Things to Do in Jackson Hole in June

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June in Jackson Hole is the month when the Teton Valley finally looks the way you imagined it. Snowfields still stripe the peaks above 3,000 metres (10,000 feet), the sagebrush flats below bloom with lupine and Indian paintbrush, and the sharp, resinous smell of sage hangs in the dry air all day. Daytime temperatures settle near 22°C (71°F), comfortable for 8-hour days on the trail. Nights in the Teton Valley cool sharply. The mercury falls toward 5°C (41°F) after sunset, and you will want real layers for any evening wildlife drive or outdoor dinner. This is high-altitude mountain West at 1,900 metres (6,200 feet), not beach season.

The valley sits at the opening of its high season in June, though it hasn't reached the full intensity of July and August. Most lower-elevation trails in Grand Teton National Park clear their snowpack by mid-month, Snake River rafting outfitters are running on swollen spring meltwater, and the town of Jackson has switched to summer hours. Restaurants in Wilson and downtown Jackson stay open later. The rodeo is running at the Teton County Fairgrounds, the nightly Town Square Shootout has resumed, and galleries along Cache Street are hanging new summer exhibitions. That said, you can still find same-week lodging in the town of Jackson on midweek dates, though weekends fill up well in advance.

The wildlife in Grand Teton is at its most active and visible this month. The Moose-Wilson Road corridor south of Teton Village is prime territory for large mammals in the early mornings. Grizzlies and black bears forage visibly in meadows near Pilgrim Creek and Willow Flats. Bison on Antelope Flats tend to stay close to the road through long June evenings, and the sound of rushing snowmelt creeks follows you along nearly every trail in the park. The sky stays light past 21:00, and civil twilight stretches toward 22:00 around the June 21 solstice.

Why visit in June

The year's longest days expand every outdoor itinerary. You can start a hike at 06:00 and return to the trailhead 14 hours later with light still in the sky, a margin no other month in Jackson Hole can match.
Peak whitewater on the Snake River. The canyon section south of Hoback Junction hits its strongest June flows, producing the season's best Class III conditions on rapids like Big Kahuna and Lunch Counter.
Grand Teton trailheads at Jenny Lake, Taggart Lake, and Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve draw noticeably lighter traffic than in July and August, with morning parking still available on most June days.
The annual salmonfly hatch on the Snake River begins in mid-June, producing the year's best dry-fly fishing window as native cutthroat trout rise aggressively to the surface.

Worth knowing

Overnight temperatures in the valley drop far enough to require serious layering for any evening activity. Visitors who pack only warm-weather clothing end up scrambling for fleeces in Jackson's outdoor shops.
Trails above 2,700 metres (9,000 feet), including Paintbrush Divide and Hurricane Pass, remain buried under snowpack through June and require ice axes and mountaineering experience to cross safely.
Mosquitoes emerge in force near lakes and wetlands by mid-June. The shores of String Lake, Leigh Lake, and the Willow Flats area are the worst stretches without DEET-based repellent.

Best for

Think twice if

Weather measured 22° / 5°C 29mm rain · 6 rainy days · 58% humidity rains perceptibly ~0.6h/day · 93% of mornings dry

Crowds high

Pack Dress in layers you can add and remove through the day. A base layer, hiking shirt, fleece midlayer, and a packable rain shell covers the full temperature swing from a cold 06:00 trailhead start to a warm 15:00 ridge and a chilly 20:00 return.

The Teton Valley's most comfortable weather window runs through June. Afternoons feel warm in direct sun but never oppressive, with low humidity and steady breezes off the mountains keeping the heat manageable. Mornings start cool enough for a fleece, especially near the river bottoms where cold air pools overnight. Expect about 6 days with some precipitation through the month, mostly as brief afternoon thundershowers that build over the Teton peaks by 14:00 and sweep east across the valley. Between storms, the dry air at altitude typically produces clear visibility extending across the park and into Idaho.

