Weather Guide

What Is the Weather in Grand Teton National Park

The Teton Range makes its own weather. Sitting at roughly 6,800 feet on the valley floor with peaks pushing past 13,000, the park runs cooler, drier and far more volatile than most first-time visitors expect. This what is the weather in grand teton national park guide sets out the patterns that actually govern a day here.

8 min read Updated 2026-08-18 Fact-checked
What Is the Weather in Grand Teton National Park

Quick answer

Grand Teton National Park has a cold semi-arid mountain climate with dramatic daily swings — summer days often reach the 70s or 80s Fahrenheit while nights drop to the 30s or 40s, and winter lows regularly fall below zero. Convective afternoon thunderstorms are common from July through September, which is why the park's recommended arrival window of 05:00–08:00 delivers the calmest, clearest conditions.

Snow has fallen in Jackson Hole in every month of the year. That single fact reframes most of what visitors assume about a summer trip: the valley floor sits near 6,800 feet, the Teton Range rises abruptly to 13,775 feet at the Grand Teton summit with no foothills to soften the transition, and air masses forced upward over that wall cool fast. The result is a climate that behaves less like a season and more like a series of hours. Anyone asking what is the weather in grand teton national park is really asking about a diurnal cycle rather than a forecast number. Mornings are the stable part of the day. Cold air pools overnight across the sagebrush flats and along the Snake River, leaving still surfaces on Jenny Lake and Jackson Lake and negligible wind before the sun clears the Gros Ventre Range. That stillness is why balloon operators, wildlife photographers and climbers heading for Cascade Canyon all move in the same early window. By late morning solar heating begins driving convection up the east face of the range; by early afternoon, cumulus towers build over Mount Moran and the Cathedral Group. Between roughly July and September, those towers frequently mature into short, intense thunderstorms with lightning, gusting outflow winds and a sharp temperature drop. They usually clear by evening. Seasonally, the spread is severe. July and August bring the warmest, driest stretch, with daytime highs commonly in the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit and overnight lows in the 30s and 40s — a 40-degree swing is routine. September and October cool quickly and bring the first snow to the higher elevations. Winter is genuinely cold, with sub-zero lows, deep snowpack and long stretches of overcast. Spring is the least predictable stretch of the calendar, mixing meltwater, mud and late storms. Any Grand Teton weather forecast should be read as a ceiling, not a promise. The practical takeaway is scheduling. Weather-sensitive activities — flightseeing, summit attempts, long exposed hikes above treeline — belong in the first hours after sunrise, when conditions across the Wyoming national park landscape are at their most reliable. Understanding what is the weather in grand teton national park means understanding that the sky here has a schedule, and that visitors who work with it lose far fewer days than those who plan around the clock instead.

“The sky here has a schedule, and visitors who work with it lose far fewer days.”
Timing

Understanding What Is The Weather In Grand Teton National Park Across Seasons

The period from July through early September offers the most stable weather and full accessibility to high-elevation trails. This window provides the warmest temperatures, with valley highs typically reaching 70°F to 80°F, while minimizing the risk of late-spring or early-autumn snow closures.

Summer (July–August)

High volume

Highs 75°F–80°F, lows 40°F

Ideal for hiking and water activities as snow clears from mountain passes.

Autumn (September–October)

Moderate

Highs 50°F–70°F, lows 25°F–35°F

Temperatures drop significantly, and the first winter storms often arrive by late October.

Winter (November–March)

Low

Highs 20°F–35°F, lows 0°F–15°F

Heavy snowfall restricts access, though the landscape becomes quiet for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Spring (April–June)

Moderate

Highs 40°F–65°F, lows 20°F–35°F

Variable conditions prevail as the snowpack melts and trails remain muddy or snow-covered.

Verdict: For the best balance of moderate temperatures and accessible conditions, visit during the shoulder months of September or early July.

Checklist

Essential Gear For What Is The Weather In Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton sits between roughly 6,300 and 13,775 feet, where a calm 40°F dawn can turn into a windy afternoon thunderstorm, so pack for the swing rather than the forecast.

