November in Jackson Hole is the valley's quiet in-between. Summer hikers left weeks ago, fall foliage peaked in late September, and ski season won't begin until the final days of the month. Highs sit around 4°C (40°F), nights drop near -7°C (19°F), and the Teton Range collects its first serious snowpack. Several seasonal businesses in Teton Village close after October, and the town of Jackson operates at its slowest pace outside of April's mud season. The smell of woodsmoke hangs over Cache Street on cold evenings.
The elk migration is the exception. Thousands of elk descend from the high country into the National Elk Refuge south of Jackson during the first half of November, and the herds grow steadily through Thanksgiving. The National Museum of Wildlife Art opened in 1987 on a ridge above the refuge. It sits nearly empty on weekday afternoons. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the animals on the snow-dusted flats below. Grand Teton National Park remains accessible via Highway 26/89/191, though most inner park roads and visitor services close by early November.
If skiing is the reason you're coming, aim for Thanksgiving week. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort typically opens on or near the last Saturday of November. Snow King Mountain in downtown Jackson sometimes opens a week or two earlier with limited terrain. Early coverage tends to be thin, often limited to 2-3 groomed runs, and the mountain won't approach full operations until mid-to-late December.
Why visit in November
- Accommodation rates reach their annual low, well below the December-through-March ski-season average that makes Jackson Hole one of the priciest resort valleys in the Mountain West.
- The elk migration into the National Elk Refuge creates one of North America's best large-mammal wildlife viewing opportunities, visible from designated turnouts along Highway 26 without a park entrance fee.
- Grand Teton National Park trails like Taggart Lake and Bradley Lake see fewer than a dozen hikers per day, a fraction of July's foot traffic.
- Moose, bald eagles, and coyotes are reliably active along the Gros Ventre Road and the Snake River corridor, and November's early snow creates dramatic backdrops for photography.
Worth knowing
- Most seasonal businesses in Teton Village and Wilson close between late October and early December, leaving limited dining and shopping options outside downtown Jackson.
- Ski terrain is minimal until late November, and early-season coverage depends entirely on fall snowfall. Some years the resort opening delays into early December.
- Highway 22 over Teton Pass is prone to closures from November storms, and black ice forms on Highway 89 through the Snake River Canyon. Detours add over an hour.
- Daylight shrinks to roughly 9 hours and 30 minutes by month's end, with sunset arriving before 5 PM.
Best for
Think twice if
November marks Jackson Hole's transition from autumn chill to early winter cold. Snow falls on roughly 10 days during the month, contributing about 55mm of precipitation that mostly accumulates as snowpack at the valley's 1,900m (6,237 ft) elevation. Humidity averages 74%, though the air feels drier than that number suggests at altitude. Morning frost is the norm, and the cold deepens noticeably week by week. Clear, sharp mornings often give way to afternoon clouds rolling over the Tetons from the west. By month's end, sunset arrives before 5 PM, and the short days feel shorter still in the shadow of the mountains.
Seasonal caution
- Overnight temperatures regularly drop below -10°C (14°F) by late November, with cold snaps occasionally pushing toward -20°C (-4°F). Exposed skin risks frostbite during prolonged outdoor activity in these conditions.
- Snowstorms can close Teton Pass (Highway 22) with little notice. Always check WYDOT road conditions before driving between Wilson and the Idaho side. Carry chains or have all-wheel drive.
- The valley's high elevation amplifies cold stress and can cause mild altitude symptoms, including headache and fatigue, for visitors arriving from sea level. Allow a day to acclimatize before extended time outdoors.
Year-round climate
Averages from the last 5 years.
| Month | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | -2 | -13 | 61 |
| Feb | 0 | -11 | 82 |
| Mar | 4 | -9 | 75 |
| Apr | 8 | -6 | 51 |
| May | 14 | -1 | 59 |
| Jun | 22 | 5 | 29 |
| Jul | 27 | 10 | 13 |
| Aug | 25 | 9 | 49 |
| Sep | 21 | 5 | 48 |
| Oct | 13 | -1 | 58 |
| Nov | 4 | -7 | 55 |
| Dec | 1 | -9 | 94 |
Holidays and festivals in November
Public holidays
- Veterans Day(Veterans Day)11 November 2026
- Thanksgiving Day(Thanksgiving Day)26 November 2026
When is Christmas season in 2026?
27 November to 26 December 2026
Christmas season is a major cultural celebration in Jackson Hole. In 2026 it runs from 27 November to 26 December 2026.
