Early winter · Weather & things to do
Grand Teton National Park in December
This is the coldest month in Grand Teton National Park: highs average 24°F (-5°C) and lows 5°F (-15°C), with about 3.6 in (91 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 40/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 24°F (-5°C)
- Avg low
- 5°F (-15°C)
- Rain or snow
- 3.6 in (91 mm)
- Humidity
- 97%
- Cloud cover
- 71%
- Daylight
- ~8 h 45 min
- Comfort score
- 40/100 · Tough
What December feels like
Real cold sets in, with afternoon highs around 24°F (-5°C).
Average lows of 5°F (-15°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
Expect about 3.6 in (91 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because the average temperature is below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
Only about 8 h 45 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are June – September.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, November – January.
- Shortest days of the year, about 8 h 45 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 44/100 in November to 40/100.
- Our Glacier to Yellowstone route recommends Jun – Sep, so December falls outside its suggested window.
- December sits inside the Mid-Dec – Mar window our Grand Teton, Jackson & Yellowstone route recommends.
What to pack for December
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 5°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 3.6 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Grand Teton National Park in December
Cold days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
Snake River Overlook
Pullout on US-89 above a bend of the Snake River, where Ansel Adams photographed the Tetons in 1942.
Grand Teton
At 13,775 feet, the highest peak of the Teton Range, rising about 7,000 feet straight from the valley floor.
Taggart Lake Trail
Gentle 3-mile round trip through meadows to a lake at the base of the Grand Teton.
Jenny Lake Boating Shuttle
Boat across Jenny Lake to the Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point trails.
Dornan's
Moose village spot with a pizza and pasta deck, wine shop and summer chuckwagon.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 24°F.
Million Dollar Cowboy Bar
Jackson's town-square saloon since 1937, with saddle barstools and live country music.
Nearby in December
- Jackson in December~22 mi · highs 27°F, 2.9 in rain or snow · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, drier
- Yellowstone National Park in December~44 mi · highs 19°F, 3.6 in rain or snow · 3°C (5°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Yellowstone in December~57 mi · highs 19°F, 3.6 in rain or snow · 3°C (5°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Salt Lake City in December~218 mi · highs 37°F, 2.5 in rain or snow · 8°C (14°F) warmer by day, drier
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~2,462 m to Grand Teton National Park's ~2,122 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Grand Teton National Park in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Grand Teton National Park?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 40/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are June – September. Expect highs of 24°F (-5°C) and 3.6 in (91 mm) of rain or snow. Our Glacier to Yellowstone route recommends Jun – Sep, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Grand Teton National Park in December?
Average highs are 24°F (-5°C) and average lows 5°F (-15°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Grand Teton National Park in December?
Some: about 3.6 in (91 mm) of rain or snow falls across December on average, the wettest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 30.9 in (785 mm).
What should I pack for Grand Teton National Park in December?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 5°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 3.6 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Grand Teton National Park
Routes in season in December
- Grand Teton, Jackson & Yellowstone Mid-Dec – Mar
Planning Grand Teton National Park in December?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.