It’s no secret that I love Jackson Hole! How could I not? It’s the greatest place in the world! Case in point, did you see my post on the best restaurants in Jackson Hole!? I’ve shared lots of outfits from Jackson Hole that I’ve snapped over the years when we’ve visited my grandfather. Since we travel to Jackson Hole to visit family, we’re lucky enough to get to go in every season. Each season in Jackson offers something different!
My family has an ongoing discussion about which season is better in Jackson, summer or winter. Most of my extended family says summer wins out but there are some folks that firmly stand by winter. I’m an outlier because I often say fall! No matter what time of year, Jackson is pure magic. A perfect visit to Jackson Hole depends on what you are looking for in your trip. Read on for my recommendations for what to do in Jackson Hole each season and visit my complete travel guide for Jackson to learn about where to stay, explore, hike, and more! I’ll find the best of the best for y’all (always!) and Jackson Hole is definitely no exception!
Dress (c/o) / Purse / Booties (old – similar)
Best Time To Visit Jackson Hole
Spring in Jackson Hole
In general, spring is the least ideal time of year to visit Jackson Hole. There is one exception to this rule: spring skiing. Jackson Hole can be extremely cold in the winter and the skiing conditions can be much colder than at some other mountains on the west coast. So, spring skiing can be really wonderful in Jackson because the temps are a little more friendly! I would definitely recommend a ski trip to Jackson over spring break or Easter. Spring in Jackson gets yucky in late April, May, and sometimes the first few weeks of June as the snow is melting and the wildflowers are waiting to bloom. By late June, Summer arrives! So, skip a trip to Jackson during it’s real spring season between late April, May, and the first few weeks of June.
Summer in Jackson Hole
Taking a trip to Jackson in the summer is something I can’t recommend enough! The summer activities are literally endless! Jackson Hole is a playground for adults. I definitely recommend reading the “Do” section of my Jackson Hole travel guide for breakdowns of each activity but know that you can go horseback riding, go white water and scenic rafting down the Snake River, go fly fishing on a handful of different rivers, go shopping around town square, go hiking in Grand Teton National Park (and up the way in neighboring Yellowstone National Park), go paragliding, go hot air ballooning, go to the rodeo, go to the lakes for water activities (boating, paddle boarding, tubing, swimming), go camping, and go to chuckwagon dinners.
During the summer months, you’ll also find live music, arts festivals, farmer’s markets, and more going on around town. Peak summer weather is in July and August and up through Labor Day!
Fall in Jackson Hole
Wyoming is pretty far north and Jackson Hole is in the mountains so peak fall foliage really takes place in September more so than October. It depends on the year and multiple climate conditions but, for the most part, to catch the best and most colorful fall leaves in Jackson, visit between mid-September and the end of the first week of October.
You will not believe the bright yellow color of the aspen trees! One of the best parts about fall in Jackson is that you can do most of the same activities you can do in summer but it is much less crowded. This is especially true in September but keep in mind that summer activities really shut down in October. You can absolutely experience autumn in Grand Teton National Park because most of the roads and lodges remain open through early October! It is an unbelievably beautiful time of year to visit Jackson.
Winter in Jackson Hole
Many local experts will argue that a trip in winter is the best time to visit Jackson Hole! Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is one of the best, if not THE best, ski resorts in the country. The ideal time to visit Jackson for the best snow is between mid-December and the end of March. Teton Village is bustling during the winter and is super festive with twinkle lights all winter long. Jackson is known for some of the best skiing and snowboarding in North America but the winter activities don’t stop there.
In the winter, you can also snowmobile, dog sled, visit the elk reserve, tube at Snow King, swim in hot springs at Granite Hot Springs, do sleigh rides, ice skate in town square, and shop around town. Head up to the top of the gondola or the tram for sweeping views of Jackson Hole and the valley floor. Jackson is truly a wonderful winter ski town!
Overall, summer and winter are probably agreed upon as the two best times to visit Jackson Hole, WY. However, don’t discount skiing in the spring and leaf peeping in the fall! Remember, if you’re looking for a hotel in Jackson Hole or any other recommendation, then visit my complete travel guide!
Dress (c/o) / Purse / Booties (old – similar)
Get my look:
Photography by Edwin Eversole
Dying to visit here, at the top of my list for both warm and colder weather – my hubby and I love to ski!
Alex
Ohhh you would absolutely love it!! It’s honestly so hard to pick between a summer and winter trip – both are fantastic in Jackson!! Thanks for reading! xx
Love this so much! My husband and I went on our honeymoon to Jackson Hole 2 years ago and used so many of your recommendations. It is truly a magical place and couldn’t recommend it enough. We can’t wait to get back out there. We went during the summer time, but would love to go during each of the seasons! Honestly I would love to just move out there.
Ohhh yay! This makes me SO happy to hear!! It’s the most magical place! I’m so glad you had a wonderful honeymoon!! Yes, definitely check it out each season! We’re with you – about once a week Edwin and I say to each other, should we move to Jackson?! Thanks for reading! xx