Jackson in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Jackson

19°C (66°F) High Temp

-2°C (28°F) Low Temp

25 mm (1.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect ski conditions with 30-60 cm (12-24 inches) fresh powder on most mornings - lift lines are 50% shorter than December peak season
Hotel rates are 40-60% lower than Christmas week - luxury ski lodges average $180-280/night vs $400-600 in peak season
Elk viewing reaches peak activity as herds descend to lower elevations - National Elk Refuge hosts 5,000-7,000 elk by late November
Thanksgiving week offers authentic Western holiday experience with many lodges hosting special dinners and local traditions

Considerations

Daylight hours are shortest of ski season - lifts operate only 9am-3:30pm, limiting skiing to 6.5 hours daily
Weather is highly unpredictable - 3-day forecasts change dramatically, with sudden temperature swings of 15-20°C (27-36°F)
Some high-elevation trails and Teton Pass close intermittently due to early season storms, limiting backcountry access

Best Activities in November

Jackson Hole Ski Resort Early Season Skiing

November marks the official start of ski season with Jackson Hole Mountain Resort typically opening around Thanksgiving. Early season conditions mean fewer crowds, shorter lift lines, and eager powder hounds enjoying the first real snowfall. The resort operates limited terrain initially but expands daily as snow accumulates. Morning temperatures of -2°C (28°F) create perfect snow preservation.

Booking Tip: Season passes offer best value if skiing 5+ days. Daily lift tickets range $120-140. Book lodging 6-8 weeks ahead for Thanksgiving week as it's the only busy period in November. Look for ski-and-stay packages that include equipment rentals.

National Elk Refuge Sleigh Rides

Late November through December offers the most spectacular elk viewing as thousands of elk migrate from Yellowstone to winter grounds. The National Elk Refuge sleigh rides begin around December 1st, but November is perfect for spotting elk gathering in preparation. Dress warmly as morning temperatures drop to -2°C (28°F), but afternoon viewing at 19°C (66°F) is comfortable.

Booking Tip: Official sleigh rides typically cost $25-35 for adults. Book 2-3 weeks ahead for early December rides. November elk viewing is free from Highway 191 - bring binoculars and park at designated pullouts. See current tour availability in booking section below.

Grand Teton National Park Winter Photography

November transforms the Tetons into a photographer's great destination with snow-capped peaks, frosted aspens, and dramatic storm clouds. The combination of fresh snow and bare deciduous trees creates stark contrasts impossible to capture in other seasons. Limited crowds mean unobstructed shots at popular viewpoints like Oxbow Bend and Mormon Row.

Booking Tip: Park entrance fees are $35 per vehicle for 7 days. Photography workshops range $150-300 for half-day guided sessions. Rent or bring telephoto lenses for wildlife shots - elk and moose are most active at dawn and dusk when temperatures are coldest.

Snake River Float Fishing

November offers some of Wyoming's best trout fishing as fish feed aggressively before winter. Water temperatures around 4-8°C (39-46°F) keep trout active, while reduced competition from summer crowds increases success rates. Expert guides know exactly where fish concentrate as river flows decrease.

Booking Tip: Guided float trips cost $450-650 for two people for full day. Book 10-14 days ahead as many guides reduce schedules after November 15th. All equipment and licenses typically included. Morning trips start at 8am when air temperature is -2°C (28°F) - dress in layers.

Downtown Jackson Holiday Shopping and Dining

Early November brings the start of holiday season with fewer tourists but full restaurant operations before some establishments close for shoulder season. Town Square's famous antler arches are decorated for holidays, and local boutiques offer early season sales on Western wear and outdoor gear perfect for Jackson's climate.

Booking Tip: Restaurant reservations essential for Thanksgiving weekend but easy to secure other November dates. Many establishments offer pre-theater menus $35-55. Local galleries often discount artwork 10-20% before Christmas rush begins.

Yellowstone Lower Loop Winter Prep Tours

November is the last month for vehicle access to most Yellowstone roads before winter closure. Wildlife viewing is exceptional as animals prepare for winter - bison, elk, and wolves are highly active. Geothermal features are most dramatic in cold weather as steam contrasts sharply with snow and frozen landscapes.

Booking Tip: Yellowstone entrance fees $35 per vehicle. Most park roads close November 15th except the route to Cooke City. Book accommodations in West Yellowstone, Montana, 15-20 km (9-12 miles) from the west entrance. Private tours range $200-350 per person for full-day wildlife spotting.

November Events & Festivals

Late November

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Opening Weekend

Typically the Friday before Thanksgiving, the resort's opening celebration includes live music, discounted lift tickets, and gear demos from major ski manufacturers. Local ski shops offer season-long equipment deals and tune-up specials.

Late November

Thanksgiving at Grand Teton National Park

Though not an official event, many Jackson families and visitors hike the Taggart Lake Trail (4.8 km/3 miles) on Thanksgiving morning before traditional dinners. Several luxury lodges host elaborate Thanksgiving dinners featuring locally-sourced game and produce.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated, waterproof boots rated to -20°C (-4°F) - sidewalks ice over nightly and hiking trails have packed snow

Layering system: merino wool base layers, fleece mid-layer, waterproof shell - temperature swings 21°C (38°F) daily

Warm hat and insulated gloves - elevation at 1,901 m (6,237 ft) means intense cold, especially with wind chill

SPF 50+ sunscreen and glacier glasses - UV index 8 reflects intensely off snow even on cloudy days

Hand/foot warmers for outdoor activities - chemical warmers last 6-8 hours and are essential for wildlife viewing

Waterproof daypack cover - afternoon snow showers occur 60% of November days lasting 20-30 minutes

Traction devices (microspikes or yaktrax) - trails above 2,100 m (6,890 ft) have persistent ice and snow

Down puffy jacket rated to -10°C (14°F) - essential for early morning activities and evening dining

Waterproof ski/snow pants - not just for skiing, necessary for any outdoor activities in snow

Lip balm with SPF and heavy moisturizer - humidity drops to 30% in heated buildings, causing severe chapping

Insider Knowledge

Most Jackson locals ski before 11am then work afternoon shifts - hit slopes early for fresh tracks and local camaraderie

Buy groceries at Jackson Whole Grocer before 4pm - shelves empty quickly during November storms when delivery trucks can't reach town

November is peak season for wildlife road crossings on Highway 22 between 6-8am and 4-6pm - drive slowly and carry emergency kit

Many restaurants close for 'mud season' from November 7-21 annually - confirm reservations 24 hours ahead as schedules change without notice

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how cold morning temperatures feel at 1,901 m (6,237 ft) elevation - visitors from sea level need extra warming layers

Planning full itineraries without weather flexibility - November storms can shut down mountain passes for 24-48 hours unexpectedly

Assuming ski rental shops are fully stocked - early season means limited equipment availability, especially larger or smaller sizes