Jackson in June

June weather, activities, events & insider tips

June Weather in Jackson

32°C (90°F) High Temp

21°C (70°F) Low Temp

127 mm (5.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is June Right for You?

Advantages

Peak wildflower season in Grand Teton - lupines and Indian paintbrush create spectacular meadow displays at 2,100-2,700 m (6,900-8,900 ft) elevation
All high-elevation trails and backcountry areas fully accessible - snowpack clears by early June, opening Cascade Canyon and Paintbrush Canyon for hiking
Wildlife viewing at its absolute best - elk calves, moose with babies, black bears foraging actively, and 300+ bird species in breeding plumage
Longest daylight hours of the year with sunset at 9:15 PM - maximizes outdoor activity time and golden hour photography opportunities

Considerations

Peak tourist season pricing - accommodation rates 40-60% higher than shoulder seasons, with many hotels requiring 3-4 night minimum stays
Crowded trails and limited parking - popular trailheads like Jenny Lake fill by 8 AM, requiring shuttle use or 1.6 km (1 mile) walks from overflow lots
Afternoon thunderstorms 60% of days - can turn dangerous above treeline, forcing early morning starts for high-elevation hikes

Best Activities in June

Grand Teton Backcountry Hiking Tours

June offers the only reliable window for high-alpine routes like Paintbrush-Cascade Loop and Teton Crest Trail sections. Snowpack clears completely, wildflowers peak at elevation, and wildlife is most active. Morning starts (6-7 AM) avoid afternoon storms and crowds while providing optimal wildlife viewing during feeding times.

Booking Tip: Reserve guided backcountry permits 2-3 months ahead for June dates. Day hiking tours typically cost $180-250 per person. Multi-day backpacking ranges $400-600 daily. Look for AMGA-certified guides with current wilderness first aid certification. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Jackson Hole Whitewater Rafting

June snowmelt creates peak water levels on Snake River - Class II-III rapids are at their most exciting without being dangerous. Water temperatures reach 12-15°C (54-59°F), comfortable with provided wetsuits. Wildlife viewing from river includes moose, eagles, and otters. Afternoon trips avoid morning thunderstorms.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead for weekend slots. Half-day trips run $85-120, full-day $160-220. Look for operators with 15+ years experience and Coast Guard licensed guides. Scenic float trips ($65-85) better for families with young children.

Yellowstone Wildlife Photography Tours

June is prime calving season - elk, bison, and moose with newborns create unmatched photography opportunities. Lamar and Hayden Valleys offer 5 AM golden hour shoots when animals are most active. Long daylight hours provide multiple optimal shooting windows. Road access to all areas guaranteed by June.

Booking Tip: Photography-specific tours cost $300-450 for full-day small groups (4-6 people maximum). Book 3-4 weeks ahead for prime dates. Look for guides with wildlife biology backgrounds and telephoto lens rental options. Tours typically run 12-14 hours including travel time.

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Alpine Adventures

Aerial Tram operates daily in June, accessing 3,185 m (10,450 ft) summit with 360-degree Teton Range views. Alpine hiking trails from summit offer wildflower displays impossible to see from valley floor. Via ferrata and mountain biking trails fully operational. Clear weather 70% of June days provides exceptional visibility.

Booking Tip: Tram tickets $45-55 adults, purchase online 24-48 hours ahead for guaranteed access. Guided alpine hikes add $120-180. Mountain bike rentals at summit $60-80 daily. Weather can change rapidly above treeline - guided options recommended for inexperienced alpine hikers.

Grand Teton Scenic Lake Activities

Jenny Lake and Jackson Lake reach comfortable temperatures 16-18°C (61-64°F) for kayaking and paddleboarding. Mountain reflections at sunrise (5:45 AM) create iconic photography conditions. Boat shuttles across Jenny Lake access hidden waterfalls and secluded beaches. Fishing for cutthroat trout peaks in June before summer heat.