Seasonal caution

Afternoon thunderstorms develop quickly over the Teton Range, typically between 14:00 and 17:00. Lightning above treeline is a serious hazard on exposed ridges and summits. Descend below treeline or turn back if cumulonimbus clouds build.
Snow and ice linger on the highest trails well into July. Postholing through soft afternoon snow is a common cause of ankle injuries on passes above the tree line in June.
Nighttime temperatures at the higher trailheads regularly dip below 0°C (32°F). Hypothermia risk is real for hikers caught by rain at altitude without an insulating layer.

Year-round climate

Averages from the last 5 years.

Monthly climate averages for Jackson Hole
Month	Avg high (°C)	Avg low (°C)	Rainfall (mm)
Jan	-2	-13	61
Feb	0	-11	82
Mar	4	-9	75
Apr	8	-6	51
May	14	-1	59
Jun	22	5	29
Jul	27	10	13
Aug	25	9	49
Sep	21	5	48
Oct	13	-1	58
Nov	4	-7	55
Dec	1	-9	94

Holidays and festivals in June

Public holidays

Juneteenth National Independence Day(Juneteenth National Independence Day)18 June 2027

Best things to do in June

Whitewater rafting through the Snake River Canyon

outdoor

The 13-km (8-mile) canyon section between Hoback Junction and Alpine takes about 3 hours and passes through steep-walled narrows with rapids named Big Kahuna, Lunch Counter, and Rope. The water is cold, fast, and genuinely exciting at June levels.

Snowmelt runoff peaks in June, driving the Snake to its strongest flows and producing the season's best Class III rapids. By late July, water levels drop and the same stretches run tamer.

Booking tipBook guided trips at least 10 days ahead for June weekends. Most outfitters launch from the West Table Creek put-in south of Hoback Junction.

Hiking Cascade Canyon via Jenny Lake boat shuttle

hiking

The boat shuttle across Jenny Lake cuts 5.5 km (3.4 miles) off the round trip, landing you at the mouth of Cascade Canyon for a gradual climb through wildflower meadows with Teewinot Mountain and Mount Owen towering above. The full out-and-back to the canyon fork covers about 15 km (9.3 miles) with 330 metres (1,100 feet) of elevation gain.

The canyon floor typically clears of snow by early-to-mid June while wildflowers peak at this elevation. July brings larger crowds and longer boat shuttle queues.

Booking tipArrive at the Jenny Lake boat dock before 08:30 to minimize the queue.

Dawn wildlife drive on Moose-Wilson Road

wildlife

The 10-km (6-mile) partially gravel road between the Granite Canyon Trailhead and Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve passes through prime moose, bear, and elk habitat. Drive slowly with windows down, listening for branches cracking in the willows.

June is calving season for moose. Cows with newborns browse the willow thickets along this corridor, producing reliable sightings most mornings between 06:00 and 09:00.

Booking tipNo booking needed, but the NPS sometimes closes the road temporarily when animals are on the pavement. Enter from the south (Teton Village) end before 07:00.

Fly fishing the upper Snake River

outdoor

The upper Snake between Jackson Lake Dam and Moose Junction offers 40 km (25 miles) of prime fly-fishing water through one of the Rocky Mountain West's most prolific annual insect emergences. Native Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat trout are the target species.

The salmonfly and stonefly hatches peak in mid-to-late June, pulling cutthroat to the surface for dry-fly fishing at its most productive. Earlier months are too cold for strong surface activity.

Booking tipGuided wade or drift-boat trips fill quickly. Reserve a guide at least 3 weeks ahead for any June weekend.

Aerial Tram ride to Rendezvous Mountain summit

sightseeing

The 100-passenger tram at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort climbs 1,260 vertical metres (4,139 feet) from Teton Village to the 3,185-metre (10,450-foot) summit of Rendezvous Mountain in about 12 minutes. The view takes in the full Teton Range, the valley floor, and the Gros Ventre and Wind River ranges on clear days.

The tram opens for summer operations in late May or early June, and early-season visits see shorter lines than peak July and August. Residual snow on the summit adds visual contrast.

