Jackson in October

October weather, activities, events & insider tips

October Weather in Jackson

20°C (68°F) High Temp

2°C (36°F) Low Temp

25 mm (1.0 inches) Rainfall

45% Humidity

Is October Right for You?

Advantages

Peak fall foliage - aspens turn brilliant gold from October 5-15, creating spectacular photo opportunities along Teton Park Road and Jenny Lake area
Elk bugling season continues through early October - witness massive bull elk competing for mates in locations like National Elk Refuge and Antelope Flats Road
Comfortable hiking temperatures during midday (15-20°C/59-68°F) with crystal-clear mountain views and minimal afternoon thunderstorms
Significantly reduced crowds after October 15 - major attractions like Jenny Lake and Cascade Canyon see 60% fewer visitors than peak summer

Considerations

Unpredictable weather swings - temperatures can drop from 18°C (64°F) to -2°C (28°F) within hours, especially after October 10
Many high-elevation trails close by mid-October due to snow accumulation above 2,400m (7,900 ft), limiting backcountry options
Limited restaurant and service hours as tourist businesses begin winter closures - some Jackson establishments reduce hours by 30-40% after Columbus Day weekend

Best Activities in October

Grand Teton National Park Wildlife Photography Tours

October offers the year's best wildlife viewing opportunities with elk bugling, moose in pre-winter feeding patterns, and migrating birds. Morning temperatures around 2°C (36°F) create dramatic mist effects over Jackson Lake, while animals are most active during the comfortable midday hours of 15-18°C (59-64°F). Fall colors provide impressive backdrops unavailable any other season.

Booking Tip: Book 14-21 days ahead for guided photography tours, typically costing $180-280 per person for full-day experiences. Look for operators offering early morning starts (6:30am) to catch optimal lighting and wildlife activity. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Jackson Hole Scenic Float Trips

Snake River float trips in October showcase peak fall colors with minimal crowds and comfortable afternoon temperatures. Wildlife congregates along riverbanks preparing for winter, offering excellent moose and beaver spotting opportunities. Water levels are ideal after summer runoff, and the crisp air provides exceptional Teton Range visibility stretching 40+ km (25+ miles).

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed outfitters, with half-day trips running $75-120 per adult. Afternoon departures (1-2pm) offer warmest temperatures and best lighting for the Teton backdrop. Look for operators providing warm blankets and hot beverages.

Jackson Town Square and Local Brewery Tours

October brings harvest season celebrations and Oktoberfest events to Jackson's craft brewery scene. Cool evening temperatures make indoor venues particularly appealing, while reduced tourist crowds mean easier access to popular establishments. Local breweries often feature seasonal ales and harvest-themed events unavailable during summer months.

Booking Tip: Walking brewery tours typically cost $60-90 and can be booked 3-5 days ahead. Evening tours (4-7pm) work best with October's early sunsets and cool temperatures. Look for tours including 4-6 brewery stops with food pairings.

Yellowstone Day Trips from Jackson

October offers unique Yellowstone access with fall colors, active wildlife preparing for winter, and significantly fewer crowds than summer months. Geothermal features appear more dramatic in cool air, and bison herds move to lower elevations creating excellent viewing opportunities along Grand Loop Road. Most park roads remain accessible through late October.

Booking Tip: Full-day Yellowstone tours from Jackson cost $180-250 per person and should be booked 10-14 days ahead. Choose tours departing early (7am) to maximize wildlife viewing during active morning hours. Ensure operators provide warm transportation and flexible itineraries for weather changes.

Teton Village Gondola and Alpine Hiking

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort's aerial tram operates through early October, providing access to high-altitude hiking at 3,185m (10,450 ft) with panoramic Teton views. Fall colors extend up mountain slopes, and cool temperatures make the challenging Corbet's Cabin hike comfortable during midday hours. Snow often caps peaks, creating dramatic contrast with golden aspens below.

Booking Tip: Aerial tram tickets cost $45-55 for adults and operate daily through October 15 (weather permitting). Purchase tickets online 5-7 days ahead for guaranteed availability. Morning rides offer clearest views before afternoon cloud buildup.

Antelope Flats and Mormon Row Photography Workshops

October provides ideal conditions for capturing iconic Teton Range shots with historic barns and structures. Fall colors add foreground interest, while crisp air ensures sharp mountain definition extending 15+ km (9+ miles). Wildlife activity peaks during comfortable midday temperatures, offering opportunities to photograph elk, pronghorn, and raptors in single compositions.

Booking Tip: Photography workshops run $120-180 for half-day sessions and should be booked 7-10 days ahead. Morning workshops (7-11am) capture best lighting on east-facing Teton slopes, while afternoon sessions work better for wildlife activity. Look for instruction in both landscape and wildlife techniques.

October Events & Festivals

Early to Mid October

Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival

Annual celebration featuring local and regional artists with gallery walks, outdoor installations, and live demonstrations. Takes advantage of October's comfortable daytime temperatures for outdoor art displays and draws on fall tourism before winter closure season.

Mid October

Elk Fest at National Elk Refuge

Educational celebration of elk migration and bugling season featuring guided tours, wildlife photography workshops, and ranger-led programs. Coincides with peak elk activity as herds gather for winter at lower elevations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated down jacket rated for -5°C (23°F) - morning temperatures regularly drop below freezing after October 10

Moisture-wicking base layers in merino wool - temperature swings of 20°C (36°F) daily require adaptable layering systems

Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support - trails can have snow patches above 2,100m (6,900 ft) and morning frost creates slippery conditions

Warm beanie and insulated gloves - early morning wildlife viewing starts at 2°C (36°F) with wind chill effects

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 6 at high altitudes, intensified by snow reflection on peaks

Headlamp with extra batteries - daylight hours reduce to 10.5 hours by late October with sunset around 6:15pm

Lightweight rain shell - afternoon precipitation occurs 8 days monthly and can turn to snow above 2,400m (7,900 ft)

Warm sleeping gear if camping - overnight temperatures drop to -8°C (18°F) at higher elevations

Portable phone charger - cold temperatures drain batteries 40-50% faster than summer conditions

Thermal coffee mug - morning activities start in near-freezing temperatures, and hot beverages become essential comfort items

Insider Knowledge

Drive Teton Park Road before 8am for best elk bugling opportunities - National Park Service keeps road open specifically for wildlife viewing until heavy snows arrive

Book restaurant reservations 48-72 hours ahead after October 15 when many establishments reduce seating capacity and operating hours for winter transition

Purchase discounted ski equipment in late October when local shops clear summer inventory - save 30-40% on winter gear before peak season pricing

Access Jenny Lake by boat through October 15 only - boat shuttle service ends earlier than most visitors expect, requiring 3.2km (2-mile) hike around lake after closure

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating temperature drops after sunset - visitors wearing shorts at 3pm find themselves in freezing conditions by 6pm without proper layers

Planning high-elevation hikes after October 10 without checking current conditions - trails above 2,400m (7,900 ft) can have significant snow accumulation

Assuming summer operating hours continue through October - many restaurants, shops, and even gas stations reduce hours significantly after Columbus Day weekend