Things to Do in Jackson Hole in May

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May in Jackson Hole is mud season, the quiet gap between ski crowds and summer visitors when the valley largely belongs to wildlife and a handful of locals. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort shuts its lifts in early April, and the main summer trails in Grand Teton National Park remain snowbound above 2,400 m (7,900 ft) for most of the month. Daytime temperatures reach about 14°C (56°F), pleasant enough in direct sun, but mornings regularly start below freezing at -1°C (30°F). Teton Village goes quiet, and several restaurants on the Town Square operate on reduced schedules. The park's lower roads begin reopening through May, but most backcountry routes stay closed well into June.

That said, May in the Teton Valley has something no other month can match. Grizzly bears and black bears are out of hibernation and actively foraging in the sagebrush flats below the Tetons. Moose calves start appearing in the willows along the Snake River. The last of the elk herd at the National Elk Refuge begins its northward migration toward Yellowstone. For anyone with binoculars and patience, this is likely the best wildlife month of the year in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

The month ends with a pair of events worth planning around. ElkFest on the third Saturday brings the Boy Scouts' annual elk antler auction to the Town Square, and Old West Days follows over Memorial Day weekend with a parade down Cache Street. That final weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, and the town wakes up noticeably.

Why visit in May

Wildlife viewing is at its annual peak, with bears, moose, bison, and the last migrating elk visible at low elevations without competing for space at roadside pullouts.
Accommodation rates drop to their lowest point of the year during early-to-mid May, typically 40-50% below the winter ski-season peak.
ElkFest and Old West Days over Memorial Day weekend give the end of the month a distinct cultural anchor that no other shoulder period offers.
The Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) sits inside Grand Teton National Park, and May's empty roads make the drive from the terminal to Moose Junction one of the most scenic and uncrowded airport transfers in the country.
Spring runoff on the Snake River creates strong flows for early-season float trips and scenic rafting through the canyon south of Hoback Junction.

Worth knowing

Most hiking trails above 2,100 m (6,900 ft) are snowbound or dangerously muddy, limiting options to lower-elevation routes like Flat Creek and the Cache Creek trailhead near town.
Teton Village operates on skeleton hours between ski season and Memorial Day, with several shops and restaurants closed entirely.
Weather swings of 15°C (27°F) between afternoon and predawn are common, and late-season snowstorms hit the valley floor about once or twice during the month.
Yellowstone's south entrance from Jackson typically doesn't open until the second or third week of May, limiting the most popular day trip for visitors arriving earlier in the month.

Best for

Think twice if

Weather measured 14° / -1°C 59mm rain · 12 rainy days · 65% humidity rains perceptibly ~1.3h/day · 86% of mornings dry

Crowds low

Pack Dress in layers for a wide daily temperature swing. A merino base layer, an insulating fleece, and a waterproof shell cover most conditions. Bring warm gloves and a beanie for early mornings. Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support are essential for muddy, uneven trail surfaces.

May in the Teton Valley feels like two seasons packed into a single day. Predawn frost coats the sagebrush, and puddles along the Moose-Wilson corridor crackle with thin ice. By early afternoon, direct sun warms exposed skin fast at 1,900 m (6,200 ft) elevation. Rain showers tend to roll through in short afternoon bursts, occasionally mixing with wet snow above the valley floor. The air feels crisp rather than damp, and shade stays noticeably chilly even at midday. Wind picks up along the Snake River corridor most afternoons, bringing a bite that the thermometer alone does not convey.

Seasonal caution

Overnight temperatures regularly fall below 0°C (32°F), and late-season snowstorms can drop 10-15 cm (4-6 in) on the valley floor as late as the third week of May.
UV intensity at Jackson Hole's base elevation is roughly 25% stronger than at sea level. Sunburn happens fast even on cool, overcast days, especially with reflective snow still on the peaks.
Spring snowmelt makes creek crossings on lower trails unpredictable. Water levels peak in late May, and crossings that were dry in April can run knee-deep.

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 May

Public holidays

Truman Day(Truman Day)8 May 2027
Memorial Day(Memorial Day)31 May 2027

Headline events

Citywide Free

ElkFest and Antler Auction

Third Saturday of May

The Boy Scouts of America auction thousands of kilograms of naturally shed elk antlers collected from the National Elk Refuge on the Town Square at George Washington Memorial Park. Bidders include antler-art buyers, supplement manufacturers, and collectors from across the western states. The surrounding festival features live music, food vendors, and wildlife exhibits. It has run continuously since the 1960s and remains the only event of its kind in the United States.

#ElkFest

Best things to do in May

Dawn wildlife safari along Antelope Flats Road

wildlife

Drive or walk the dirt road east of Moose Junction at first light to spot bison herds with new calves, pronghorn returning from winter range, and occasionally a grizzly foraging in the open sage. The Moulton Barns, two weathered homestead structures from the early 1900s, sit along this route with the Teton range as backdrop.