Booking Tip: Kayak rentals $45-65 for half-day, $70-90 full day. Guided lake tours $80-120 per person. Jenny Lake boat shuttle $20 round-trip, operates 7 AM-7 PM. Book watercraft rentals morning-of at lake locations - reservations not typically required except holiday weekends.

Jackson Town Square Cultural Experiences

June brings outdoor concerts, art fairs, and the famous Jackson Rodeo (Wednesday/Saturday evenings). Town Square's elk antler arches provide iconic photo opportunities with longer evening light. Gallery walks, western heritage museums, and craft brewery tours operate extended summer hours. Cooler evenings perfect for outdoor dining.

Booking Tip: Jackson Rodeo tickets $15-25 adults, purchase day-of at gate or online. Cultural walking tours $25-35 per person, typically 90 minutes. Brewery tours $35-50 including tastings. Many events free - check Jackson Chamber website for current June event calendar.

June Events & Festivals

Every Wednesday and Saturday throughout June

Jackson Hole Rodeo

Authentic weekly rodeo featuring bareback riding, barrel racing, and bull riding every Wednesday and Saturday evening at 8 PM. Local cowboys compete alongside regional professionals in this 75-year tradition. Family-friendly event with Western heritage demonstrations before main events.

Late June weekend

Old West Days

Three-day celebration of Western heritage featuring mountain man rendezvous, Native American cultural demonstrations, live music on Town Square, and historical reenactments. Local artisans showcase traditional crafts while food vendors offer regional specialties.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential - temperatures swing 11°C (20°F) between morning and afternoon, requiring t-shirt to insulated jacket capability

Waterproof hiking boots - trail conditions vary from dry dust to muddy snowmelt, and afternoon storms create slippery conditions on rock surfaces

High SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8+ at elevation, intensified by snow reflection on high peaks even in June

Insulated water bottles - mountain streams provide refill opportunities, but water stays cold at 4-7°C (39-45°F) even in summer

Quick-dry hiking pants - morning dew and creek crossings on trails create wet conditions until 10 AM, jeans stay damp all day

Lightweight rain shell - afternoon thunderstorms develop rapidly, lasting 20-45 minutes with significant lightning risk above treeline

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - high winds common on exposed ridges and lake shores, sun protection critical for long outdoor days

Binoculars (8x42 recommended) - wildlife viewing distances often 100-500 m (330-1,640 ft), essential for safe bear and moose observation

Headlamp with extra batteries - early morning wildlife viewing starts before 5:30 AM sunrise, essential for pre-dawn trailhead access

Bear spray (purchased locally) - active grizzly and black bear populations, required by law in backcountry, available at outdoor stores for $45-55

Insider Knowledge

Start hiking before 7 AM to secure parking at popular trailheads like Jenny Lake and Taggart Lake - lots fill completely by 8:30 AM and alternative parking requires 1.6 km (1 mile) walks

Purchase National Parks Annual Pass ($80) if visiting both Yellowstone and Grand Teton - individual park passes cost $35 each, and June visitors typically spend 4-5 days between both parks

Book accommodations inside park boundaries (Jackson Lake Lodge, Jenny Lake Lodge) 6-8 months ahead for June - town accommodations run 40% cheaper but add 45-60 minutes daily driving to trailheads

Download offline maps before entering park areas - cellular service spotty throughout both national parks, and GPS reliability poor in canyon areas and dense forest sections

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating afternoon thunderstorm severity - lightning strikes kill 1-2 people annually in Greater Yellowstone, turn back from exposed ridges when clouds build after 1 PM

Approaching wildlife too closely - park regulations require 90 m (300 ft) from bears and wolves, 23 m (75 ft) from elk and moose, violations result in $500+ fines and animal stress

Wearing cotton clothing layers - cotton kills when wet from rain or sweat at elevation, synthetic or wool materials essential for temperature regulation and safety