May Overview
- High temperature: 57°F (14°C)
- Low temperature: 29°F (-2°C)
- Hours daylight/sun: 9 hours
- Water temperature: 30°F (-1°C)
The weather in Grand Teton National Park in May is marked by the arrival of spring. Temperatures finally get more bearable with highs of a mild 57°F (14°C). Note though that these can still drop to freezing lows of 29°F (-2°C). The sun shines for 9 hours each day on average but it does get pretty wet with an average of 9 rainy days for the month. Good waterproofs are essential! The water temperatures of the lakes and rivers are still very cold or even freezing.
If you are prepared to get wet you will be rewarded with some better rates and emptier paths when visiting Grand Teton National Park at the beginning of May. By the end of the month it starts to get busier. Spring is definitely a fantastic time to watch nature awaken whilst taking in some of the most stunning landscapes during your hikes. One very exciting event is the park ranger led bird watching. There are some interesting exhibitions such as the American Indian Guest Artist at the Colter Bay Visitor Center. In Jackson Hole there is also the Old West Days held this month.
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