Spring calving season peaks in May, and the combination of low visitor numbers and active wildlife at low elevations creates some of the year's best unobstructed viewing.

Booking tipNo booking needed. Arrive within 30 minutes of sunrise for the best activity. Bring a telephoto lens and maintain required distances from all wildlife per National Park Service regulations.

Scenic float on the Snake River

outdoor

The 26 km (16 mi) stretch of the Snake River between Deadman's Bar and Moose Landing runs calm enough for scenic floats in May, with spring runoff adding speed without the aggressive whitewater intensity that builds in June. The river corridor passes through cottonwood galleries where bald eagles, ospreys, and great blue herons nest.

Spring snowmelt raises water levels enough for a brisk, scenic float without the full-force rapids of peak June runoff. Fewer boats are on the river than at any point during summer.

Booking tipFloat-trip operators in Moose and Wilson begin May schedules around the second week. Wetsuits or dry suits are usually provided given water temperatures near 4°C (39°F).

Visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art

cultural

This museum, founded in 1987 and built into a hillside overlooking the National Elk Refuge, holds over 5,000 works depicting North American wildlife, from Carl Rungius oil paintings to contemporary bronze sculpture. The building's sandstone exterior blends into the surrounding terrain so effectively that first-time visitors sometimes drive past it.

May's limited trail access makes the museum a perfect half-day destination. The views from the terrace over the elk refuge align with the last weeks of the elk migration north toward Yellowstone.

Booking tipOpen daily. Weekday mornings in May are nearly empty, giving you room to linger in the galleries without anyone else around.

Hike the Cache Creek Canyon trail

hiking

This trail starts at the east edge of downtown Jackson, past the end of Cache Street, and climbs gradually through mixed forest along Cache Creek. The lower 5 km (3 mi) section clears of snow by mid-May in most years, offering one of the few hikeable routes while higher trails stay buried.

Low-elevation trailheads accessible from town are the only reliable hiking options in May. Cache Creek's proximity means no park entrance fee and easy access on foot from downtown.

Booking tipCarry bear spray. Post-hibernation bears frequent this drainage. The trail can be muddy, especially after rain. Start before midday to avoid afternoon showers.

Moose spotting at Schwabacher Landing

wildlife

A short dirt access road off Highway 89/191 leads to a riverside pullout on the Snake River where beaver ponds and dense willow thickets attract moose year-round. In May, cow moose with newborn calves are regularly seen here. The reflection of the Tetons in the beaver ponds at dawn is one of the most photographed scenes in Wyoming.

Moose calving season makes Schwabacher Landing exceptionally productive for sightings in May. With visitor numbers still low, you might have the pullout to yourself on a weekday morning.

Booking tipThe access road is dirt and can be muddy in May. Check conditions at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center in Moose before driving in. A high-clearance vehicle helps.

Spring birding at Jackson National Fish Hatchery

nature

This working hatchery, established in 1950 at the base of the Gros Ventre Mountains north of town, raises Snake River cutthroat trout in outdoor raceways. The surrounding wetlands and Flat Creek draw migratory songbirds, raptors, and waterfowl in spring. Trumpeter swans are sometimes present through May.

Spring migration brings warblers, sandhill cranes, and raptors through the Flat Creek corridor adjacent to the hatchery. The grounds are open to visitors and rarely draw a crowd in May.

Booking tipFree admission. Open daily. The short interpretive trail is flat and fully accessible.

Attend Old West Days over Memorial Day weekend

cultural

Jackson's Memorial Day celebration includes a parade down Cache Street, a rodeo, a mountain-man rendezvous encampment on the Town Square, and live country music. The event marks the symbolic start of summer and brings the town back to life after weeks of quiet.

Old West Days only happens Memorial Day weekend in late May. It is the first major community gathering after mud season, and the shift in energy is palpable.

Booking tipBook accommodation for Memorial Day weekend at least 6-8 weeks in advance. It is the one period in May when rates approach summer levels.

What to eat in May

On menus now

Snake River cutthroat trout
Wyoming's general fishing season opens May 1 on most waters, and Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat start appearing on restaurant menus alongside the opener. The flesh is firm, mild, and best pan-fried simply with lemon and herbs.
Wyoming bison steak
Bison ranches across Teton County ramp up supply in late spring. The meat is leaner than beef, slightly sweet, and benefits from lower, slower cooking. May's cool evenings make a thick bison cut feel right for the weather.
Huckleberry pancakes
Fresh huckleberries peak in August, but Jackson's breakfast spots serve preserved-huckleberry pancakes year-round as a regional signature. On a cold May morning after a dawn wildlife drive, a plate of them with butter and local honey feels earned.
Elk chili
Ground elk chili is a staple at several spots around the Town Square and Snow King area. In May's still-cool weather, a bowl after a muddy hike warms you from the inside. The meat is lean and slightly gamey, best with roasted green chiles.

