When to Visit Jackson Hole: a Month-by-Month Guide
If you are planning a trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, you need to know the best times to visit. Many visitors see cheap flights and book tickets thinking that it muse be a great deal. I cannot tell you how many visitors come out only to find that the majority of activities and national parks, including Grand Teton and Yellowstone, are closed. Since you are reading this, congratulations! You are one step closer to planning the perfect vacation to Jackson Hole.
For those of you who do not know me, I currently live in Jackson Hole and have worked as a luxury concierge planning trip itineraries for thousands of visitors over the last five years. I created this blog post because there really is not a thorough guide that explains the true best times to visit Jackson Hole.
In this guide, you will find a month-by-month breakdown of what you can expect throughout the year. You will learn about the seasons, the pros and cons of each time of the year, and whether it is actually a good time to visit. My goal is to help you confidently decide when to plan your trip. Let’s get into it!
JANUARY
Season: Winter
Weather: Highs average 20°s F, lows 1°F - 10°F, occasionally falling below 0°F
Should you Visit? Yes!
Times to Avoid: None
January is known for heavy snowfall and can be the perfect time to visit for prime ski conditions. This is one of the peak winter months to visit because all snow-based activities are in full swing! Restaurants, shops and all hotels are open for booking.
It also brings fewer crowds than the previous month, so you can typically find more affordable flights, rental cars, and accommodation. There are many activities to enjoy besides skiing, including snowmobiling, visits to the Elk Refuge and traditional sleigh rides, wildlife safaris, ice skating, dog sledding and much more!
Important Closures:
Yellowstone is closed to regular vehicle traffic during this time. The only way to enter the park is by snowmobile tour or rental, or by snowcoach tour.
Grand Teton National Park also has an internal road closure that prevents driving to locations such as Jenny Lake. The closure runs from Taggart Lake Trailhead to Signal Mountain Lodge.
FEBRUARY
Season: Winter
Weather: Highs average 30°F - 40°F, lows 10°F - 20°F
Should you Visit? Yes!
Times to Avoid: None
February is often considered the best month of the winter season to enjoy peak winter conditions. The ski resorts are fully operational and typically have a solid buildup of snowpack. Because it is such a popular time to visit, it can draw large crowds, especially over Presidents’ Weekend and during the King's and Queens of Corbet's Competition at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.
If you plan to visit in February, I highly recommend booking accommodations, dining, activities and lift tickets in advance, as many options sell out quickly.
Important Closures:
Yellowstone is closed to regular vehicle traffic during this time. The only way to enter the park is by snowmobile tour or rental, or by snowcoach tour.
Grand Teton National Park also has an internal road closure that prevents driving to locations such as Jenny Lake. The closure runs from Taggart Lake Trailhead to Signal Mountain Lodge.
MARCH
Season: Winter/Spring
Weather: Highs average 33°F - 43°F, lows range 10°F - 20°F
Should you Visit? Yes!
Times to Avoid: March 16th - 31st
March brings warmer temperatures that are ideal for spring skiing. If your goal is to enjoy bluebird days on the mountain and après ski in the sunshine, this is a perfect time to visit Jackson!
I recommend visiting during the first two to three weeks of the month, as many snow activities may end for the season early if there is not enough snow on the valley floor. Many families travel during March because schools often schedule spring break during this time. Advanced reservations are still highly recommended, as accommodations and activities can book up quickly.
The Rendezvous Music Festival also takes place toward the end of the month each year. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort hosts the event in Teton Village at the base of the ski resort.
Important Closures:
Yellowstone closes for winter recreation on March 15th, and tours cannot enter the park from March 16th until the second weekend of May.
Grand Teton National Park also has an internal road closure that prevents driving to locations such as Jenny Lake. The closure runs from Taggart Lake Trailhead to Signal Mountain Lodge.
APRIL
Season: Winter/Spring
Weather: Highs average 40°F - 50°F, lows in lower 20°s F
Should you Visit? No
Times to Avoid: April 15th - 30th
April marks the closure of most ski resorts, activities, restaurants, and shops as the area enters what is known as the "shoulder season" or "mud season." Warmer temperatures melt much of the snow on the mountains, which leads to poor ski conditions. By April, most snow-based activities have ended as businesses take time to prepare for the upcoming summer season.