Booking tipArrive before 10:00 to avoid a 30-minute wait. Bring a warm layer for the summit, where temperatures can be 10 to 15°C cooler than the valley floor.

Visiting the National Museum of Wildlife Art

culture

Built into a hillside north of Jackson on US-191, this museum founded in 1987 holds over 5,000 works depicting North American wildlife. The collection spans Carl Rungius, John James Audubon, and Robert Bateman, and the building's Arizonan sandstone exterior was designed to recall ruined Scottish fortifications.

The summer exhibition rotation typically opens new shows in early June, and the outdoor sculpture trail benefits from the long daylight and wildflower bloom on the surrounding hillside.

Booking tipAllow at least 90 minutes for the galleries and the outdoor trail.

Scenic float trip on the upper Snake River

outdoor

Calm-water float trips between Deadman's Bar and Moose cover about 16 km (10 miles) in 3 hours, drifting past cottonwood-lined banks with unobstructed views of the entire Teton front. Bald eagles, osprey, moose, and beaver are regularly spotted from the rafts.

Higher June water levels make the float faster and the braided channels more interesting than in late summer. Sunset floats launching around 18:00 or 19:00 offer the best wildlife activity and photography light.

Booking tipSunset float trips are the most popular and book out first. Reserve at least a week ahead for June evening departures.

What to eat in June

On menus now

Snake River cutthroat trout
June's stonefly and salmonfly hatches make trout the seasonal centerpiece on restaurant menus across the valley. Pan-seared preparations with local herbs are the standard treatment in both Jackson and Wilson.
Grass-fed Wyoming bison
Ranches in the upper Snake River valley bring bison to peak condition on summer grasses by June. Available as steaks, burgers, and slow-cooked chili throughout the valley's restaurants.

What to drink

Seasonal ales from Snake River Brewing
Jackson's prominent brewpub on Millward Street releases summer-seasonal beers in June. The taproom sits a 2-minute walk from Town Square and pours a rotating selection alongside year-round standards.

In markets

Wild morel mushrooms
Foraged in post-fire zones and aspen groves across Bridger-Teton National Forest from late May through June. Local restaurants serve them sautéed in butter or folded into elk and bison dishes when available.
Rhubarb
Wyoming's short growing season puts rhubarb at peak harvest in June. It appears in pies, crumbles, and cocktail syrups at bakeries and bars across downtown Jackson.

Regular events in June

Jackson Hole Rodeo

The summer rodeo series at the Teton County Fairgrounds features bull riding, barrel racing, calf roping, and bronc busting beneath the Teton skyline. The atmosphere mixes genuine ranch-country competition with family-friendly entertainment.

Wednesday and Saturday evenings, late May through early September

Town Square ShootoutFree

A nightly mock-gunfight reenactment on the Town Square that has run as a Jackson tradition since the 1950s. Local actors stage a brief Old West drama lasting about 15 minutes, complete with blanks and stunt falls, drawing a large sidewalk crowd on warm evenings.

Nightly at 18:00, Memorial Day through Labor Day

Jackson Hole Farmers MarketFree

The Saturday farmers market on Town Square features local produce, baked goods, Wyoming-raised meats, and handmade crafts. Early-season stalls carry spring greens, rhubarb, and wildflower honey from Teton County apiaries.

Saturdays starting mid-to-late June through September

Gallery WalkFree

Downtown Jackson's commercial art galleries along Cache Street and Center Street hold coordinated evening openings with new exhibitions, artist receptions, and complimentary refreshments on summer Thursday evenings.

