Jackson in September

September weather, activities, events & insider tips

September Weather in Jackson

27°C (81°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

38 mm (1.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Peak wildlife viewing season - elk bugling activity reaches its crescendo with bulls competing for mates, best heard at dawn and dusk in Lamar and Hayden valleys
Comfortable hiking weather with daytime temperatures around 27°C (81°F) and cool evenings at 18°C (64°F) - perfect for full-day backcountry adventures without summer's heat
Aspen trees turn brilliant gold creating Wyoming's most photogenic month, particularly impressive along the Snake River and in Grand Teton's lower elevations
Summer crowds thin significantly after Labor Day weekend while most attractions remain open - you'll have popular trails and viewpoints largely to yourself

Considerations

Weather becomes highly unpredictable with potential snowfall at higher elevations above 2,400m (8,000ft) - some high-altitude trails may close unexpectedly
Daylight hours decrease rapidly from 13 to 11 hours during the month, limiting photography time and requiring earlier starts for long hikes
Some seasonal businesses and restaurants begin closing after Labor Day weekend, particularly in smaller gateway towns like West Yellowstone

Best Activities in September

Yellowstone Wildlife Safaris

September is peak elk rutting season when bulls bugle throughout Lamar and Hayden valleys. Morning temperatures of 18°C (64°F) keep wildlife active longer, and reduced crowds mean better positioning for photography. Bison herds are also more active before winter preparations begin.

Booking Tip: Book guided tours 2-3 weeks ahead as September wildlife tours fill quickly. Half-day tours typically cost $180-250 per person. Look for operators with early morning departure times (5:30-6am) and spotting scopes included.

Grand Teton Hiking Adventures

Perfect hiking weather with highs of 27°C (81°F) and low humidity makes strenuous trails comfortable. Aspen groves are peak golden color, and trails like Cascade Canyon and Jenny Lake are less crowded. Mountain weather is still stable before October storms arrive.

Booking Tip: Multi-day hiking packages range from $350-500 per day including guides and equipment. Book 10-14 days ahead through certified mountain guides. Verify operators provide bear spray and know current trail conditions.

Snake River Float Trips

September offers ideal river conditions with stable water levels and comfortable temperatures. Wildlife congregates along riverbanks preparing for winter, and golden aspens create perfect reflections. Early morning trips often encounter elk herds coming to drink.

Booking Tip: Half-day scenic floats typically cost $75-95 per adult. Book through licensed outfitters 7-10 days ahead. Morning trips (8am-noon) offer best wildlife viewing and photography light.

Jackson Hole Scenic Drives

Self-drive tours are spectacular with aspen trees at peak color and clear mountain visibility. The Teton Park Road and Jenny Lake area offer impressive photography opportunities, while wildlife is more visible in cooler temperatures along roadways.

Booking Tip: Rental vehicles with 4WD recommended as mountain weather can change quickly. GPS-guided audio tours available for $25-35 per vehicle. Best driving times are early morning (7-10am) and late afternoon (4-6pm) for wildlife and lighting.

Hot Spring Resort Experiences

Natural hot springs are perfect for September's cooling evenings. After daytime hiking in 27°C (81°F) weather, soaking in 40°C (104°F) mineral springs while surrounded by golden aspens creates an unforgettable experience.

Booking Tip: Day passes typically cost $35-50 per adult. Resort packages with accommodation range $200-400 per night. Book 2 weeks ahead as September is popular for couples' getaways. Look for resorts with outdoor pools and mountain views.

Photography Workshop Tours

September combines peak autumn colors, active wildlife during rutting season, and dramatic weather patterns perfect for landscape photography. Professional workshops take advantage of golden aspens, bugling elk, and spectacular sunrise/sunset conditions.

Booking Tip: Multi-day photography workshops cost $800-1,200 per person including instruction and transportation. Book 3-4 weeks ahead as spots are limited. Look for workshops including both Yellowstone and Grand Teton locations.

September Events & Festivals

Mid September

Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival

Annual celebration featuring local artists, sculpture exhibitions, and live demonstrations throughout downtown Jackson. Perfect timing coincides with peak aspen season, and many outdoor art installations take advantage of the golden backdrop.

Late September

Elk Fest at National Museum of Wildlife Art

Educational festival celebrating elk rutting season with wildlife photography exhibitions, expert talks, and guided viewing excursions. Combines art, education, and prime wildlife viewing opportunities.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential - start with base layers for 18°C (64°F) mornings, add/remove for 27°C (81°F) afternoons, temperatures can swing 15°C (25°F) in one day

Waterproof hiking boots rated for muddy trails - September sees 38mm (1.5 inches) rainfall creating slippery conditions on popular paths

SPF 50+ sunscreen mandatory - UV index of 8 intensifies at 1,900m (6,200ft) elevation, even on cloudy days

Lightweight rain jacket for sudden afternoon thunderstorms - showers typically last 20-30 minutes but can soak you completely

Warm hat and gloves for early morning wildlife viewing - temperatures drop to 18°C (64°F) at dawn when elk are most active

Binoculars 8x42 minimum for wildlife viewing - you'll want to observe elk from safe distances of 75m+ (250ft+) during rutting season

Headlamp with extra batteries - daylight decreases rapidly in September, ending around 7pm by month's end

Bear spray and bear canister if backcountry camping - September sees increased bear activity as they prepare for hibernation

Insider Knowledge

Locals avoid weekends in early September due to Labor Day crowds, but visit mid-week when accommodations drop 30-40% in price and trails are nearly empty

Best elk bugling occurs between 6-8am and 6-8pm when temperatures cool - plan your most important wildlife viewing around these windows

Aspen viewing peaks differently by elevation - lower elevations (1,800-2,100m/6,000-7,000ft) turn first around September 15th, higher elevations follow 7-10 days later

Local photographers guard secret spots for sunrise shots over the Tetons - arrive at popular viewpoints like Schwabacher Landing by 6:30am to secure positions before tour groups arrive

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating weather changes - many visitors pack only for warm afternoons and get caught in 18°C (64°F) mornings or sudden mountain storms

Planning only outdoor activities without indoor backup options for the 10 rainy days typical in September

Booking accommodations too late - September's combination of fewer crowds and peak scenery makes it popular with experienced travelers who book months ahead