  • Pack a three-layer clothing system — A wicking base, insulating fleece and shell cover the full daily temperature swing.
  • Bring a windproof, waterproof outer shell — Afternoon thunderstorms and valley wind arrive fast and rarely announce themselves.
  • Add gloves, warm hat and buff — Pre-dawn temperatures near Jenny Lake and Jackson Hole often sit close to freezing, even in July.
  • Wear broken-in boots with tread — Trails stay muddy or snow-patched into early summer at higher elevations.
  • Carry sunglasses, SPF 30+ and lip balm — Thin air at this altitude burns skin faster than the mild temperature suggests.
  • Fill two litres of water — Dry mountain air dehydrates you quickly, and refill points are spread out.
  • Stow a headlamp and bear spray — Useful for the 05:00–08:00 arrival window when light is low and wildlife is active.
  • Check the forecast the night before — Conditions differ sharply between the valley floor and the canyons above it.
Directions

How To Navigate To The Park Despite What Is The Weather In Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is located in northwestern Wyoming, accessible primarily via U.S. Highways 26, 89, and 191. Weather significantly influences road access, particularly with seasonal closures of high-altitude mountain passes and the Teton Park Road, which typically closes to vehicles from November 1 to April 30.

Car Varies by origin

US-191/89/26 to Moose Junction

Car Varies by origin

US-191/89/26 to Moran Entrance

Car Varies by origin

Wyoming Highway 390 to Teton Village

For the best experience, plan your arrival between 05:00–08:00 to avoid peak crowds and maximize wildlife viewing opportunities in the early morning.
Prices

Entrance Fees For When You Visit Based On What Is The Weather In Grand Teton National Park

Entrance fees for Grand Teton National Park remain consistent regardless of the weather conditions or season. These fees are required for park access and support ongoing preservation efforts.

Standard Vehicle Pass Valid for 7 days
35 USD
Non-US Residents Additional surcharge may apply
35 USD
Entrance fees are waived for holders of valid America the Beautiful passes and on specific fee-free days designated by the National Park Service.

A standard vehicle pays 35 USD for a 7-day pass, though fees vary if you qualify for federal interagency passes.

Opening hours

Operational Hours Regardless Of What Is The Weather In Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park remains accessible throughout the week. While the park maintains consistent operating hours for general access, individual visitor centers and specific facilities may operate on different schedules.

Monday 00:00–23:59
Tuesday 00:00–23:59
Wednesday 00:00–23:59
Thursday 00:00–23:59
Friday 00:00–23:59
Saturday 00:00–23:59
Sunday 00:00–23:59
The park does not have a formal last-entry cutoff time for general access.
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Questions

Grand Teton Weather and Planning FAQ

Everything you need to know about what is the weather in grand teton national park

What is the weather in grand teton national park during summer?
Summer temperatures in the park typically feature warm days and significantly cooler nights. Visitors should expect fluctuating mountain conditions, as what is the weather in grand teton national park can change rapidly even during the warmest months.
How should I prepare for the climate in Grand Teton National Park?
Preparation is key, as the high elevation leads to intense sun and unpredictable storms. Checking current meteorological reports helps you understand what is the weather in grand teton national park before heading out on mountain trails.
What is the weather in grand teton national park like for early morning activities?
Early mornings are often crisp and cold, even in August. This time of day is ideal for photography and observing local fauna before the sun warms the valley floor.
Does the park have specific entrance fees I should know about?
The standard vehicle entrance fee is 35 USD, which covers access for 7 days. Non-US residents should be aware that additional surcharges may apply to their visit.
When is the best time to visit Grand Teton National Park?
The best arrival window is between 05:00 and 08:00 to avoid peak crowds and maximize wildlife viewing. This early start helps visitors navigate the park before midday heat or afternoon weather patterns arrive.
What is the weather in grand teton national park throughout the year?
Weather varies drastically by season, ranging from heavy winter snows to mild, dry summers. Because mountain ranges influence local conditions, keeping an eye on the forecast is essential for any itinerary.
Is there a recommended arrival window for visitors?
To avoid peak crowds and enjoy the best wildlife viewing, plan to arrive between 05:00 and 08:00. This early timeframe offers the most stable conditions before the daily mountain wind patterns shift.
What is the weather in grand teton national park for those planning outdoor excursions?
Conditions for excursions can be variable, so layering clothing is recommended regardless of the season. Always check official sources to confirm what is the weather in grand teton national park before finalizing your daily activity plans.
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