Grand Teton in May: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
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May is one of the best months of the year to visit Grand Teton National Park: crowds run 42% of the July peak (305,741 average visits). Weather: highs average 56°F and lows 31°F, with 2.4″ of precipitation and 14.7 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
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Bring for Grand Teton in May
- Insulated jacket, beanie and glovesSee it on AmazonWhy: nights average 31°F, below freezing.
- Packable rain jacketSee it on AmazonWhy: 2.4″ of precipitation is normal this month.
- Bear spraySee it on AmazonWhy: recommended by the park in grizzly country (check current park regulations before you carry).
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Grand Teton in May: what the park service says
May is Grand Teton's opening month. The Teton Park Road opens to cars on May 1, and in 2026 the Jenny Lake Visitor Center opened May 15 and Colter Bay's on May 8, after Craig Thomas in Moose (from April 10). Campgrounds open one by one: Jenny Lake from May 2, Signal Mountain May 8 and Colter Bay May 21, with Lizard Creek and Headwaters waiting until June. Expect closures on the Moose-Wilson Road between the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve junction and Moose.
Source: NPS, checked 2026-11-05.
Crowds in May
Grand Teton averages 305,741 recreation visits in May — 42% of what July, the peak month, draws. That crowd level sets the tone for parking, permits and lodging.
Weather & daylight
Daytime stays cool (highs average 56°F), and nights drop below freezing (lows average 31°F). Average precipitation is 2.4″ for the month. Mid-month daylight runs 14.7 hours.
NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station MORAN 5WNW, WY US (6 mi from park coordinates, 6,805 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of May.
What to pack for Grand Teton in May
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 31°F, below freezing
- Packable rain jacket — 2.4″ of precipitation is normal this month
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
- Bear spray — recommended by the park in grizzly country (check current park regulations before you carry)
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Also at their best in May
Other parks whose computed May verdict is a best window — same NPS × NOAA formula:
- Lake Clark in May — 7% of peak crowds, highs 59°F, score 96/100
- North Cascades in May — 11% of peak crowds, highs 69°F, score 96/100
- Katmai in May — 1% of peak crowds, highs 52°F, score 95/100
- Gates of the Arctic in May — 12% of peak crowds, highs 56°F, score 94/100
Common questions
Is Grand Teton crowded in May?
Moderately: May runs 42% of the July peak, averaging 305,741 visits (NPS, 2021–2025). See every month at Grand Teton.
What is the weather like in Grand Teton in May?
Average highs of 56°F, lows of 31°F, 2.4″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, MORAN 5WNW, WY US station). Compare it with other national parks in May.
What should I pack for Grand Teton in May?
Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves; Packable rain jacket; Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — the full weather-computed list is on this page. Going in June instead? Grand Teton in June has its own list.
See also: the best national parks to visit in May · Last verified 2026-09-24