You’re looking at the forecast for Jackson Hole and seeing a high of 22°F. You think, "Okay, I'll pack the heavy coat." Then you look at the mountain report and it says 45°F at the summit. You assume the website is broken. It’s not. That’s just Tuesday in the Tetons.
Jackson Hole has this weird, reputation-defying climate. People think it’s just a frozen wasteland for six months followed by a quick summer, but the reality is much more nuanced. Honestly, the weather in Jackson Hole is the main character of every vacation here. It decides if you’re skiing powder or "mashed potatoes," and if your June hike is a wildflower stroll or a post-holing nightmare in three feet of leftover snow.
The Inversion: Why Down is Up
Most places get colder as you go higher. Not here. At least, not always.
During the winter, we get these things called temperature inversions. Basically, cold, dense air sinks into the valley floor—the "hole"—and gets trapped there. Meanwhile, the peaks are basking in bright sunshine and much warmer air. I’ve seen days where it’s -10°F in the town square and a balmy 35°F at the top of the Aerial Tram.
If you’re planning a ski trip, this changes everything. You might start your day shivering at the base area, layered up like the Michelin Man, only to find yourself stripping down to a base layer by the time you hit Rendezvous Bowl. It’s a literal atmospheric flip-flop.
Summer Isn't Always "Summer"
Don't let the July calendar fool you.
Early June in Jackson is often what locals call "monsoon season," though that’s a bit dramatic. Expect afternoon thundershowers that roll in like clockwork around 2:00 PM. They’re fast, they’re loud, and they’ll soak you to the bone if you’re caught on a ridge. Then, twenty minutes later, the sun is out and it’s 75°F again.
July and August are the "Bluebird" months. Highs usually hover in the 80s, which feels hotter because of the high altitude. The sun is intense. You'll burn in twenty minutes without zinc. But as soon as that sun dips behind the Tetons? The temperature craters. It’s not uncommon to see a 40-degree swing in a single day. You’ll be in a tank top at 4:00 PM and a down "puffy" jacket by 9:00 PM.
The Month-by-Month Reality Check
Let's get specific.
- January & February: Deep winter. This is when the legendary "Cowboy Powder" happens. Highs in the 20s, lows well below zero. In 2025, we saw an Arctic blast that sent the town down to -26°F while the mountains stayed relatively "warm" at -20°F.
- March: The sleeper hit. It’s often the snowiest month, but the sun has more bite. You get those classic "spring skiing" vibes—morning ice, afternoon slush.
- April & May: The "Mud Season." Honestly? It’s kind of a mess. The snow is melting, the trails are soup, and many businesses close down for a breather. But, the wildlife viewing is world-class as the elk and bison move back into the valley.
- September & October: Gold. Pure gold. The aspens turn, the air gets crisp, and the "bugle" of the elk replaces the sound of tourist traffic. Snow can—and will—fall in October, but it rarely stays.
Packing Like a Pro
Forget looking "mountain chic" if it means being miserable. You need a system.
- The Base: Merino wool. Synthetic is fine, but wool doesn't smell like a locker room after a day of hiking or skiing.
- The Mid: A light down jacket or a "fleece" layer. This is your workhorse.
- The Shell: A GORE-TEX or similar waterproof layer. This isn't just for rain; it's your windbreak. The wind coming off the Teton Range can be brutal.
- The Extremities: Pack two pairs of gloves. One light for hiking/walking town, one heavy for the mountain.
Survival Tips for the High Desert
Jackson Hole is technically a high-altitude desert. The air is incredibly dry. You will wake up with a "Teton Nosebleed" or a persistent headache if you don't hydrate. Drink twice as much water as you think you need.
Also, the altitude is no joke. The town sits at 6,237 feet, and the mountains top out over 13,000 feet. Alcohol hits harder here. One beer in the valley feels like two at sea level. Give your body a day or two to adjust before you try to bag a peak or go on a bender at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar.
👉 See also: Lake St. Clair Metropark: What You Should Know Before You Pull Into the Lot
Your Next Steps
Check the Mountain Weather site (run by local meteorologist Jim Woodmencey) about 48 hours before you arrive; it’s far more accurate for the valley’s microclimates than the generic weather apps. If you're coming in winter, verify the "snow stake" readings to see if it’s a "deep" or "creaky" day. For summer travelers, book your Snake River float trips for the morning to avoid those predictable afternoon lightning storms.