Best things to do in November
Elk watching at the National Elk Refuge
wildlifeThe federal wildlife refuge along Jackson's southern edge receives migrating elk herds from early November onward. The animals gather on open flats visible from Highway 26 pullouts and from the museum ridge above. Bring binoculars. The herds are often 200-400m from the nearest viewing areas, and the snow backdrop makes for exceptional observation.
The elk migration builds through November. By mid-month, the herds are large enough to be visible from multiple vantage points across the refuge, and the winter landscape amplifies the spectacle.Booking tipNo booking required. Drive Highway 26 south of town and use the designated turnouts. Early morning and late afternoon are best for active herds.
Snowshoeing in Grand Teton National Park
outdoorBy mid-November, trails around Taggart Lake and Bradley Lake carry enough snow for snowshoeing. The Taggart Lake loop runs about 5.6 km (3.5 mi) with views of Avalanche Canyon and the central Teton peaks. The crunch of fresh powder underfoot and the near-total silence of the empty park are the draw here.
November snow transforms the lower park trails into snowshoe routes before the deeper drifts and backcountry avalanche risk of mid-winter set in. You'll likely have the trail to yourself.Booking tipRent snowshoes in Jackson before heading into the park. Several outfitters on Cache Street carry them seasonally.
Visiting the National Museum of Wildlife Art
cultureThis museum on a ridge north of Jackson holds over 5,000 works depicting North American wildlife. The building itself was designed to blend into the sandstone hillside above the elk refuge. November afternoons, you might be the only visitor in the galleries, which makes the scale of pieces like the Carl Rungius collection feel more personal.
Nearly empty galleries combined with live elk visible through the museum's windows directly below create a layered experience unavailable during crowded summer months.Booking tipOpen year-round. Check for reduced November hours, as the museum sometimes adjusts its schedule during the shoulder season.
Opening-weekend skiing at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
winter sportsThe resort's opening day typically falls on or near the last Saturday of November, with initial lifts and a handful of upper-mountain runs accessible. Conditions are early-season, meaning variable coverage and limited terrain, but the energy on opening day is genuine. Expect long lift lines at the base and thin-but-skiable surfaces.
Opening weekend is the first chance to ski one of North America's most vertical resorts. Locals treat the day as an unofficial holiday, and the atmosphere at Teton Village base area shifts overnight from ghost town to celebration.Booking tipLift tickets for opening weekend tend to sell out. Buy online at least 2 weeks ahead. Book Teton Village lodging early for slope-side access.
Wildlife photography along Gros Ventre Road
wildlifeThe gravel road east of Kelly follows the Gros Ventre River into Bridger-Teton National Forest. Moose browse in the willows along the river through November, bald eagles perch in the cottonwoods, and coyotes cross the open meadows. The low-angle November light is ideal for warm-toned wildlife shots against white backgrounds.
Moose are active in the riverside willows, and bald eagles gather along the Gros Ventre as it becomes one of the few open water sources in the valley. Early snow provides a clean backdrop.Booking tipNo booking needed. Drive slowly and use the car as a blind. Animals are habituated to vehicles but spook if you step out too quickly.
Cross-country skiing on Cache Creek trails
winter sportsThe Cache Creek trail system starts at the edge of downtown Jackson, east of Snow King Mountain. November snow typically makes these trails skiable by mid-month, and they're groomed once nordic operations begin. The main trail follows the creek valley through mixed forest before looping back toward town.
Early-season snow on the Cache Creek trails often arrives before the alpine resorts open, giving cross-country skiers a head start on winter. The trailhead is a 5-minute drive from the Town Square.Booking tipCheck with the JH Nordic Alliance for grooming status. Early November may be too thin for good skiing depending on the year.
Visiting the Jackson National Fish Hatchery
natureThis working federal hatchery, operating since 1950, raises Snake River cutthroat trout in outdoor raceways visible from walking paths. The visitor center covers the ecology of the Snake River watershed and the role of hatcheries in native trout recovery. Free to visit, and November brings a quiet you won't find here in summer.
The cutthroat trout in the outdoor raceways are active in cold water, and the adjacent Flat Creek sometimes holds feeding trumpeter swans by late November. Combine with an elk-viewing drive along the same road.Booking tipFree entry, no booking required. Open daily. Located on the Elk Refuge Road south of downtown.
What to eat in November
On menus now
Elk tenderloin
Wyoming's general elk hunting season overlaps with November, and fresh game appears on restaurant menus across the valley. The lean, iron-rich meat is typically seared or served as medallions alongside roasted root vegetables.
