Jackson Hole, Wyoming in May: A Symphony of Spring Weather

As snow dissolves and wildflowers breach the mountain tundra, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, emerges in May into one of the most dynamic and refreshing seasons of the year. With daytime highs slowly rising and nighttime lows still carrying a crisp edge, the timing creates a unique blend of lingering chill and emerging warmth—perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. May transforms Jackson Hole from a quiet high-desert haven into a vibrant stage of seasonal renewal, shaped by mountain winds, fleeting snowmelt, and an ever-present sky that governs overnight contrast.

Temperatures Rise, But Variability Defines May in Jackson Hole

During May, Jackson Hole experiences a steady thermal ascent, though unpredictable day-to-night swings remain a hallmark of high-altitude weather.

Average daytime temperatures range from 55°F (13°C) in early May to a crisp 65°F (18°C) by month’s end, with mountain elevations like Grand Teton National Park peaks often staying near freezing.

Nighttime temperatures, however, retain a surprising chill. Minimums typically dip between 38°F (3°C) and 45°F (7°C), especially during mountain valley inversions when cold air pools. These contrasts are not mere quirks—they shape daily outdoor planning, making layered clothing essential even on sun-drenched afternoons.

1. May average daily highs: 55°F (13°C) – 65°F (18°C)
   
2. Lows: 38°F (3°C) – 48°F (9°C)
   
3. Average daily precipitation: 1–2 inches, mostly from rhythmic mountain showers and occasional thunderstorms

Rain, Snow, and Showers: The Precipitation Patterns of Late May

Rainfall in Jackson Hole during May remains modest but vital, averaging from 1 to 2 inches per week.

These events are often brief, delivered as sharp thunderstorms or steady mist—common in the open meadows and forested slopes. While not prone to frequent downpours, the intensity of sudden showers underscores the region’s delicate water cycle, where snowmelt from the Tetons feeds runoff even as occasional sleet or light snow lingers at higher elevations.

This mix of rain and melting snow fuels an environment in transition: rivers swell, wildflowers thrive on moist soil, and wildlife responds to shifting food availability. The weather’s variability mirrors the land itself—ever-changing, yet deeply stable in its rhythms.

Outside climbers and skiers who rely on predictable snowpack, May presents a paradox: uncertainty in precipitation timing, but consistency in the arrival of spring’s life-giving moisture.

The Role of Mountain Dynamics in May’s Weather

Jackson Hole’s dramatic topography—dominated by the Teton Mountains and surrounded by rolling hills—plays a decisive role in shaping its May climate. Cold air from snow-laden peaks buffers valley floors, while chimney effects funnel winds through Jackson Valley, intensifying afternoon convection. The Tetons act as both a barrier and a lifeline, trapping moisture-laden air one day and forcing uplift that triggers afternoon showers the next.

These topographic interactions create microclimates across short distances: sun-baked south slopes warm rapidly, while shaded north-facing canyons remain cool and damp.

Hikers, photographers, and backcountry guides must respect these localized shifts, where a trail south may open under blue skies while the same climb north takes on a wet, misty quality by early afternoon.

Wind, Sunshine, and the Blue Sky: May’s Atmospheric Clarity

Above all, May brings one of Jackson Hole’s most praised atmospheric conditions: vivid, clear skies scattered with scattered cumulus clouds. With minimal fog and daytime sunshine averaging 8–9 hours, visibility stretches to the distant ranges, painting sunrises and sunsets in dramatic shades of cerulean and amber. This clarity enhances not only scenery but also outdoor experiences—be it a fly-fishing trips down the Snake River or a summit summit under pristine visibility.

Strong mountain winds remain a consistent feature, often peaking in strength by late afternoon.

Wind speeds regularly exceed 15 mph, especially on ridge lines and open meadows, reinforcing the region’s reputation for rugged, exposed weather. These gusts, while occasional, are integral to dispersing morning mists and shaping the physical feel of the landscape—adding a tactile edge to every moment spent in Jackson Hole’s open spaces.

Wildlife, Plants, and Weather: How May Drives Seasonal Energy

May marks the awakening of Jackson Hole’s ecological engine. Melting snow unveils green carpets of avalanche lilies and arrowleaf balsamroot, while aspen and willow buds unfurl, fed by surge rains.

This flush of growth supports elk rut energy, bear foraging, and birdsong—wildlife behavior tightly synchronized with weather patterns.

For visitors, the synergy of weather and natural spectacle offers an immersive escape. Morning brush with a grazing herd against a backdrop of