In markets

Morel mushrooms
Wild morels emerge in burned and cleared forest areas as snowpack retreats through May. Local foragers supply several Jackson restaurants with fresh specimens, sauteed in butter as a seasonal side or topping. The window is short, typically 3-4 weeks depending on snow conditions that year.

Regular events in May

Grand Teton National Park seasonal road openings

Teton Park Road from Moose Junction to Jenny Lake typically reopens to vehicles in early-to-mid May after winter plowing. The opening date varies by year depending on snowpack. It unlocks trailheads and scenic pullouts along the base of the Teton range for the first time since November.

Early to mid-May (weather dependent)

Spring gallery walk in downtown JacksonFree

Several galleries along Center Street and the Town Square area host coordinated opening receptions for new exhibitions in late May, timed to the Memorial Day visitor influx. The walk is informal, with refreshments and artist conversations.

Late May, typically the Thursday before Memorial Day weekend

Best places this May

National Elk Refuge
nature
The 10,000-hectare (25,000-acre) refuge stretches north from the edge of town to the Gros Ventre River. By May, most of the 7,000-strong elk herd has begun migrating north, but stragglers remain, and the open sagebrush landscape is excellent for spotting raptors and coyotes. The refuge road is accessible by car or bicycle.
East Jackson
Chapel of the Transfiguration
historic
Built in 1925 from hand-hewn logs in Moose, this small Episcopal chapel is notable for the large window behind the altar that frames the Teton range. In May the peaks are still capped with heavy snow, and the view through the window is as striking as any landscape painting. Services tend to resume in late May for the summer season.
Moose
Snow King Mountain
viewpoint
Jackson's in-town ski hill rises directly behind downtown to 2,300 m (7,808 ft). By mid-May the lower slopes are typically clear enough for a steep but rewarding summit hike. The top offers 360-degree views of the Tetons, the Gros Ventre range, and the town grid below. The chairlift does not run in May, so you earn the view on foot.
Downtown Jackson
Murie Residence at Murie Ranch
historic
The historic home of conservationists Olaus and Mardy Murie sits along the Snake River inside Grand Teton National Park. Much of the intellectual groundwork for the Wilderness Act of 1964 was done here. The property is accessible on foot when the surrounding roads open in May, though interior tours typically begin later in the season.
Moose
Flat Creek wetlands and Miller Butte trail
nature
The Flat Creek corridor north of town follows the creek through wetland habitat where moose, muskrat, and nesting waterfowl are common in spring. The short Miller Butte trail on the National Elk Refuge side climbs to a viewpoint over the entire valley. Both routes are accessible in May and rarely see other hikers.
North Jackson
Wilson village
neighborhood
This small community about 10 km (6 mi) west of Jackson along the Teton Pass road keeps a more local feel than downtown. Several restaurants and a brewery stay open through mud season when Teton Village goes quiet. The Stagecoach Bar on Highway 22 is known for its live-music nights, which tend to pick up again around Memorial Day.
Wilson

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Insulated waterproof jacketThe daily temperature swing between predawn and afternoon means you will wear this at sunrise even on clear days. Rain and wet snow showers roll through without much warning, sometimes within minutes. Shop
Waterproof hiking boots with ankle supportLower-elevation trails like Cache Creek and Flat Creek are soggy with snowmelt and mud through most of May. Trail runners will soak through within the first kilometer on any of these routes. Shop
Bear sprayGrizzly and black bears are actively foraging at low elevations after hibernation. Carry it in an accessible holster on any trail, even short ones near town. Available for purchase at Jackson outdoor shops if you cannot fly with it. Shop
Merino wool base layerMornings below freezing demand a proper base layer under your fleece. Merino regulates temperature better than synthetics for the rapid warming that happens once the sun crests the Gros Ventre range. Shop
High-SPF sunscreen and UV-rated sunglassesAt Jackson Hole's altitude, UV exposure is significantly stronger than at sea level. Snow on the surrounding peaks reflects additional UV on clear days. Sunburn is common even in cool weather. Shop
Binoculars (8x42 or 10x42)Wildlife viewing in May requires distance. Park regulations mandate 90 m (300 ft) from bears and wolves, and 23 m (75 ft) from bison and elk. Binoculars let you observe calves and foraging behavior without approaching. Shop
Warm hat and liner glovesPredawn wildlife drives and sunrise photography sessions require head and hand insulation. These are small enough to stuff in a jacket pocket once temperatures rise by mid-morning. Shop
Gaiters or waterproof ankle coversMuddy trails and snowmelt crossings will soak your socks and lower pants within minutes without protection. Low-cut gaiters keep debris and water out of your boots on every lower Teton trail. Shop

