Book summer campsites as early as you can, up to five months out. Jenny Lake fills up almost instantly during peak times.
Gros Ventre has first-come, first-served sites if you need a backup. Show up early in the morning for your best shot at a spot.
Weather Preparation
Pack layers because the temperature swings a lot during the day. Mountain weather can flip from sunny to stormy in no time.
Waterproof gear is a must for those sudden summer thunderstorms. At higher elevations, rain can turn to snow—even in July.
Combining Grand Teton with Nearby Destinations
Most folks pair Grand Teton with Yellowstone National Park since they’re right next to each other and share similar weather. The John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway connects them directly, making travel between the parks pretty straightforward in the main season.
Visiting Both Grand Teton and Yellowstone
Grand Teton and Yellowstone are one of the most popular park combos in the country. Grand Teton sits just south of Yellowstone, so it’s easy to see both.
Both parks hit their peak season from June through September. That’s when you’ll find all the attractions, lodging, and services open.
Shared seasonal patterns include:
- Snow-free roads from late May through October
- Best wildlife viewing in summer and fall
- Similar temperatures and weather
- Matching park service schedules
You’ll want about 5-7 days to get a good look at both parks. Most people spend 2-3 days in Grand Teton and 3-4 in Yellowstone.
Since they’re so close, lots of travelers book a place in one spot and day-trip to the other. Jackson, Wyoming is a super popular base for both parks.
Travel Routes and Connecting Roads
The John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway connects Grand Teton and Yellowstone. This scenic stretch is about 8 miles and stays open to regular vehicles from late April through early November.
Winter shuts down this road from November through April. If it’s closed, you’ll have to drive around through Idaho or Montana to get between the parks.
Key travel considerations:
- Drive time between parks: usually 30-45 minutes via the parkway
- Alternative winter route: 4-5 hours through Idaho Falls
- Road conditions can change fast in spring and fall
The parkway gives you amazing mountain views and chances to spot wildlife. People often see elk, deer, and sometimes even bears along the way.
Gas stations and services are pretty limited on this route. Make sure to fill up in Jackson or at Yellowstone before you hit the road.
Differences in Weather Between Parks
Both parks go through similar seasons, but elevation really shakes things up. Yellowstone sits higher up, so it’s colder and gets more snow.
Temperature differences usually fall between 5 and 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Yellowstone’s interior actually gets a lot more snowfall than the valley floor over in Grand Teton.
| Location | Average July High | Average January Low | Annual Snowfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Teton Valley | 78°F | 2°F | 16-25 feet |
| Yellowstone Interior | 70°F | -5°F | 20-30 feet |
Spring shows up sooner down in Grand Teton’s lower areas. Usually, the main roads there open two or three weeks before Yellowstone decides to let folks in.
Both parks get their first snow around mid-October. If you’re wondering, Yellowstone’s higher spots can see flakes a few weeks ahead of Grand Teton.
Honestly, it’s smart to pack layers for either place. Mountain weather shifts fast, and you might run into totally different conditions in each park, even if it’s the same day.