Bison chili
Locally ranched bison from the valley and nearby Star Valley goes into thick, warming chili at pubs and diners along Cache Street. A cold-weather staple that shows up on menus as temperatures settle below freezing.
Huckleberry pie
Huckleberries foraged from the Tetons and Bridger-Teton National Forest in July and August are preserved for fall and winter baking. November is peak season for huckleberry pies, crumbles, and pancake toppings at Jackson cafes.
Root vegetable gratin
Late-harvest parsnips, turnips, and potatoes from Teton Valley farms in Idaho cross the pass and appear in gratins and soups at restaurants switching over to hearty winter menus.
What to drink
Hot spiced cider
Pressed from regional apples and warmed with cinnamon and clove, hot cider replaces iced drinks on cafe and bar menus as November settles in. Several spots near the Town Square serve their own versions.
Regular events in November
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Opening Day
The resort's first ski day of the season draws locals and early-season riders for a celebratory first run. Live music and events typically mark the occasion at the Teton Village base area.
Last Saturday of November, occasionally later depending on snow conditionsSnow King Mountain Resort Opening
Jackson's downtown ski hill opens slightly ahead of the larger resort, offering lift-accessed skiing and tubing on Snow King's 460m (1,500 ft) of vertical. Limited early-season terrain, but the locals' hill carries its own energy.
Mid-to-late November, snow permittingVeterans Day observanceFree
Federal holiday observed on November 11. George Washington Memorial Park in the Town Square typically hosts a community gathering. Some federal facilities, including the fish hatchery visitor center, may operate on reduced hours.
November 11Best places this November
National Elk Refuge
wildlifeAt roughly 10,000 hectares, this is one of the largest elk winter ranges in North America. Highway 26 runs along the western perimeter with multiple designated pullouts for roadside viewing. The refuge visitor center on Elk Refuge Road has maps and binocular rental. Sleigh rides through the herds begin in December, but November viewing is free and unguided.
South JacksonNational Museum of Wildlife Art
museumPerched on a hillside overlooking the elk refuge, this museum holds North America's largest collection of wildlife art. The building's stone facade was designed to echo the sandstone bluffs of the surrounding landscape. The Mangelsen gallery of contemporary wildlife photography is worth a long look, and November's nearly empty galleries let you linger.
North of Downtown JacksonGeorge Washington Memorial Park (Town Square)
parkThe small park at the center of downtown Jackson is framed by four arches made from shed elk antlers, each weighing over a ton. In November, the square is quiet, and the antler arches often carry a dusting of fresh snow. Surrounding shops and restaurants on the perimeter keep abbreviated winter hours.
Downtown JacksonChapel of the Transfiguration
historic siteThis small log chapel built in 1925 sits in Moose, at the southern entrance to Grand Teton National Park. Its altar window frames the Teton peaks directly, and November snow on those peaks intensifies the view. The chapel grounds are accessible year-round even after the parish suspends regular winter services.
MooseGros Ventre Road corridor
scenic driveThe road east of Kelly follows the Gros Ventre River toward the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Moose browse in the willows and bald eagles perch in cottonwoods along the first several kilometers. The road is gravel beyond the initial stretch and may become impassable after heavy snow, but the wildlife viewing near the Kelly warm springs is accessible in a standard vehicle.
KellySnow King Mountain
mountainJackson's original ski hill, first opened in 1939, rises directly from the south end of downtown. Whether or not the lifts are running during your visit, the lower slopes offer short hikes with panoramic views across the valley to the Tetons. The summit sits at 2,320m (7,612 ft) and takes in the full Snake River plain.
Downtown Jackson
Your packing checklist
Tick items off as you pack. Your progress saves in this browser.
All packed — have a great trip.
Insider tips
The stretch of Highway 26 between the museum turnoff and the Elk Refuge Road has the best roadside elk viewing in the valley during November. Use the designated pullouts at sunrise or in the last hour before dark. You'll see more elk from your car in 20 minutes than most summer visitors see in a week of hiking.
Restaurant hours in November are unreliable. Many places on Cache Street and around the Town Square shift to reduced schedules without updating Google or their websites. Call ahead for dinner, particularly on Tuesday and Wednesday nights when some kitchens close entirely.
If you arrive before the ski resorts open, rent snowshoes and head to Taggart Lake in Grand Teton National Park. By mid-November the trail is usually snow-covered enough for a quiet 2-3 hour loop, and you likely won't see another person.
