Grand Teton National Park is home to hundreds of breathtaking lakes, the Teton Mountains, and a stunning array of wildlife. Summer is the most popular time to visit Grand Teton National Park, but with proper preparation, winter sports enthusiasts can have just as much fun during the off-season.
Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone’s next-door neighbor, has hundreds of hiking trails, over a thousand campsites, plenty of recreation opportunities, and a variety of flora and fauna to admire year-round. Each season has its highlights, which can make it tough to settle on the right time to visit!
The best times of year to travel to Grand Teton National Park
The best time to travel to Grand Teton National Park depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for while you’re there. If you’re looking to enjoy the largest selection of activities the park has to offer, you’ll want to plan for a summer visit.
If you’re looking to enjoy sights with less sizable crowds while the weather’s still favorable, you might want to visit in fall or spring. If you’re a winter sports enthusiast who’s willing to plan ahead, winter can still be a great time to explore Grand Teton National Park.
Peak season: Mid-May to late September
The good: Favorable weather, most activities available
The bad: Crowded, highest rates
The weather: Temperatures from the low 30s to low 80s, frequent thunderstorms in late summer.
Mid-May into early fall is peak tourist season at Grand Teton National Park. The park has all kinds of roads and trails to explore—during peak season, you can even
, Wyoming, has a variety of both fine dining options and more affordable food options; while you’re there, you can take your obligatory tourist photo under the elk antler arches at George Washington Memorial park.
If you’re looking for a sky-high view of the area, consider taking a ride on the
can be expensive at several hundred dollars per night, but camping is a more affordable option. All campgrounds, including the RV park, are reservation-only and have varying amenities. Camping and lodging reservations fill up fast, so book them early!
Pro Tip If you’re planning to fly to visit the area, take note that the Jackson Hole Airport will be closed for renovations and reconstruction from April to late June in 2022.
Off-season: November to March
The good: Lowest rates, fewer crowds
The bad: Avalanche and hypothermia risks, fewer services available
The weather: Temperatures from 0 to mid-30s, frequent snowfall
Winter at Grand Teton National park isn’t for everyone, but if you’re a fan of snow, it can be just as thrilling as any other season—if not more so.
is a great time for winter recreation, from snowshoeing to cross-country skiing to downhill skiing to snowboarding to snowmobiling.
Licensed area businesses offer cross-country skiing and snowshoe tours throughout the season, and there’s also the Snowshoe with a Ranger program that’s offered from December through March.
Because winter is also avalanche season, and because many services and visitors centers in the park close for the season, winter visitors should know the risks and expect to be relatively self-sufficient during their time at the park.
Shoulder season: October, April to May
The good: Fewer crowds
The bad: Fewer activities than peak season
The weather: Low 20s to mid-60s, depending on the month
Fall and spring are Grand Teton National Park’s “shoulder seasons” between the high and low seasons. Although visiting during shoulder season also means fewer programs and activities to choose from compared to summer, visiting during these times can allow you to enjoy all the wildlife the park has to offer without having to navigate such large crowds.
as they prepare for winter. Spring offers the chance to enjoy some of the season’s first wildflowers before summer crowds arrive.
Pro Tip Because of Grand Teton National Park’s size, traversing the park by car is almost essential. If you won’t be taking your own car to the park, you might want to consider renting one.
The cheapest time to travel to Grand Teton National Park
Winter is the cheapest time to visit Grand Teton National Park, but it’s also when most roads, trails, and area services close for the season. Still, it can be a great time to enjoy winter sports, but preparation and planning are essential to doing so safely.
If you’re looking for fairer weather but still want to beat those peak-season crowds, you might want to plan your visit for fall or spring. However, while rates might not be as high as peak season, they can still be somewhat expensive.
Find the best month for your visit to Grand Teton National Park
Ready to narrow down the right time to visit Grand Teton National Park? Check out the table below to find the ideal time for your trip based on the adventures you’re hoping to have.
Activity
Best month to visit
Why?
Jenny Lake
May to October
Jenny Lake is a crowd favorite at the park. Visitors can enjoy hiking on surrounding trails or take a ride across the lake on the
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What is the worst time to travel to Grand Teton National Park?
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While there’s not exactly a wrong time to visit Grand Teton National Park, the most challenging season to visit is winter due to weather conditions and seasonal closures of roads, trails, and services.
When is avalanche season in Grand Teton National Park?
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The winter season carries the greatest risk of avalanches, which is one of the reasons it’s important to plan your visit ahead of time in winter.
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