Jackson in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Jackson

18°C (64°F) High Temp

-6°C (21°F) Low Temp

25 mm (1.0 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

World-class skiing at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort with 2,500 vertical feet (762 m) and typically 89 cm (35 inches) base depth by February
Peak wildlife viewing season - elk herds concentrate in National Elk Refuge, easily spotted from sleigh rides in morning hours
Dramatically fewer crowds than December/January holidays - lift lines average 5-7 minutes vs 15-20 in peak season
Optimal snow conditions with 65% powder days in February, perfect for backcountry skiing and snowmobiling

Considerations

Extreme cold snaps drop temperatures to -23°C (-10°F) during 3-4 nights per February, making outdoor activities dangerous
Limited daylight hours - sunrise at 7:20am, sunset at 6:00pm restricts activity scheduling
Road closures on Teton Pass and Highway 22 occur 2-3 times monthly during storms, potentially stranding visitors

Best Activities in February

Jackson Hole Backcountry Skiing Tours

February offers the season's most stable snowpack with 180-200 cm (71-79 inches) base and minimal avalanche risk. Morning temperatures of -6°C (21°F) create perfect powder conditions that soften by afternoon. Teton Pass and Togwotee Pass areas provide terrain for all skill levels.

Booking Tip: Book guided backcountry tours 2-3 weeks ahead through certified mountain guides. Expect ฿8,000-12,000 per day including safety gear. Look for AMGA-certified guides with current avalanche training. Check current tour availability in booking section below.

National Elk Refuge Sleigh Rides

Peak season for viewing 5,000-7,000 elk concentrated in winter feeding grounds. February offers clearest mountain views and most active elk behavior. Morning rides at 10am-12pm provide best lighting and animal activity before afternoon winds pick up.

Booking Tip: Reserve 1-2 weeks ahead as this is the most popular winter activity. Tours run ฿2,200-2,800 for 45-minute rides. Look for operators with heated sleighs and wool blankets. Morning departures recommended for optimal wildlife viewing.

Grand Teton Snowshoeing Expeditions

February's consolidated snow creates ideal conditions for accessing remote areas of Grand Teton National Park. Jenny Lake and Taggart Lake trails offer impressive winter landscapes with 360-degree mountain views. Clear weather days average 18 per month.

Booking Tip: Half-day guided tours typically cost ฿4,500-6,500 including snowshoe rental. Book 7-10 days ahead with operators providing microspikes for icy conditions. Weather-dependent - operators offer flexible rescheduling during storm periods.

Snake River Canyon Snowmobile Tours

125 km (78 miles) of groomed trails through Bridger-Teton National Forest with optimal snow conditions in February. Temperatures stay cold enough to maintain trail quality while providing comfortable riding conditions during 11am-3pm window.

Booking Tip: Full-day rentals range ฿6,000-9,000 including gear and guide. Book 2 weeks ahead during President's Day weekend. Choose operators with heated staging areas and backup sleds. Afternoon tours avoid morning cold snaps below -18°C (0°F).

Yellowstone Winter Wildlife Tours

February is prime season for spotting wolves, bison, and bighorn sheep in Yellowstone's northern range. Snow concentrates wildlife in valleys, improving viewing success to 85% for major species. Entrance roads maintain winter access through West and North entrances.

Booking Tip: Day tours from Jackson cost ฿7,500-10,500 including park entry and transportation. Book 3-4 weeks ahead as winter access is limited. Look for operators with spotting scopes and wildlife expertise. Tours run 8am-6pm with heated vehicle transport.

Dog Sledding Adventures

Ideal snow and temperature conditions in February with trails through Bridger-Teton National Forest. Teams of 6-8 Alaskan huskies navigate 16-25 km (10-16 mile) routes. Cold temperatures keep dogs energetic and trails fast.

Booking Tip: Half-day experiences range ฿5,500-8,000 per person including instruction and gear. Book 2-3 weeks ahead as teams are limited. Morning departures at 9am avoid afternoon wind. Look for operations with backup indoor activities for severe weather days.

February Events & Festivals

Mid February

Jackson Hole WinterFest

Annual winter celebration featuring ice sculptures, torchlight parades, and winter sports competitions in Town Square. Local restaurants offer special winter menus and the famous antler arch provides perfect photo opportunities with snow backdrop.

Late February

Cody Night Rodeo Winter Series

Indoor rodeo events featuring bronc riding and barrel racing at the Cody Stampede Arena, 1 hour drive from Jackson. Winter series showcases regional cowboys and provides authentic Western entertainment during cold months.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated snow boots rated to -25°C (-13°F) - sidewalks and trails remain icy throughout February

Merino wool base layers (avoid cotton) - 65% humidity creates damp conditions that cotton retains

Waterproof ski gloves plus liner gloves - temperatures require dual hand protection for outdoor activities

Polarized sunglasses - snow reflection at 1,900 m (6,230 ft) elevation intensifies UV even with index of 3

Down parka rated to -20°C (-4°F) - wind chill regularly drops feels-like temperature 8-10 degrees lower

Wool socks and sock liners - prevents blisters during 6-8 hour ski days and keeps feet dry

Balaclava or face mask - exposed skin freezes in 2-3 minutes during morning cold snaps

Hand/foot warmer packets - backup heat source for 10+ hour outdoor days

Waterproof day pack - sudden snow squalls dump 5-8 cm (2-3 inches) in 30 minutes

Lip balm with SPF 30+ - dry air at altitude causes severe chapping within 48 hours

Insider Knowledge

Local restaurants offer 'après-ski' menus from 3-6pm with 25-30% discounts - perfect timing after morning activities and before evening plans

Jackson Hole Airport closes frequently in February storms - book refundable flights and consider driving from Saltlakecity (4.5 hours) as backup

Teton Pass road conditions determine daily activity options - check Wyoming Department of Transportation cameras at 6am for real-time conditions

Many locals leave for warmer climates in February, creating parking availability in Town Square and shorter waits at popular restaurants after 7pm

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating altitude effects - visitors from sea level experience fatigue and dehydration 40% faster at 1,900 m (6,230 ft) elevation in dry winter air

Booking outdoor activities without weather backup plans - storms cancel 20-25% of scheduled tours in February

Wearing inadequate footwear on icy sidewalks - emergency room visits for slip injuries peak in February among tourists