Jackson Hole Weather and Climate

Jackson Hole Weather Enables Year-Round Jackson Hole Fun

Jackson Hole used to be mighty quiet in October, November, April, and May when people made the bi-annual exodus from the Jackson Hole valley. But amenities and events now span the entire calendar year. Some visitors linger longer, and Jackson Hole real estate owners now stick around to luxuriate in the quieter seasons and more temperate of Jackson Hole weather. Spring and fall have their own appeal as the trails and restaurants offer solitude and intimacy respectively. There are four distinct seasons in Jackson Hole weather.

Jackson Hole Weather: Fun-Filled Summer
The term “it’s all relative” applies to summers in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, which are temperate by most standards. Hot for Jackson Hole weather equals high 80s Fahrenheit with a couple of record days above 90°. The climate is dry, which makes all extremes feel more moderate than they would in humid locales. Summer nights can get slightly cooler, but nobody complains as daylight reigns until almost 10 o’clock. People barbeque in pullovers and take a leisurely approach to the typical summer evening. Days can be full with hiking, biking, fishing, horseback riding, canoeing and golf. Paragliders and hot air balloons take to the sky. Sunscreen is a must at Jackson Hole's high altitude - about 6,200 feet.

The wildflower bloom peaks, based on elevation, from bottom to top from June through August. Everyone has at least a couple of flowers they are keen on spotting. Wildlife move up to the high country during summer and graze in the high mountain meadows. Gardeners should know that the growing season is short with random days of frost through the early summer and again in early fall. Jackson Hole weather is fickle as the Rocky Mountain Range deflects and creates unique weather patterns. It’s best to be prepared for all extremes in this locale, layer up and let Mother Nature have her fun: Jackson Hole weather can often be unpredictable.

Jackson Hole Weather: Quiet Fall
Typically, fall yields brilliant sunny days. Crisp nights alternate with rain and snowstorms in the latter part of the season. In October and November temperatures fall to the 20s and 30s Fahrenheit. Elk move for winter to lower elevations on the National Elk Refuge and residents listen for the sound of bugling which coincides with a world-class hunting season. Jackson Hole real estate owners tend to love the calm fall days when aspens take center stage and fleece jackets feel cozy once again. The pleasant Jackson Hole weather of Fall — at least through much of October — rarely limits outdoor possibilities.

Jackson Hole Weather: White Winters
Snow will come as early as October, but typically in mid-November it starts to build up on the valley floor and the Jackson Hole weather begins to take a dramatic drop in temperature. Eventually, snow accumulates everywhere — ten feet in the mountains and two to five feet in the valleys. Yet Wyoming is known for its blue skies. It’s not uncommon for storms to peel off by early afternoon; sun glistens bright on freshly fallen snow. While the days of harsh cold seem to have passed — negative 30s and even 60s Fahrenheit — the Jackson Hole valley still logs approximately 15 days of -10°. During these times people hope for an inversion when the temperatures at 2,000 feet above the valley floor are 10° - 20° warmer.

For skiers and boarders, the inversion has a peculiar effect, driving them outdoors to play at high elevations during the coldest of Jackson Hole's weather. Skiing takes all forms — downhill, skate, and cross-country. Snow-shoeing is a quiet way to get into the wilderness. Winter is dark early, and skiers have their après ski toddies and head to the fireplace. Snowmobilers get their fix in the regions just outside of Jackson Hole — Pinedale, Alpine, Togwotee Pass and Dubois.

Jackson Hole Weather: Delightful Spring
Spring, which begins to present itself in March, has a mixed record of temperatures. Locals, of course, love those stormy March days when 8+ inches of powder mean Jackson Hole skiing in light jackets beneath fair, blue skies. Typically, spring days offer mild temperatures and the nights are cold. Snow and occasional rain are likely. Valley lakes usually thaw by late May, but the snow pack in the mountains can linger until mid-June.

Also in May, the wildflowers begin their festival of colors. Bears come out of hibernation and the national parks start transforming into a visual feast of flora and fauna.