January Overview
- High temperature: 28°F (-2°C)
- Low temperature: 5°F (-15°C)
- Hours daylight/sun: 5 hours
- Water temperature: 0°F (0°C)
January is indeed the coldest month in Jackson (Hole) with lows dropping to a freezing 5°F (-15°C), mostly after the sun sets. But even during the day don’t expect temperatures to be warmer than highs of 28°F (-2°C). The sun shines for an average of 5 hours each day now and skiers will be happy as there is plenty of snow in January in Jackson Hole. The monthly snowfall averages 60 inches (150 cm).
Winter sports are a must in January in Jackson Hole. But if you aren’t into skiing or snowboarding there is plenty of other stuff to do. From Snowshoeing to Winter Biking, there is surely something for everyone. And in case you simply feel too cold outside, why not treat yourself to a SPA day? Winter time is busy in Jackson Hole so book your stay early!
Best Time to Visit Jackson Hole
Well, Jackson (Hole) is a great vacation spot all year round. It just depends on what you are after. The winter months from the end of November until early April are perfect for ski enthusiasts. The shoulder seasons are ideal for avoiding the crowds, getting better deals and exploring nature although temperatures can still be pretty cold at times (20s F (0s C)). Summer is a fantastic time to explore the nearby national parks of Teton or Yellowstone and get active whilst biking, hiking or rafting. It does get quite busy then though. Check for road closures in the national parks during the colder months.
Things to know about Jackson Hole
Jackson (Hole) is located on a high plateau in the ‘Wild West’ near the Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park and the National Elk Refuge in the US State of Wyoming. The valley (Jackson Hole) and city (Jackson) are named after David E. Jackson, a trapper and fur trader, who used to spend winters there in the 1820s. Here in the Rocky Mountains, winters can be crazy cold and dry. This is what makes the famous ‘champagne powder’ snow so very special.
Winter:
Well, Jackson (Hole) is best known for its incredible winter sport activities on offer. The skiing in the ‘Wild West’ is definitely quite challenging and probably not the best choice for beginners. Winter activities on offer include:
Summer and shoulder seasons:
In the summer Jackson (Hole) is a paradise for outdoor activities of all sorts, including:
Hiking
Horseback riding
Climbing
Kayaking and
Rafting on the Snake River
Mountain biking (including guided tours through Grand Teton NP)
Visits to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park
A must is also a visit to the National Museum of Wildlife Art which presents wonderful art focused on nature. The flora section will no doubt impress you with everything from the smallest flowers to the tallest trees that can flourish in the immense heights of up to 10,000 ft above sea level. The fauna section explains all about local animals including elks, bisons and antelopes as well as all sorts of birds.
Where to stay…
Both Jackson as well as Teton Village offer a great choice of hotels and motels. Also, renting an apartment is a great idea, especially when travelling with family or a bigger crowd. Campgrounds will give you a full ‘back to nature’ experience but these are only recommended in the warmest months as nights can get pretty cold otherwise.
