What's the best time to visit Jackson Hole?
Jackson Hole is a favorite travel destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature buffs. With a vast range of natural features and adventures like climbing, skiing, shooting, and golfing, it’s easy to see why this Midwestern town is such a great tourist destination.
Its unique location (a valley nestled between mountains) also makes it home to many wild animals, including mountain lions, marmots, grizzly bears, elk, mule deer, moose, and bison.
Since all such features are based outdoors, the weather plays a critical role when planning to visit this town. A good rule of thumb is to plan a vacation based on the activity you want to explore.
However, knowing the best time to visit Jackson Hole and the worst and best time to get the cheapest deals is necessary. Don’t worry — we’re travel experts, and we know exactly when to go. Read on to learn all you need to know!
Overall Best Time to Visit Jackson Hole
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The best time to visit Jackson Hole is during fall (September-early November). The town operates like the summer season, except it’s calmer and cooler.
The temperatures average between 50 and 70, allowing you to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and fishing. This season is less rainy than spring and has its beauty as the leaves change color and the aspen tree leaves bloom into bright yellow colors.
The National Park roads remain open until early October, making fall an excellent time to visit the town without the large crowds. Since kids resume learning in the fall, kids’ programs end, and adult-only programs resume.
Fall is an excellent time to relax and unwind if you haven’t rested during the busy summer. You may find the 12-day Falls Arts Festival in session if you’re lucky.
The feast highlights Jackson Hole’s calendar as up to 50 art events occur, including art shows, a food/art crawl, lectures, and gallery openings. Fall also marks the beginning of Wyoming hunting season.
Locals go out to hunt big game like Elk, deer, and bison as they unwind while enjoying the mountainous landscape. If setting out on a hunting excursion, having a local guide by your side is best because non-residents aren’t allowed to hunt alone.
Cheapest Time to Visit Jackson Hole
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The cheapest time to visit Jackson Hole is in the winter season, from January until March. It marks Jackson Hole’s off-season as the town transitions from fall to winter.
The temperatures fall to 30 F and below, with snowfall accumulations of 400-500 feet. Such high levels of snowfall make Jackson Hole the best place to go skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling.
If you’re not big on hitting new lines, you can take a sleigh ride to the National Elk Refuge or snow-shoeing at Grand Teton National Park. Towards the beginning of December, the city comes to life with Christmas lighting.
Jackson Hole has shorter days and longer nights, and lighting it up is the best way to make the city lively. The city is also abuzz with events ranging from festive shows to musical performances, celebratory events, and art shows.
Come New Year’s Eve, the residents throw fireworks and make torchlight parades to mark the beginning of a new year. Jackson Hole, Snow King, and Grand Targhee Mountain Resorts are busy as most tourists lodge here to mark the festivities.
Such festivities can cause hotel rates to skyrocket, so you want to plan your vacation around mid-January to March to garner cheap rates.
The crowds also die down, and the temperatures are extremely low. You must be extra cautious when driving during this period because the roads develop black ice and experience blizzards owing to the low temperatures.
Least Busy Time to Visit Jackson Hole
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The least busy time to visit Jackson Hole is during the Spring season (April-May). The crowds aren’t as large because the south entrance to Yellowstone National Park remains closed, and the weather is highly unpredictable.
Although it’s not as chilly as the previous winter months (temperature ranges between 30 F and 60 F), the weather is a mixture of winter and summer.
Sometimes it rains all day, and other days it’s sunny, making it an excellent time to go hiking and see wildlife. Many animals emerge from hibernation along with their little ones; if you’re lucky, you may see some younglings take their first steps.
Many businesses are closed or operate within a limited period as most locals take a break from the busy winter ski season.
There are few activities during this period, but if you plan your vacation towards the end of May, you might find the Elkfest and Old West Days festivals in session. Locals hold the festivals to pay homage to their history and western heritage.
Typically, the Elkfest is held on weekends and is a beehive of activities centered around the famous Jackson Hole Boy Scout Elk auction.
It’s the best time to celebrate outdoor skills like hunting and nature and learn about ecological education. On the other hand, the Old West Days fest is held on the last Saturday of May to commemorate Jackson Hole’s early days.
The feast is spread across two weekends and is characterized by activities like tours of working ranches, country music concerts, chili cook-offs, and the famous antler-sale auction.
Worst Time to Visit Jackson Hole
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The worst time to visit Jackson Hole is in the summer season, from June until August. This is due to the high number of people and skyrocketing hotel prices.
The town bursts at the seams as tourists from far and wide come here to relax. The weather is warmer, with most days being sunny and receiving little or no rain, with temperatures ranging between 70 and 80 F.
It’s perfect for camping, rafting, fishing, biking, golfing, wildlife tours, and hiking. Moreover, the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks are open, offering excellent opportunities for a day trip.
Since the parks are flooded with tourists, you should expect crowded trails and peak-season rates. The Grand Teton Music Festival marks the beginning of the busy summer season.
The festival features a combination of solo, orchestral, and chamber performances by renowned world-class artists. Come July, the Art Association of Jackson Hole hosts the annual the Outdoor Art Fair.