If possible, I recommend avoiding a visit during the month of April. Many visitors arrive expecting winter activities and are disappointed to find that there is not much to do beyond staying at a resort in Teton Village or Jackson. If you do choose to visit, you can still enjoy a few activities such as skiing until the resorts close, biking Teton Park Road in Grand Teton National Park while it is closed to vehicle traffic, and exploring the town of Jackson.
Important Closures:
Ski resorts close in April including Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (April 14th), Snow King Mountain Resort (March 22nd) and Grand Targhee Ski Resort (April 19th).
The majority of hotels close around April 14th.
Many restaurants close around April 14th.
Yellowstone is closed the entire month.
Grand Teton National Park also has an internal road closure that prevents driving to locations such as Jenny Lake. The closure runs from Taggart Lake Trailhead to Signal Mountain Lodge.
MAY
Season: Spring/Summer
Weather: Considered “mud season,” while the snow from winter melts. Highs average 55° F - 60° F, while lows average 29°F - 38°s F
Should you Visit? Yes, but visit the second week of May and through the end of the month
Times to Avoid: May 1st - 14th
The beginning of May marks the end of "mud season” as warmer temperatures arrive and the remaining snow begins to melt. This is one of the best times of the year to see bears, as they come out of hibernation and begin searching for food.
Grand Teton’s main park road reopens to vehicle traffic, allowing access to popular areas such as Jenny Lake, Taggart Lake, and Bradley Lake. Yellowstone also reopens for the summer season around the second week of May each year. In 2026, the park is scheduled to open on May 9th.
I recommend visiting once Yellowstone opens and through the end of the month. This is when more activities begin to operate, including horseback riding and the Aerial Tram, making it easier to fully enjoy your time in Jackson and the surrounding parks.
Important Closures:
Yellowstone does not open until the second week of May.
Horseback riding begins May 15th.
The Jackson Hole Rodeo has two shows scheduled for May 23rd and May 27th, 2026.
The Aerial Tram opens on May 16th.
JUNE
Season: Summer
Weather: Highs average 60°F - 70°F, lows average 40°F - 50°F
Should you Visit? Yes!
Times to Avoid: None
June marks the true beginning of summer as temperatures rise and there are abundant activities to enjoy. You can take part in popular experiences such as wildlife safaris, attending the Jackson Hole Rodeo, visiting Yellowstone, and enjoying classic western activities like horseback riding. June does bring crowds, but visitation is typically lower than in July and August. The weather is beautiful, and daylight lasts until 9pm. This is also the peak time to see wildflowers in bloom, so be sure to visit Grand Teton National Park to capture the iconic wildflower and Teton views often seen in magazines.
Important Closures: None
JULY
Season: Summer
Weather: Highs average 75°F - 80°F, lows average 40°F - 45°F
Should you Visit? Yes!
Times to Avoid: None
July is one of the busiest months to visit Jackson Hole, and for good reason. Temperatures are warm and ideal for spending time outdoors exploring. Hiking trails are open and usually clear of mud, making it a great time to visit the parks. The Fourth of July is one of the busiest weeks of the year, but everything is open, which makes for an exciting adventure filled vacation. You will want to make reservations for activities, accommodations, and restaurants early, as they often book completely. All activities are operational, although wildlife sightings can sometimes be lower than in early or late summer since animals tend to avoid the hottest parts of the season.
Important Closures: None
AUGUST
Season: Summer
Weather: Highs average 70°F - 85°F, lows average 30°F - 40°F
Should you Visit? Yes!
Times to Avoid: None
August is one of the hottest months of the summer, but the heat is dry and temperatures rarely exceed 90°F. Floating and whitewater rafting trips are especially popular, as the river offers a refreshing way to cool down. August is also one of the busiest months of summer and often brings record numbers of visitors to Grand Teton and Yellowstone. Parking lots can fill quickly, so it is best to arrive at hiking trails early. All activities, shops, and restaurants are open, but it is important to plan ahead since many reservations will book up.
