Jackson in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Jackson

18°C (64°F) High Temp

-6°C (21°F) Low Temp

25 mm (1 inch) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

World-class skiing conditions - Jackson Hole Mountain Resort receives 380+ cm (150+ inches) of champagne powder annually, with December marking consistent base building
Magical winter landscape transforms the Tetons into a snow-covered wonderland perfect for photography, with crisp air providing crystal-clear mountain views extending 50+ km (31+ miles)
Authentic winter wildlife viewing - elk herds gather at the National Elk Refuge (2.5 km/1.5 miles from town square), moose frequent the Snake River corridors, and wolves become more visible against snow
Festive holiday atmosphere with Jackson's famous antler arches lit up, local holiday markets, and cozy fireside dining without the crushing summer crowds

Considerations

Bitter cold temperatures can drop to -18°C (0°F) or lower, making outdoor activities challenging for those unaccustomed to mountain winters
Limited daylight with sunset around 4:45 PM means shorter activity windows and requires careful planning around available light
Higher accommodation costs during ski season - rates increase 40-60% compared to shoulder seasons, with minimum 3-4 night stays common

Best Activities in December

Jackson Hole Skiing and Snowboarding

December offers fresh powder conditions with fewer crowds than peak January-February. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort's 1,262 m (4,139 ft) vertical drop and Corbet's Couloir provide world-class terrain. Snow King Resort, just 800 m (0.5 miles) from town, offers night skiing until 7 PM - perfect for December's short daylight hours.

Booking Tip: Book lift tickets online 7+ days ahead for 15-20% savings. Multi-day passes offer better value (typically $400-500 for 3 days). Rent equipment in town rather than on-mountain to save 30-40%. Look for lodging packages that include lift tickets.

Yellowstone Winter Wildlife Tours

December transforms Yellowstone into an accessible winter wonderland. Snow coaches and heated vehicles provide comfortable wildlife viewing when animals are most visible against white landscapes. Bison, elk, and wolves are easier to spot, and geothermal features create dramatic steam clouds in sub-zero temperatures.

Booking Tip: Book full-day tours 14-21 days ahead (typically $200-350 per person). Look for small group tours (8-12 people max) for better wildlife spotting. Tours typically run 8-10 hours with lunch included. Weather can cause cancellations, so build flexibility into your schedule.

Snake River Canyon Scenic Sleigh Rides

Horse-drawn sleigh rides through snow-covered meadows with backdrop views of the Teton Range. December's snow cover makes this experience magical, while stable temperatures around -3°C to -8°C (19°F to 27°F) are perfect for bundling up under provided blankets. Evening rides offer stargazing opportunities in minimal light pollution.

Booking Tip: Reserve 10-14 days ahead for best time slots (typically $75-120 per adult). Sunset rides book fastest. Tours run 45-60 minutes with hot cocoa often included. Dress in layers - operators provide blankets but you'll need warm boots and gloves.

Grand Teton Winter Photography Tours

December's crisp air and snow-covered peaks create ideal photography conditions. Professional guides know the best sunrise and sunset locations around Jenny Lake, Oxbow Bend, and Mormon Row. Limited daylight (8:30 AM-4:45 PM) actually concentrates the best lighting into manageable windows.

Booking Tip: Book private or small group tours 7-14 days ahead (typically $150-250 per person for half-day). Look for guides who provide basic photography instruction and know wildlife movement patterns. Winter road access is limited, so 4WD vehicle tours are essential.

National Elk Refuge Sleigh Tours

The only way to get close to the largest elk herd in North America (5,000-7,500 elk gather here December through March). Horse-drawn sleigh rides venture directly into the refuge where elk congregate just 2.5 km (1.5 miles) from Jackson's town square. December offers prime viewing as herds are establishing winter patterns.

Booking Tip: This is Jackson's most popular winter activity - book 14+ days ahead (typically $35-45 adults, $25-35 children). Tours run every 30-45 minutes from 10 AM-4 PM. Dress very warmly - you'll be outside for 45 minutes in open sleighs. Bring cameras with good zoom capability.

Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing Trails

Jackson offers 50+ km (31+ miles) of groomed Nordic trails perfect for December's consistent snow base. Grand Teton National Park's Taggart Lake trail (4.8 km/3 miles round-trip) and Phelps Lake (6.4 km/4 miles) offer snowshoe access to frozen alpine lakes with impressive mountain backdrops.

Booking Tip: Rent equipment in town for $25-40 per day. Many hotels offer complimentary snowshoes to guests. Trail passes for groomed tracks cost $15-20 per day. Book guided tours 5-7 days ahead (typically $80-120) for backcountry access and avalanche safety in steeper terrain.

December Events & Festivals

Mid December

Jackson Hole Holiday Market

Local artisans sell handcrafted goods, including authentic cowboy gear, regional artwork, and Wyoming-made food products. Takes place in the historic Jackson Town Square with the famous antler arches as backdrop, featuring live music and hot cider.

Late December

Torchlight Skiing at Snow King

Weekly torchlight parades down Snow King Mountain's slopes, visible from throughout Jackson. Skiers carry torches down the mountain creating flowing ribbons of light, followed by fireworks. Free viewing from the base area with food vendors and hot drinks.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated waterproof boots rated to -20°C (-4°F) - essential for walking on snow and ice, with good tread for slippery conditions

Layering system: moisture-wicking base layer, insulating mid-layer, waterproof outer shell - temperatures swing 15-20°C (25-35°F) between day and night

Insulated gloves plus liner gloves - you'll need dexterity for cameras and zippers in sub-zero temperatures

Warm hat that covers ears and sunglasses - UV reflection off snow at 1,897 m (6,224 ft) elevation causes severe glare and potential snow blindness

Hand and foot warmers - single-use packets provide 6-8 hours of heat for long outdoor activities

Lip balm with SPF and heavy moisturizer - extremely dry mountain air at low humidity causes rapid dehydration

Headlamp or small flashlight - with 4:45 PM sunset, you'll frequently walk in darkness

Daypack with insulated water bottle - staying hydrated is crucial at altitude, but bottles freeze in temperatures below -5°C (23°F)

Emergency car kit: blanket, snacks, water, phone charger - mountain weather can change rapidly and roads may close

Formal winter jacket for dining - many upscale Jackson restaurants maintain dress codes even in winter

Insider Knowledge

Local ski shops offer better equipment rental deals than on-mountain locations - visit Teton Village Sports or Jackson Hole Sports for 30-40% savings and better service

The town's heated sidewalks around the square make walking comfortable even in snow, but side streets can be treacherous - locals wear YakTrax or similar ice cleats

Altitude affects alcohol tolerance significantly at 1,897 m (6,224 ft) - locals recommend drinking half your normal amount and doubling water intake

Free shuttle buses run between Jackson and Teton Village every 20 minutes during ski season - avoid parking fees and icy roads by leaving your car at hotels

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how cold 'dry cold' feels - many visitors from humid climates don't pack adequately for -15°C (5°F) temperatures that feel much colder with wind

Planning too many outdoor activities without accounting for 4:45 PM sunset - build indoor alternatives for every day

Not making restaurant reservations - Jackson's limited dining options book solid during December weekends, especially Friday-Sunday