Insider tips

The Gros Ventre Road heading east from Kelly is one of the first routes to clear of snow each spring and offers close encounters with bison herds and the occasional wolf sighting. Most visitors stick to Highway 89, leaving this road quiet even on weekends.
Teton Village's restaurants largely shut down in May, but Wilson, about 10 km west on Highway 22, keeps its spots open year-round. Locals tend to eat there when the rest of the valley empties out.
Morning fog on the Snake River near Schwabacher Landing creates dramatic photography conditions, typically between 6:00 and 7:30 AM. Set up before first light and wait. The beaver ponds are the key foreground element for Teton reflection shots.
If you visit in early May before Teton Park Road opens, the Taggart Lake trailhead is sometimes accessible from the Moose entrance. Ask at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center for current conditions before driving out.
The elk-antler arches at George Washington Memorial Park are lit at night even in May. Late evening, with no crowds and the arches glowing against the Teton skyline, is the best time for photographs of them.

Avoid these mistakes

Arriving in early May expecting Grand Teton hiking trails to be clear. Trails above the valley floor do not melt out until mid-June in an average snow year. Check conditions at the Moose Visitor Center before heading out with a daypack full of summer gear.
Driving north to Yellowstone's south entrance without checking the National Park Service road status page. The opening date is published annually but weather delays are common, and showing up to a closed gate after a 90-minute drive is a wasted half-day.
Packing only warm-weather clothing. A May night below freezing in a parking lot, waiting for a bear to emerge from the treeline, will test anyone without thermal layers. The temperature difference between 2 PM and 5 AM is severe.
Skipping bear spray because you are staying near town. The Cache Creek trail, which starts within walking distance of downtown Jackson, runs through active bear habitat. Spring is the highest-encounter-probability season in the Greater Yellowstone area.

Practical tips for May

Book accommodation for Memorial Day weekend at least 6-8 weeks ahead. That weekend is the lone demand spike in an otherwise quiet month, and rates rise sharply for those 3-4 nights. For early-to-mid May, most properties have availability without advance booking, and walk-in rates at motels along Broadway in downtown Jackson tend to be the lowest you will find all year. Check the National Park Service road status page for Grand Teton and Yellowstone before each day's plan, since road openings can shift by a week or more depending on late-spring snowfall. Teton Village is largely dormant until Memorial Day, so base yourself in downtown Jackson or Wilson for dining and supplies. Bear spray is not allowed in carry-on luggage, so buy or rent it on arrival at one of the outdoor shops along Cache Street. The airport has direct flights from Denver, Salt Lake City, Dallas, and several other hubs, though May schedules are reduced from summer frequency. Cell service is patchy inside Grand Teton National Park, especially along the Moose-Wilson corridor and Antelope Flats. Download offline maps before heading out. Gas up in Jackson or at the Dornan's complex in Moose, since there are no fuel stops between Jackson and Moran Junction, a 50 km (31 mi) stretch.

FAQ

Is May a good time to visit Jackson Hole?

It depends on what you are looking for. May is mud season, the valley's quietest period, and many trails along with some businesses are closed. If you want wildlife viewing without crowds, the lowest prices of the year, and the unique ElkFest experience, May is genuinely worth considering. If you want hiking, warm weather, and everything open, waiting until late June is the better call.

What is the weather like in Jackson Hole in May?

Expect daytime highs around 14°C (56°F) and overnight lows near -1°C (30°F). About 12 days see some form of precipitation, mostly rain in the valley with snow still possible at higher elevations. Late-season snowstorms can hit the valley floor in early May. Sunshine is common, but mountain weather shifts rapidly, and a sunny morning can turn into an afternoon sleet shower with little warning.

Is Jackson Hole crowded in May?

Not at all, with one exception. Early-to-mid May is the least crowded period of the entire year. You will have wildlife pullouts, restaurant tables, and trailheads largely to yourself. Memorial Day weekend is the one spike, when the town transitions into summer mode and accommodations fill up for the first time since ski season ended in April.

Can you hike in Grand Teton National Park in May?

Only at lower elevations. Trails below the snowline, like the Taggart Lake trail and the Jenny Lake shoreline path, begin clearing by mid-May in average snow years. Higher trails remain snowbound until mid-June or later. The Cache Creek trail near downtown Jackson is a reliable option outside the park boundaries. Always check current conditions at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center before heading out.

What is ElkFest in Jackson Hole?

ElkFest centers on the Boy Scouts' annual auction of shed elk antlers collected from the National Elk Refuge, held on George Washington Memorial Park in the middle of town. The surrounding festival includes live music, wildlife demonstrations, and food vendors. Admission is free, the event draws a mix of locals and early-season visitors, and it typically falls on the third Saturday of May.