Thursday evenings through summer

Best places this June

Jenny Lake
lake
The centerpiece of Grand Teton's east side. In June, the water is still too cold for swimming, but the shoreline trail is open and morning reflections of Teewinot Mountain on the glass-smooth surface are sharpest before 08:00.
Grand Teton National Park
National Museum of Wildlife Art
museum
North of Jackson on US-191, the museum's terrace offers a sweeping view of the National Elk Refuge and the Gros Ventre Range behind it. In June, the refuge meadows are green and you might spot the few remaining elk that haven't migrated to higher summer range.
North Jackson
Chapel of the Transfiguration
historic site
An Episcopal log chapel built in 1925 near the Moose entrance to Grand Teton National Park. The altar window frames the Teton Range directly, and in June the surrounding meadow fills with wildflowers. Services run on summer Sunday mornings.
Moose
Schwabacher Landing
viewpoint
A short gravel road off US-89 leads to a beaver-pond complex on the Snake River where the Teton Range reflects in still water at dawn. Moose occasionally wade through the shallows on June mornings.
Grand Teton National Park
George Washington Memorial Park
park
Jackson's central green space, one block south of the elk-antler arches on Town Square. The park hosts summer concerts and serves as a shady midday stop between downtown exploring and trailhead drives.
Downtown Jackson
Jackson National Fish Hatchery
nature
A federal hatchery operating since 1950 that raises Snake River cutthroat trout for regional stocking. The outdoor raceways are open for free self-guided tours, and in June you can watch juvenile trout before their summer release runs.
North Jackson
String Lake
lake
A shallow lake beneath the Cathedral Group of the Tetons with a flat, family-friendly shoreline trail of about 6 km (3.7 miles). Kayakers and paddle-boarders appear on the water by late June as temperatures warm enough for brief, bracing immersion.
Grand Teton National Park

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Insulated midlayer (fleece or lightweight down)The gap between afternoon warmth and post-sunset cold is wider than most visitors expect. A packable down jacket compresses to almost nothing and covers the coldest morning starts and evening wildlife drives. Shop
Packable rain shellAfternoon thunderstorms build over the Teton peaks most June days. They rarely last more than 45 minutes, but you can be several kilometres from the trailhead when one hits. Shop
Bear sprayRequired for any trail in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Grizzlies and black bears are active in June along stream corridors and berry patches. Buy or rent a canister in Jackson, as it cannot be carried on commercial flights. Shop
SPF 50+ sunscreen and lip balm with SPFUV radiation in the Teton Valley runs 20 to 25 percent more intense than at sea level. Sunburn comes fast on exposed ridges, even on days with partial cloud cover. Shop
Waterproof hiking boots with ankle supportMany trails still have muddy stretches and creek crossings from snowmelt in June. Waterproof boots keep your feet dry on early-morning hikes when the ground is wettest. Shop
Binoculars (8x42 or 10x42)Wildlife in Grand Teton is often 50 to 200 metres from the road or trail. Without optics, a grizzly at 150 metres is a brown dot. With 10x magnification, the sighting becomes worth the stop. Shop
DEET-based insect repellentMosquitoes hatch near standing water and wetlands from mid-June onward. Essential for any lakeside or riverside stop in the park. Shop
Reusable water bottle (1 litre minimum)Dry mountain air and altitude dehydrate faster than lowland visitors expect. Refill stations exist at park visitor centers and some trailhead restrooms, but carry enough water for the gaps between them. Shop

Insider tips

Schwabacher Landing produces sharper Teton reflection photographs than the more famous Oxbow Bend, with a fraction of the tripod crowd. Arrive before 07:00 on a windless morning for the calmest water.
Wilson, a 10-minute drive west of Jackson on WY-22, has excellent restaurants with shorter waits and a more local feel than downtown's tourist-facing strip. Locals tend to eat there more often than in town.
The Teton Park Road loop from Moose Junction to Jenny Lake reads best driven south to north in the morning, when the Teton Range sits to your west and catches full sun on its east face for the strongest photography light.
If you're visiting both Grand Teton and Yellowstone, the south entrance via US-89/191 is about 50 minutes north of Jackson and significantly less congested than the west entrance at West Yellowstone, Montana, which draws the heaviest RV and tour-bus traffic.
Fill your gas tank in Jackson before entering Grand Teton. Park stations at Moose Junction, Colter Bay, and Jackson Lake Lodge sometimes run low on busy June weekends.

