Best time to visit Jackson Hole
Re-score for me — drag the dial — every chart on the page recolours live for your heat limit 27°C
Default 27 °C is the upper edge of the Holiday Climate Index "ideal comfort" band (Scott, Rutty, Amelung & Tang, 2016). Above this, most warm-tourism travellers report measurable discomfort.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme cold overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme cold overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme cold overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme cold overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme cold overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme cold overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme cold overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme cold overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme cold overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme cold overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme cold overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
How is this scored? HCI / Steadman / CCI gate — full methodology and citations below.
Compare with another destination
Add as many as you like — stacked below the main strips above. Each row is just the recent-window score strip and (for beach destinations) sea-temperature strip.
Tours in Jackson Hole
30 top-rated tours via Viator. Booking links earn this site a commission at no cost to you.
- 1
Grand Teton National Park - Sunset Guided Tour from Jackson Hole - 2
Yellowstone National Park - PRIVATE Full-Day Lower Loop Tour from Jackson Hole - 3
Grand Teton Views 14-Mile Snake River Scenic Float - 4
Guided Fishing Trip in Jackson Hole - 5
Best of Yellowstone Private National Park Safari Tour - 6
Full Day Guided Fly Fishing Trip From Jackson Hole - 7
Private Grand Teton Wildlife Safari Tour - 8
Jackson Hole Dog Sledding Adventure - 9
Tetons and Snake River Scenic Float Trip In Jackson Hole - 10
Whitewater Rafting in Jackson Hole: Small Boat Excitement - 11
Half-Day Snake River Fishing Trip from Jackson - 12
Best of Yellowstone - Guided National Park Safari Tour - 13
Scenic Float Trip with Teton Views - 14
Private VIP Tour of Grand Teton National Park - 15
Heart Six Snowmobiling in Jackson Hole - 16
Luxury Private Half-Day Grand Teton National Park Tour - 17
Private Full-Day Yellowstone National Park Tour - 18
Yellowstone: Private Guided Tour - 19
Half-Day Grand Teton Wildlife Safari Private Tour - 20
Snake River Scenic Float Trip with Teton Views in Jackson Hole - 21
Sunset 4-Hour Grand Teton Wildlife Adventure - 22
Yellowstone Lower Loop Full-Day Tour - 23
Grand Teton Half Day Tour - 24
Private VIP Yellowstone National Park Tour from Jackson Hole - 25
Snake River Scenic Float - 26
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Yellowstone and Grand Teton - 27
Private Snake River Scenic Float with Teton Views - 28
Jackson Hole Whitewater Rafting Classic from Jackson Hole,Wyoming - 29
Yellowstone National Park - Full-Day Lower Loop Tour from Jackson - 30
Horseback Riding with Grand Teton Views in Jackson Hole
Last refreshed 2026-08-16.
Similar climatesYellowstone87% · Banff87% · Bran Castle87%
Other destinations with the most-alike year-round climate to Jackson Hole (apparent temperature, rain hours, sunshine — matched within the same trip-profile). The ±N chip compares each match's typical score for the current month against Jackson Hole's. Based on the 2020-2024 climatology, not this year's actual weather.
Month-by-month
| Month | Temp °C | Feels °C | Rain days | Rain h | Rain h/day | Humidity | Wind km/h | Sun h | UV | Interest | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | -11–-2 | -6 | 14 | 211 | 15.1 | 65% | 9 | 129 | 1 | Busy | 3 |
| Feb | -12–-1 | -5 | 13 | 198 | 15.2 | 58% | 11 | 141 | 2 | Quiet | 3 |
| Mar | -9–3 | 0 | 14 | 197 | 14.1 | 53% | 11 | 194 | 4 | Quiet | 3 |
| Apr | -5–7 | 3 | 12 | 148 | 12.3 | 48% | 12 | 231 | 6 | Quiet | 4 |
| May | -1–13 | 10 | 11 | 132 | 12.0 | 50% | 11 | 275 | 8 | Quiet | 6 |
| Jun | 5–21 | 19 | 8 | 94 | 11.8 | 44% | 13 | 293 | 9 | Peak | 9 |
| Jul | 10–27 | 25 | 3 | 28 | 9.3 | 33% | 12 | 330 | 9 | Peak | 9 |
| Aug | 9–25 | 24 | 6 | 56 | 9.3 | 40% | 11 | 284 | 8 | Peak | 9 |
| Sep | 5–21 | 19 | 6 | 70 | 11.7 | 43% | 11 | 252 | 6 | Moderate | 9 |
| Oct | -1–13 | 10 | 9 | 112 | 12.4 | 53% | 11 | 203 | 4 | Quiet | 7 |
| Nov | -9–3 | 0 | 11 | 148 | 13.5 | 62% | 9 | 144 | 2 | Quiet | 4 |
| Dec | -11–-1 | -4 | 13 | 208 | 16.0 | 66% | 9 | 111 | 1 | Moderate | 3 |
UV Index in Jackson Hole by Month
UV index in Jackson Hole peaks at 9 (very high) in July, dropping to 1 (low) in December. June, July reach very high or extreme levels — apply SPF 50+, wear a hat and protective clothing, and limit direct sun between 11:00 and 17:00.