Important Closures: None
SEPTEMBER
Season: Summer
Weather: Highs average around 70°F, lows average 30°F - 40°F
Should you Visit? Yes!
Times to Avoid: None
September brings the last of the warm, sunny days, and many water based activities such as whitewater rafting and scenic float trips close at the end of the month. This is a wonderful time to visit because the large crowds that from July and August have mostly left. It is a peaceful time of the year in Jackson Hole and the final true true month of summer. Be sure to attend the rodeo while you can, as this is the last month it operates.
Important Closures:
The last day of the Jackson Hole Rodeo is September 23rd.
Whitewater rafting and scenic float tours typically end at the end of September, depending on water levels.
OCTOBER
Season: Fall
Weather: Highs average 50°F - 60°F, low average 20°F - 30°F
Should you Visit? Yes
October marks the official start of fall in Jackson Hole. If you want to see the stunning colors of the changing leaves, this is the month to visit. Fall colors typically begin around October 1st and last until the second or third week of the month. This can be a wonderful time to visit Jackson Hole, with crisp mornings, sunny days, and comfortable temperatures.
Although water activities and western experiences like horseback riding usually end around October 15th, this one of the best times to visit Grand Teton and Yellowstone for significantly fewer crowds. Wildlife is also very active during this time of year, as bears are preparing for winter and feeding on berries. With fewer visitors in the parks, wildlife sightings can be more common. This is also the last month you can drive into Yellowstone and access Grand Teton’s internal park roads before seasonal closures begin.
Important Closures:
The last day to visit Grand Teton and Yellowstone by vehicle before seasonal road closures is October 31st.
Many restaurants begin to close in late October. Closure dates vary by business.
NOVEMBER
Season: Fall/Winter
Weather: This is the “shoulder season,” merging fall into winter. Highs average 30° to 40°F while lows average 10°F to 20°F
Should you Visit? No
Times to Avoid: November 1st - Thanksgiving
November is considered the “shoulder season” between fall and winter. It can feel very quiet during this month because many shops, restaurants, and activities are closed. Although the ski resort opens the day after Thanksgiving, only a limited number of runs are usually available. Early season skiing often relies on machine made snow when temperatures drop below freezing.
If possible, I recommend avoiding a visit during November. November 1st is when Yellowstone officially closes to regular vehicle traffic, and Grand Teton begins an internal road closure that restricts access to popular areas like Jenny Lake.
Important Closures:
Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park begin seasonal road closures on November 1st.
The majority of hotels, restaurants, shops, and activities close for the off season.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort remains closed until the day after Thanksgiving.
Most winter and snow-based activities are not yet operating, aside from limited early season skiing, which typically has poor conditions.
DECEMBER
Season: Winter
Weather: Highs average 25°F to 30°F, lows average 5°F to 10°F
Should you Visit? Yes!
Times to Avoid: December 1st - 15th
December brings cold temperatures and beautiful snowy days that make Jackson Hole feel like a scene from a holiday movie. Teton Village begins building the ice castles at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort for visitors to enjoy.
Most snow-based activities begin in mid-December, when the snowpack is usually deep enough for skiing, snowmobiling, sleigh rides, and dog sledding. The holiday season brings some of the highest prices of the year, so I recommend visiting either before or after the holiday week if possible.
Shops, restaurants, and activities begin reopening for the winter season throughout December, making it an exciting time to visit. I highly recommend making reservations in advance, as restaurants, activities, and hotels will book up early.
Important Closures:
Yellowstone is closed to regular vehicle traffic. The only way to enter is by snowmobile or snowcoach tour, which typically begin December 15th, dependent on weather conditions.
Grand Teton's internal road closure prevents vehicle access to locations such as Jenny Lake. The closure runs from Taggart Lake Trailhead to Signal Mountain Lodge.
Many activities such as Elk Refuge sleigh rides, snowmobiling, dog sledding, do not begin until mid-December.
I hope that this guide helped you better understand the seasonality in Jackson Hole and feel more prepared to plan your perfect western vacation. If you have any questions or would like clarification on anything, please do not hesitate to contact me!
Thank you for taking the time to read this guide. If you found it helpful, please consider sharing! My goal is to help everyone enjoy their time in Jackson Hole as much as I do.
