July Overview
- High temperature: 77°F (25°C)
- Low temperature: 41°F (5°C)
- Hours daylight/sun: 11 hours
- Water temperature: 60°F (0°C)
July is the warmest month in Grand Teton National Park with pleasant highs of 77°F (25°C). The sun shines for an incredible 11 hours each day and it is the least rainy month too with only 5 rainy days on average. But do bring a coat too as even now temperatures can drop to lows of 41°F (5°C). And the rivers and lakes do always remain cold with water temperatures of a max 60°F (16°C).
July is a fantastic time to visit Grand Teton National Park in order to have the full nature experience. The whole park is open and all the paths are accessible. The wildlife is simply incredible to explore and so are the views of the incredible landscape.
Best Time to Visit Grand Teton National Park
The best time to visit Grand Teton National Park is definitely summer. Especially in midsummer it gets beautifully warm during the day however, even in summer nights cool down a lot. Fall as well will provide you with some lovely sunny days but by then nights already get as cold as lows of 24°F (-5°C). It tends to be quite rainy, especially in spring. July is the least rainy month. Winters are incredibly cold with enormous amounts of snow. Ideal for cross country skiing, snowshoeing or skiing in Jackson Hole for example. Many roads are closed during that time.
Things to know about Grand Teton National Park
There are so many ways to explore Grand Teton National Park so you can choose transport methods other than purely by car.
Hiking and Mountain Climbing
200 miles of hiking paths lead through Grand Teton National Park and allow incredible views of the unique landscape with its spiky mountains.
From easy walks around Lake Jenny or Leigh to doable hikes up the high mountains or more strenuous hikes into the backcountry- everything is possible. All you need for your exploration, including topographic maps and tour guides, is provided in the visitor centers.
If you don’t fancy hiking around on your own, you will be able to join guided tours (including wildlife tours and photography tours) during the summer months. If you’re thinking of leaving the paths and hiking into the backcountry you will need to get a special permit from one of the visitor centers. Note that open fires aren’t allowed in the backcountry and that you need to also declare any sort of mountain climbing activity.
Wildlife Watching
The Grand Teton National Park is home to many different animals. These include herbivores such as elks and bisons but also grizzlies. Coyotes, Pumas, wolves and bats are just a few of the many mammals that live there too.
The bald eagle is the most impressive of all birds domestic to the park. In the wetlands you will find birds such as pelicans.
If you feel like observing the wildlife in more detail, a boat tour along the Snake River is highly recommended. In late fall, you might also be lucky enough to watch the Wapiti herds move to the National Elk Refuge for the winter months.
Boat Tours and Fishing
The Snake River can be explored by rafting, canoeing or kayaking. During the summer months there are diverse tour organizers offering guided rides. If you are planning to explore the lakes you must get prior permission.
Fishing is allowed in the diverse lakes and rivers but must also be done under prior licence which can be acquired in many places including supermarkets.
Swimming
Swimming is allowed in all the lakes in the national park, however, it’s only recommended for extremely tough swimmers as temperatures remain freezing even in summer. On Colter Bay you will find a designated beach including picnic facilities. In the Snake River, swimming is generally allowed but due to the hazards certainly wouldn’t be recommended.
Horseback Riding
In Grand Teton National Park you can enjoy shorter but also more extended rides. In Colter Bay, Jenny Lake and Jackson Lake you can rent horses. And guided rides are offered daily too.
Winter Sports
There is a lot of snow in Grand Teton National Park during the winter months. Besides cross country skiing and snowshoeing you might want to take a dog sleigh ride for a very special experience. And of course there is the nearby Jackson Hole ski resort.
Photography
The Grand Teton National Park is a popular destination for photographers due to its vast flora and fauna and of course the incredible views over the mountains. Great spots for superb shots include the Snake River Outlook, Schwabacher’s Landing and Oxhow Bend as well as the Moulton Barn.
Sights
Along the Rockefeller Parkways you will find several ‘not to miss’ viewing points. The Signal-Mountain-Viewing point is a must see too. From Teton Village you can take a cable car ride up into the mountains.
Definitely worth a visit is the Museum of Native Americans in the visitor center of Colter Bay. In the visitor center of Moose Village you can learn a lot about Jackson Hole, Mountain Men, Trapper and much more.
In Jackson you can experience some wild west and cowboy lifestyle from the old days. Take a stroll through town, take a drink in one of the rustic bars and listen to some great country music. Jackson is also a great starting point to explore the area from.
The National Elk Refuge was set up in 1912 to protect the wapitis as they used to die from starvation in the harsh winters. In over 10,000 hectares around 7,500 wapitis spend the winter months. There the animals are being fed and the whole project is financed from the sale of their antlers.
Visitor Centers
Visit the visitor centers in order to receive information, brochures or to get a license to boat or hike/climb in the backcountry. The Craig Thomas Discovery Center & Visitor Center near the park’s headquarters is open all year round. Most of the others are open from May until October. The main visitor centers are:
Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center
Jenny Lake Visitor Center
Colter Bay Visitor Center
Laurence S. Rockefeller Preserve Center
Jenny Lake Ranger Station
Flagg Ranch Information Station
