Early winter · Weather & things to do
Jackson in December
This is the coldest month in Jackson: highs average 27°F (-3°C) and lows 9°F (-13°C), with about 2.9 in (73 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 42/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 27°F (-3°C)
- Avg low
- 9°F (-13°C)
- Rain or snow
- 2.9 in (73 mm)
- Humidity
- 96%
- Cloud cover
- 71%
- Daylight
- ~8 h 47 min
- Comfort score
- 42/100 · Tough
What December feels like
It's cold: daytime highs average just 27°F (-3°C), so build the days around warm stops.
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 9°F (-13°C), so expect frost and ice.
Expect about 2.9 in (73 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because the average temperature is below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
Only about 8 h 47 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are June – September.
- Start of the wettest three-month stretch (December – February), which brings about 8.0 in (204 mm) in total.
- Shortest days of the year, about 8 h 47 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 46/100 in November to 42/100.
- 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 9°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 2.9 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Jackson in December
With highs near 27°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Town Square
Jackson's central park, entered under four arches made of shed elk antlers that are strung with lights in winter.
National Museum of Wildlife Art
Museum of wildlife painting and sculpture built into a hillside directly across from the Elk Refuge.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 27°F.
Snow King Mountain
Jackson's town ski hill since 1939, rising straight from the edge of downtown, with night skiing.
National Elk Refuge
Refuge on the edge of Jackson where thousands of elk spend the winter on open, snowy meadows.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Steep ski area above Teton Village with more than 4,000 feet of vertical and an aerial tram to Rendezvous Mountain.
Nearby in December
- Grand Teton National Park in December~22 mi · highs 24°F, 3.6 in rain or snow · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Yellowstone National Park in December~67 mi · highs 19°F, 3.6 in rain or snow · 5°C (9°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Yellowstone in December~79 mi · highs 19°F, 3.6 in rain or snow · 5°C (9°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Salt Lake City in December~196 mi · highs 37°F, 2.5 in rain or snow · 5°C (10°F) warmer by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~2,418 m to Jackson's ~1,883 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.
Jackson in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Jackson?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 42/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are June – September. Expect highs of 27°F (-3°C) and 2.9 in (73 mm) of rain or snow. December is inside the Mid-Dec – Mar window our Grand Teton, Jackson & Yellowstone route recommends.
How cold is Jackson in December?
Average highs are 27°F (-3°C) and average lows 9°F (-13°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Jackson in December?
Some: about 2.9 in (73 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 25.8 in (656 mm).
What should I pack for Jackson in December?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 9°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 2.9 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Routes in season in December
- Grand Teton, Jackson & Yellowstone Mid-Dec – Mar
Planning Jackson in December?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.