Best months in detail
July
9/1010–27°C (feels 25°C) · 3 rain days (28h) · 330 sun hours · 33% humidity · Peak crowd · UV 9 (very high)
August
9/109–25°C (feels 24°C) · 6 rain days (56h) · 284 sun hours · 40% humidity · Peak crowd · UV 8 (high) · sunniest 1 in 10 days reach 10 (very high)
September
9/105–21°C (feels 19°C) · 6 rain days (70h) · 252 sun hours · 43% humidity · Moderate crowd · UV 6 (moderate) · sunniest 1 in 10 days reach 7 (high)
Every month
Show the other 9 months in detail
January
3/10-11–-2°C (feels -6°C) · 14 rain days (211h) · 129 sun hours · 65% humidity · Busy crowd · UV 1 (low)
February
3/10-12–-1°C (feels -5°C) · 13 rain days (198h) · 141 sun hours · 58% humidity · Quiet crowd · UV 2 (low) · sunniest 1 in 10 days reach 3 (moderate)
March
3/10-9–3°C (feels 0°C) · 14 rain days (197h) · 194 sun hours · 53% humidity · Quiet crowd · UV 4 (moderate) · sunniest 1 in 10 days reach 6 (high)
April
4/10-5–7°C (feels 3°C) · 12 rain days (148h) · 231 sun hours · 48% humidity · Quiet crowd · UV 6 (high) · sunniest 1 in 10 days reach 8 (very high)
May
6/10-1–13°C (feels 10°C) · 11 rain days (132h) · 275 sun hours · 50% humidity · Quiet crowd · UV 8 (high) · sunniest 1 in 10 days reach 10 (very high)
June
9/105–21°C (feels 19°C) · 8 rain days (94h) · 293 sun hours · 44% humidity · Peak crowd · UV 9 (very high) · sunniest 1 in 10 days reach 10 (very high)
October
7/10-1–13°C (feels 10°C) · 9 rain days (112h) · 203 sun hours · 53% humidity · Quiet crowd · UV 4 (moderate) · sunniest 1 in 10 days reach 5 (moderate)
November
4/10-9–3°C (feels 0°C) · 11 rain days (148h) · 144 sun hours · 62% humidity · Quiet crowd · UV 2 (low)
December
3/10-11–-1°C (feels -4°C) · 13 rain days (208h) · 111 sun hours · 66% humidity · Moderate crowd · UV 1 (low)
In winter the valley fills with several thousand elk, by design
Jackson Hole's winter has a feature no climate table would predict. The National Elk Refuge, established in 1912 on the northern edge of the town of Jackson, exists to carry the local elk herd through the winter after settlement cut off their historic lower-elevation range.
Each winter, thousands of elk move down onto the refuge flats, and visitors can go out among them by horse-drawn sleigh — an experience that only exists between roughly late December and early April, when the animals are present and the snow supports the sleighs.
It is the clearest case here of a destination having two entirely separate seasons rather than a good one and a bad one. Summer is Grand Teton and the hiking; winter is skiing and the elk. The shoulder months, April and November, are when neither is really available.
Sources: US Fish & Wildlife Service — National Elk Refuge , NPS — Grand Teton National Park, operating hours and seasons
How many days do you need for Jackson Hole?
Four. One for the town and the elk refuge, two for Grand Teton National Park — which deserves more than a drive-through — and one for a float trip on the Snake River or a day into Yellowstone, whose southern entrance is about an hour north. Skiers should plan on three or more.
Is 3 days in Jackson Hole enough?
It covers the essentials: Grand Teton's main road and one hike, the town, and either a wildlife drive or a river float. It is tight if you also want Yellowstone, which needs a full day of its own from here. Three days works well for a dedicated ski trip. In winter it is ample, since skiing and the elk refuge sit close together and Yellowstone's loop is closed to cars anyway.
Is it expensive to visit Jackson Hole?