The activity is held during the early summer weekends showcasing artists’ art pieces like paintings, ceramics, jewelry, photographs, and other crafts. There are family performances like the outdoor concert at the Snow King Ball Park and lots of kids’ activities.
Like the other parts of the country, Jackson Hole celebrates Independence Day by holding the Fourth of July Parade, making this period even busier. Classic cars, horseback riders, and fancy floats are showcased to draw visitors and locals to the festival.
Jackson Hole by Month: Climate & Activities
JACKSON HOLE, USA – SEPTEMBER 23, 2017: A group of people rafting on the Snake River with the Grand Teton range and National Park in the background after snowfall in the state of Wyoming/SL-Photography/Shutterstock
Still unsure about the best time to visit Jackson Hole? Take a look at our summary of the weather and climate by month below:
January
Winter temperatures in Jackson Hole range from -17 to -3°C (1-27°F). January is a prime time for winter sports. Enjoy skiing or snowboarding in Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, experience a sleigh ride in the National Elk Refuge, and attend the Jackson Hole Winter Festival.
February
Similar to January, February maintains cold temperatures. Explore Grand Teton National Park on snowshoes, take a wildlife safari to spot wintering animals, and enjoy the festive atmosphere during the Jackson Hole Winter Carnival.
March
As spring begins, temperatures range from -11 to 4°C (12-39°F). March is ideal for backcountry skiing, snowmobiling in Yellowstone National Park, and attending the Rendezvous Spring Festival.
April
Spring temperatures in April range from -6 to 8°C (21-46°F). It’s a great time for wildlife viewing in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, as animals start to become more active. The melting snow also opens up opportunities for hiking and exploring.
May
May sees temperatures ranging from 1 to 14°C (34-57°F). Explore Jackson Hole on horseback, go fly-fishing in the Snake River, and take a scenic drive through the National Elk Refuge. May is also an excellent time for birdwatching.
June
Summer arrives with temperatures between 4 to 19°C (39-66°F). June offers opportunities for hiking in Grand Teton National Park, whitewater rafting on the Snake River, and attending the Jackson Hole Rodeo.
July
July maintains warm temperatures from 7 to 25°C (45-77°F). It’s a popular month for outdoor activities like mountain biking, camping in the Bridger-Teton National Forest, and attending the Grand Teton Music Festival.
August
Temperatures in August range from 6 to 24°C (43-75°F). Explore the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, go fly-fishing on the Snake River, and attend the Jackson Hole Fine Arts Festival.
September
As fall begins, temperatures range from 2 to 18°C (36-64°F). September offers a pleasant transition, with opportunities for wildlife photography, hiking in the Gros Ventre Wilderness, and attending the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival.
October
October sees temperatures ranging from -1 to 11°C (30-52°F). It’s a great month for viewing fall foliage, taking a scenic drive along Moose-Wilson Road, and exploring the town of Jackson with fewer crowds.
November
Fall temperatures range from -9 to 3°C (16-37°F). November is ideal for early-season skiing in Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, wildlife safaris to observe migrating animals, and enjoying the cozy ambiance in local cafes and restaurants.
December
Winter returns with temperatures ranging from -14 to -2°C (7-28°F). December brings opportunities for holiday festivities in Jackson, skiing or snowboarding in fresh powder, and taking a winter wildlife safari in the National Elk Refuge. Don’t miss the Jackson Hole Film Festival if it coincides with your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Here are the commonly asked questions regarding visiting Jackson Hole:
Which are the warmest months in Jackson Hole?
July is the warmest month in Jackson Hole, recording temperatures as high as 79 F and lows of 44 F. This is the perfect weather for outdoor activities like hiking.
Is Jackson Hole a great vacation destination?
Jackson Hole is the best place to visit for outdoor fanatics. There are many hiking trails to explore, and if visiting during winter, you can hit the ski or snowboard on the steep slopes of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.
Does Jackson Hole have an off-season?
Jackson Hole has off-seasons in spring and fall. Also referred to as the mud season (between mid-October and Thanksgiving), the town grows quiet to gear up for winter.
What is the best time to visit Grand Teton National Park?
The best time to visit the park is early summer and late spring. The warm temperatures allow wildlife to move, and the crowds aren’t as big as during the summer season.
What’s the best way to get around Jackson Hole?
The best way to get around Jackson Hole’s scenic areas and parks is by car. However, Jackson Hole residents are eligible for free bus rides in town. The bus charges a small fee if visiting Teton Village.
So, What’s the Best Time to Visit Jackson Hole?
The best time to visit Jackson Hole is in the fall (September-early November). The crowds are much smaller, and the rates lower than in the busy summer season, making it the best time to visit Jackson Hole, especially for adults who haven’t rested during summer.
However, we recommend planning your vacation after activities such as the Falls Arts Festival and Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival as the town gets busy.
If traveling on a budget, the best time to visit is in winter, but if you don’t mind paying a premium for accommodation and food, the summer period is also a great time to visit. Either way, you’ll love your trip. So what are you waiting for — book your trip today!