Avoid these mistakes

Packing only warm-weather clothing for a June trip. The daily temperature swing in the valley spans roughly 17°C (30°F), and visitors from sea-level cities are regularly caught off guard by how fast the air cools after sunset.
Attempting the highest Teton passes without checking current trail conditions on the park service website. Routes near the summit ridges that look passable from the valley often involve steep traverses through deep snow requiring mountaineering gear.
Planning a day trip from Jackson to Yellowstone's Old Faithful and expecting to see both parks. The drive takes 2 to 2.5 hours each way depending on traffic and wildlife stops in Hayden Valley, leaving almost no time for Grand Prismatic Spring or Norris Geyser Basin.
Approaching moose for close photographs. June's newborn calves make cow moose especially aggressive. The park service requires 23 metres (75 feet) of distance from moose, elk, and bison, and 90 metres (300 feet) from bears and wolves.

Practical tips for June

Book accommodation for June weekends at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance, especially in Teton Village and along the US-89 corridor between Jackson and the park entrance. Midweek arrivals are easier to find on shorter notice. The Grand Teton National Park entrance pass is valid for 7 days and also covers Yellowstone, so buy one pass for both parks. Stop at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center in Moose for current trail conditions, which change rapidly as snowmelt progresses through the month. Cell coverage works in the town of Jackson and at Teton Village but drops to zero across most of Grand Teton and Yellowstone backcountry, so download offline maps before heading into the parks. Jackson Hole rates 7.5 out of 10 for LGBTQ+ friendliness (sourced from TTDI's editorial rubric), and the town of Jackson itself leans progressive for Wyoming, with Pride events on the summer calendar. Dress in layers for evening dining, as many restaurants have patios that cool quickly after sunset. If you plan to rent a car, book it at Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) early. The small terminal has limited rental inventory, and June demand means popular vehicle categories sell out weeks before travel dates.

FAQ

Is June a good time to visit Jackson Hole?

June is one of the two strongest months of the year, rivaled only by September. You get the longest daylight of any month, peak wildflower season in Grand Teton National Park, and large-mammal wildlife viewing before the July and August crowds fully arrive. Nights are genuinely cold, but daytime conditions are close to ideal for hiking, rafting, and fishing.

What is the weather like in Jackson Hole in June?

Comfortable days and cool nights. Afternoon highs sit in the low 20s Celsius (low 70s Fahrenheit) and overnight lows hover in the low single digits Celsius (low 40s Fahrenheit). Humidity stays around 58 percent, and rain falls on roughly 6 days, typically as brief afternoon thundershowers that build over the mountains and pass within an hour. The air feels dry and the sun is strong at this elevation. Layers are essential for the daily swing.

Is Jackson Hole crowded in June?

More so than May, noticeably less than July and August. June marks the start of high season, and weekends bring regional visitors from surrounding states. Trailhead parking fills by mid-morning on Saturdays, and downtown Jackson gets busy around Town Square. Midweek visits in early-to-mid June feel considerably more relaxed, with shorter waits and emptier trails before 09:00.

Can you swim in the lakes in Grand Teton National Park in June?

String Lake, the shallowest major lake in the park, warms enough for a bracing swim by late June. The water is cold but tolerable on a warm afternoon. Jenny Lake and Leigh Lake remain frigidly cold through the month, fed directly by snowmelt, and are better suited to boating than swimming. Paddle-boarding and kayaking pick up on String Lake in the second half of June.

Are all hiking trails open in Grand Teton National Park in June?

Not all of them. Lower-elevation trails below about 2,400 metres (8,000 feet), including the Cascade Canyon, Taggart Lake, and Phelps Lake routes, typically clear of snow by mid-June. Higher routes above the tree line remain snow-covered and require mountaineering equipment well into July. The park service posts updated trail conditions online and at the Moose visitor center, and checking before every hike is worth the 5 minutes.