Snow King Mountain's lower trails are accessible on foot even before the ski lifts operate. The trailhead starts at the south end of Cache Street and climbs steeply. On a clear November morning the summit panorama rivals anything from the gondola at Teton Village.
Stock up at the Albertsons on West Broadway before heading out for the day. The few restaurants open in November fill up faster than you'd expect for such a quiet month, especially on weekends when early-season skiers start arriving.
Avoid these mistakes
- Planning a full week of downhill skiing in November. The resorts open in the final days of the month with limited terrain, sometimes only 2-3 runs. If extensive open terrain and reliable powder are the goal, December through March delivers.
- Driving Teton Pass (Highway 22) without checking WYDOT road conditions first. November storms close the pass regularly, and the 10% grade turns dangerous on ice. The detour south through Swan Valley adds more than an hour to the drive.
- Underestimating the cold at the valley's elevation. The thin dry air compounds below-freezing temperatures, and visitors from lower elevations lose body heat faster than expected during long outdoor sessions like elk watching.
- Assuming all Grand Teton National Park roads are open. The Teton Park Road, Moose-Wilson Road, and most spur roads close by early November. Only the main highway (26/89/191) through the park stays open year-round, along with a few trailhead access points.
Practical tips for November
Book accommodation in downtown Jackson rather than Teton Village for November stays. Teton Village is largely shuttered until the resort opens, with few food or retail options before late month. Downtown Jackson keeps a core of year-round restaurants and shops along Cache Street and Broadway. Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) operates year-round with flights from Denver, Salt Lake City, Dallas, and Chicago, though frequency drops during November. If driving from Idaho via Teton Pass, carry chains and check WYDOT conditions daily. Grand Teton National Park entrance fees apply year-round, though not all gates are staffed for collection in November. The Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center in Moose is the most reliable staffed facility in the park during this month. Tipping follows standard US convention at 18-20% for table service. Cell coverage is reliable in the town of Jackson and along the main highways but drops to nothing in the backcountry and along Gros Ventre Road past the first few kilometers.
FAQ
Is November a good time to visit Jackson Hole?
November is a shoulder month, sitting between the end of fall tourism and the start of ski season. It's not ideal for most visitors. The ski resorts don't open until the final days of the month, many seasonal businesses close, and the weather is genuinely cold. That said, if you're drawn to wildlife viewing and solitude at lower prices, November can be rewarding, particularly in the first two weeks when the elk herds are building on the refuge south of town.
What is the weather like in Jackson Hole in November?
Cold and getting colder through the month. Early November afternoons might still touch 7-8°C (45°F), but the monthly average settles near freezing for daytime highs, and overnights routinely go well below. Snow falls on roughly 10 of the 30 days, and most of it accumulates rather than melts at the valley floor. Expect frost every morning and sunset before 5 PM by month's end. Pack for winter, not fall.
Can you ski in Jackson Hole in November?
Only at the very end. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort generally begins its season around Thanksgiving weekend, and Snow King Mountain often opens slightly ahead of the larger resort with limited runs. Early-season coverage is thin, variable, and depends on how much October and November snow has fallen. If skiing is the whole trip, December through March is far more reliable.
Is Jackson Hole crowded in November?
Not at all. November is one of the two quietest months in the valley, alongside April. The summer and fall crowds are gone, the ski-season influx hasn't started, and Grand Teton National Park trails are nearly empty. The Town Square is quiet on weekday mornings, and you'll have little competition for restaurant tables. The one spike comes opening weekend at the resort, when locals and early-season skiers briefly fill Teton Village.
What is there to do in Jackson Hole in November if the ski lifts aren't running yet?
The elk migration at the National Elk Refuge is the main draw for early-to-mid November visitors. The National Museum of Wildlife Art overlooks the refuge and is worth a half-day visit. Snowshoeing becomes possible on the lower trails in Grand Teton National Park by mid-month, and wildlife photography along Gros Ventre Road is at its best with moose, eagles, and early snow on the ground. The Jackson National Fish Hatchery is free and open year-round.
Things to Do in Jackson Hole in November
Free cancellation Grand Teton National Park - Full-Day Guided Tour from Jackson Hole
Day trip: free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation Half Day Group Sunrise Wildlife Safari
Day trip: free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation Half Day Group Sunset Wildlife Safari
Day trip: free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation Half-Day Grand Teton Wildlife Safari & Sightseeing Tour
Day trip: free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation Grand Teton and Yellowstone Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle
Outdoor experience: free cancellation.
via ViatorLast verified by automated review (v1.7.2) on . What is automated review?