Yes — it is among the more expensive mountain destinations in the United States, with limited lodging supply and high demand in both peak seasons. Costs drop sharply in the shoulder months of April, May and November, when much is closed. Camping and staying in Victor or Driggs over the pass cut costs considerably.
Is it better to stay in Teton Village or Jackson?
Teton Village puts you at the base of the ski lifts, which matters in winter and shortens mornings. Jackson town has far more restaurants, bars and lodging at a wider range of prices, and is better positioned for Grand Teton and the elk refuge. Skiers favour the village; everyone else, the town.
When can you see the elk in Jackson Hole?
Roughly late December to early April, when thousands of elk winter on the National Elk Refuge beside the town. Horse-drawn sleigh rides run out among them during that window, conditions permitting. Outside winter the herd disperses to higher summer range and the sleigh operation stops entirely.
What is the best month to visit Jackson Hole?
August for summer — the Grand Teton high trails are clear, the weather is settled and wildlife is active — though it is also the crowd peak. February for winter, with reliable snow for skiing and the elk on the refuge. Both are expensive; September and January are slightly better value.
How far is Jackson Hole from Yellowstone?
Grand Teton adjoins Jackson Hole immediately, and Yellowstone's South Entrance is about an hour's drive further north through the park. Many visitors combine both. Note that most Yellowstone roads close to cars on 1 November and reopen in stages from April, so a winter trip cannot include the Yellowstone loop.
What not to miss in Jackson Hole?
The Teton Range from Schwabacher Landing or Oxbow Bend at sunrise, the aerial tram at Teton Village for the view down the valley, a Snake River float trip, and in winter the elk refuge sleigh ride. The antler arches on Jackson's town square are the obligatory photograph. Sunrise is the serious wildlife window — moose, bison and elk are all far more active before the light gets high.
Do you need a car in Jackson Hole?
Effectively yes for Grand Teton and the wider valley, though the town itself is walkable and a free shuttle links Jackson with Teton Village in season. Distances in the park are substantial and there is no public transport to the trailheads. Book hire cars early — supply is limited in peak months.
Is Jackson Hole worth visiting?
Yes — few places put a mountain range as dramatic as the Tetons this close to a walkable town, with Yellowstone an hour away. The winter elk refuge is genuinely unusual. The main constraint is cost: this is one of the more expensive destinations in the American West in both peak seasons.
Frequently asked questions about visiting Jackson Hole
When is the best time to visit Jackson Hole?
July is the highest-scoring month (9/10 on the Holiday Climate Index). Typical conditions: 10–27°C (3 rainy days). The top three months by score are July, August, September.
What is the worst time to visit Jackson Hole?
January is the lowest-scoring month (3/10, capped by extreme cold). Typical conditions: -11–-2°C (14 rainy days).
Is Jackson Hole too cold in winter?
1 month (January) cross our cold deal-breaker (apparent temperature below the cap). Doable with the right gear, but expect the climate score to be held down by the gate.
When are crowds lowest in Jackson Hole?
Search-interest seasonality (Google Trends 2021-2025) is lowest in April and peaks in August. Interest tracks both in-trip visitors and lead-time planners, so treat it as a "destination is on people's minds" signal rather than literal arrivals.
Which months in Jackson Hole have good weather but fewer tourists?
October (climate 7/10, crowd index 8) — shoulder months with above-average climate and below-median search-interest. Often the best value-for-weather trade.
What is the UV index in Jackson Hole by month?
UV peaks at 9 (very high) in July and is lowest in December at 1 (low). Monthly peak values: Jan 1, Feb 2, Mar 4, Apr 6, May 8, Jun 9, Jul 9, Aug 8, Sep 6, Oct 4, Nov 2, Dec 1. June, July reach very high or extreme levels — apply SPF 50+, wear a hat and protective clothing, and limit direct sun between 11:00 and 17:00.
What is the UV index in Jackson Hole in July?
July is the peak UV month in Jackson Hole, with a daily-peak UV index of 9 (very high). At this level, sunburn can occur in under 20 minutes on unprotected fair skin. Apply SPF 50+, wear protective clothing and a hat, and avoid direct midday sun (11:00–17:00).
How high can UV get in Jackson Hole on the sunniest days?
Most days look like the monthly average, but on the sunniest ~1 in 10 days UV climbs higher than the mean suggests. June is the worst case: typical days average UV 9 (very high), but the top 10% of days reach UV 10 (very high) — and even higher. Months where the sunniest days routinely exceed the typical reading: February, March, April, May, June, August, September, October. Plan sun protection for the worst case, not the average.