Grand Teton Weather: Forecasts, Climate, and Current Conditions
Grand Teton has an uncompromising mountain climate: long, bitterly cold winters, short but bright summers, and snow can fall in any month of the year. Jackson Hole Valley, set at roughly 6,560 feet, magnifies temperature extremes. Plan for a wide range of conditions, head out early, and never assume that yesterday's weather tells you what to wear tomorrow.
Current readings are unavailable. See the seasonal averages farther down this page.
Open-Meteo readings · updating… · park time zone
Current Conditions at Grand Teton
Mountain weather can turn within hours in the Teton Range. Before heading to higher elevations, check conditions at the start of your outing. A clear morning can turn into a severe thunderstorm by 1 p.m., with temperatures dropping 18°F in an hour.
Grand Teton Forecasts (7 to 14 Days)
Beyond four or five days, mountain forecasts carry a high degree of uncertainty. Use them to plan your layers and your schedule, not to optimize every hour. The Teton Range rarely cooperates that neatly.
Grand Teton Climate Month by Month
At roughly 6,560 feet, the day-to-night temperature swing commonly reaches 27 to 36°F in every season. The figures below are approximate averages for the valley (Jackson Hole). The Teton Range peaks rise above 13,100 feet, where temperatures are much lower.
| Month | Low | High | Precipitation | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7°F | 27°F | ~20 mm | Bitter cold, deep snow |
| February | 10°F | 32°F | ~18 mm | Clear weather between storms |
| March | 18°F | 41°F | ~22 mm | Slow thaw, skiing still possible |
| April | 23°F | 50°F | ~28 mm | Alternating snow and rain |
| May | 34°F | 61°F | ~38 mm | Changeable spring weather, muddy trails |
| June | 41°F | 72°F | ~35 mm | Mild days, frequent showers |
| July | 48°F | 81°F | ~22 mm | Warm days, afternoon thunderstorms |
| August | 46°F | 79°F | ~23 mm | Peak summer, daily thunderstorm risk |
| September | 36°F | 70°F | ~22 mm | Golden fall, cold nights |
| October | 25°F | 54°F | ~25 mm | First snow at higher elevations |
| November | 16°F | 36°F | ~23 mm | Gradual closures |
| December | 9°F | 30°F | ~22 mm | Snow across the valley |
The Climate Season by Season
Winter (December to April)
Winter at Grand Teton doesn't mess around. Between storms, days often open under vivid blue skies and in absolute snow-blanketed silence. It's a guaranteed spectacle, but the cold bites. Valley nights regularly drop below 5°F. Teton Park Road generally closes from mid-November to early May. The only road that stays plowed is US-191 between Jackson and Moran Junction. Activities center on cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and watching bison move down into the valley to escape the snow-covered high country.
Spring (April to June)
This is the season of surprises, and not all of them are good. A 59°F day can be followed by a late snowstorm 48 hours later. April and May remain unpredictable. High-elevation trails are often snow-covered or waterlogged. June gradually warms up, wildflowers burst into bloom, and elk return to their summer range. Melting snow feeds the rivers, so some access points near the Snake River may be temporarily closed in June.
Summer (July and August)
These are the two busiest months, and for good reason. Mornings are bright, valley temperatures are comfortable (around 77°F), and every access road is open. But towering cumulus clouds form above the peaks almost every afternoon. Storms break quickly, bringing a serious risk of lightning on exposed ridges. The golden rule is to start early and get down from high elevations before 1 p.m. Hikers who linger put themselves in a potentially dangerous situation.
Fall (September to November)
September remains our team's favorite month. The aspens turn golden, elk enter the rut (bulls bugle at sunrise), the summer crowds have thinned, and daytime temperatures remain mild. October changes quickly. Nights freeze, the first snow covers the peaks by mid-month, and some services close. By November, winter has settled in for good.
Is Grand Teton Cold?
Yes, and colder than most U.S. national parks. Jackson Hole ranks among the coldest areas in the continental United States outside Alaska. The bowl-shaped valley traps cold air. Winter records hover around -40°F, which may sound extreme but isn't unusual. In summer, even during heat waves, nights remain cool (rarely below 41°F in the valley). Here's the answer to a common question: Grand Teton is indeed colder than Yellowstone in winter, in part because Jackson Hole traps cold air longer than the Yellowstone Plateau.
What to Wear at Grand Teton by Season
Winter and early spring (October to May): three-layer clothing is essential: a merino wool base layer, an insulating midlayer, and a waterproof, windproof shell. Bring a hat, gloves, and waterproof high-top shoes. On ridges, wind chill can make it feel like -13°F or colder.
Summer (June to August): a light fleece is essential in the morning, even under sunny skies. In the afternoon, bring sunglasses (UV levels are high at 6,560 feet and above), high-SPF sunscreen, and a light rain jacket in your backpack. High-elevation thunderstorms don't give you much warning.
Fall (September to October): temperatures can drop from 64°F at noon to 23°F by sunset. A light puffy jacket in your pack weighs almost nothing and can make all the difference.
In every season, avoid cotton. It absorbs moisture and doesn't dry, which can lead to hypothermia even in supposedly mild weather.
Weather Alerts and Conditions to Watch
The main summer threat is lightning. Stay below tree line before 1 p.m., avoid exposed ridges and lakes when storms threaten, and check the National Park Service weather bulletins produced with the National Weather Service (NWS) every morning on the official website before setting out.
In winter and spring, watch for avalanches on off-trail slopes, road closures (Teton Park Road, Moose-Wilson Road), and flooding on the Snake River and its tributaries during snowmelt.
During a severe weather alert, the park may close some access roads without notice. Check the official NPS website before every outing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best time to visit Wyoming in summer?
The best time to visit Wyoming in general, and Grand Teton in particular, is from mid-July through late August. Snow has melted from high-elevation trails, daytime temperatures are comfortable (around 77°F in the valley), and all park services are open. It's also the busiest time of year, so plan camping reservations ahead.
Is Grand Teton colder than Yellowstone?
Grand Teton is generally colder than Yellowstone in winter. Jackson Hole Valley, set at roughly 6,560 feet, traps cold air longer than the Yellowstone Plateau. Winter lows in Jackson regularly approach -22°F to -40°F, temperatures that are less common on the plateau.
When should you visit Grand Teton?
For weather alone, July and August offer the best balance of sunshine and access, while September draws visitors with golden fall color and elk in the rut. Our When to Visit Grand Teton page breaks down the benefits of each season for different types of travelers, week by week.
What's the weather like at Grand Teton right now?
In summer, the valley sees days around 77 to 81°F, with afternoon thunderstorms. In winter, nights regularly drop below 5°F. Mountain weather changes quickly, so check an up-to-date forecast the morning of your outing, whatever the season.
What should you wear to visit Grand Teton?
For a visit to Grand Teton, rely on layers made of synthetic fabric or wool in every season. In summer, a light fleece in the morning and a rain jacket in the afternoon are essential, even in fair weather (thunderstorms are frequent). In winter, thermal layers and waterproof high-top shoes are non-negotiable.