Things to do in Grand Teton National Park in May

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Overview

May is a good time to visit Grand Teton National Park. The weather is usually cold, humid but cool, with temperatures ranging from 30—52°F (-1—11°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Grand Teton National Park during this time. Some of our top recommendations: go stargazing in May, go on a photography tour in May, go horseback riding in May, and more!

Grand Teton National Park has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your May trip to Grand Teton National Park. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to May. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Grand Teton National Park in May. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout May, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in Grand Teton National Park in May

Top experiences in May
Go stargazing in May
May offers clear night skies for stargazing in Grand Teton National Park. With the park's low light pollution, visitors can enjoy unobstructed views of the stars, planets, and constellations. Consider bringing a telescope or binoculars to enhance your stargazing experience. The park also hosts occasional astronomy programs and events, providing opportunities to learn more about the night sky from knowledgeable park rangers and astronomers. Whether you're a seasoned stargazer or new to astronomy, May offers a magical opportunity to marvel at the wonders of the universe from within the park.
Go on a photography tour in May
May is a great time for photography enthusiasts to capture the beauty of Grand Teton National Park. The park's landscapes come alive with vibrant colors as wildflowers bloom and the snow-capped peaks of the Teton Range provide a stunning backdrop. Consider joining a photography tour led by a professional photographer who can guide you to the best vantage points and provide tips for capturing the park's natural beauty. Whether you're shooting with a DSLR or a smartphone, May offers ample opportunities for capturing memorable images of the park.
Go horseback riding in May
May is a great time to explore Grand Teton National Park on horseback. The park offers guided horseback riding tours that allow visitors to experience the park's natural beauty from a different perspective. Whether you're a novice rider or an experienced equestrian, there are options for riders of all skill levels. Enjoy the tranquility of the park as you ride through meadows, forests, and along the base of the Teton Range, taking in the sights and sounds of the park in a unique and memorable way.
Go wildlife watching in May
May is a great time to spot a variety of wildlife in Grand Teton National Park. The animals are more active during this time as they come out of hibernation and the park is less crowded, making it easier to spot them. You may see bison, elk, moose, bears, and various bird species. Keep your distance and use binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
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Holidays in Grand Teton National Park in May
May
  • Cinco de Mayo (May 5)
  • Native American Day (May 10)
Other notable holidays

Weather in Grand Teton National Park in May

Temperatures on an average day in Grand Teton National Park in May

The average temperature in Grand Teton National Park in May for a typical day ranges from a high of 52°F (11°C) to a low of 30°F (-1°C). Some would describe it as cold, humid but cool.

For comparison, the hottest month in Grand Teton National Park, July, has days with highs of 74°F (23°C) and lows of 46°F (8°C). The coldest month, December has days with highs of 21°F (-6°C) and lows of 3°F (-16°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Grand Teton National Park in May based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in May
52°F
highs
30°F
lows

General weather summary

Cold, humid but cool
Feels like
40%
Chance of rain
0.147 in
Amount
9.8 mph
Wind speed
86%
Humidity
14.7 hrs
Daylight length
5:58 AM
Sunrise
8:40 PM
Sunset
41%
Cloud cover
Jacket
What to wear
What to wear in May
With an average high of 52°F (11°C) and a low of 30°F (-1°C), it generally feels cold, humid but cool. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something warm like a jacket
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Best attractions for Grand Teton National Park in May

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Grand Teton National Park has to offer for travelers in May, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Grand Teton National Park that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Grand Teton National Park for May.
Grand Teton
1. Grand Teton
4.9
(564)
Mountain peak
Nature & Parks
Mountain range peak standing 13,775 feet in a national park surrounded by hiking trails.
Jenny Lake Trail
2. Jenny Lake Trail
4.6
(11)
Nature & Parks
Hiking Trails
Moderate 7.1-mi. hiking trail around a lake, featuring sweeping water, forest & mountain views.
Triangle X Ranch - National Park Float Trips
3. Triangle X Ranch - National Park Float Trips
4.9
(469)
Sightseeing tour agency
Tours
Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center
4. Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center
4.7
(1486)
Visitor center
Forestry office
Grand Teton information hub offering natural history exhibits, a video, maps & a book & gift shop.
Grand Teton National Park
5. Grand Teton National Park
4.9
(20016)
National park
Sights & Landmarks
Tranquil spot with plenty of wildlife plus hiking, rafting & swimming among valleys & mountains.
Signal Mountain Summit Road
6. Signal Mountain Summit Road
4.7
(381)
Hiking area
Sights & Landmarks
7,720-ft. peak, accessible by a road or hiking trail, with Teton & Jackson Hole views from the top.
T.A. Moulton Barn
7. T.A. Moulton Barn
4.8
(584)
Historical place
Sights & Landmarks
Landmark, much-photographed wooden barn left over from an early-20th-century Mormon homestead.
Jackson Lake
8. Jackson Lake
4.8
(96)
Lake
Nature & Parks
15-mi. glacial lake offering a swimming beach & other activities such as fishing & boating.
Inspiration Point
9. Inspiration Point
4.8
(45)
Vista
Nature & Parks
Popular lakefront viewpoint accessible by a 2.2-mi. ascending hike or a boat across Jenny Lake.
Moose Wilson Rd
10. Moose Wilson Rd
Outdoor Activities
Scenic Drives
Chapel of the Transfiguration
11. Chapel of the Transfiguration
4.8
(334)
Episcopal church
Sights & Landmarks
Rustic 1925 log chapel with a well-known view of the Tetons' tallest peaks through its altar window.
Teton Park Rd
12. Teton Park Rd
Sights & Landmarks
Scenic Drives
21-mi. scenic drive, closed during the winter months, in Grand Teton National Park.
Cascade Cyn Trl
13. Cascade Cyn Trl
Nature & Parks
Hiking Trails
Schwabacher Landing
14. Schwabacher Landing
4.9
(1050)
Scenic spot
Sights & Landmarks
Snake River scenic area with views of jagged Teton peaks, which are often reflected in the water.
Bar J Chuckwagon Suppers
15. Bar J Chuckwagon Suppers
4.8
(1340)
Dinner theater
Concerts & Shows
Taggart Lake
16. Taggart Lake
4.9
(61)
Lake
Nature & Parks
Picturesque lake in Grand Teton National Park offering mountain views & nearby hiking trails.

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Grand Teton National Park?

Get inspired for your trip to Grand Teton National Park with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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