Peak summer and ski season get plenty of attention, but October and November may be Jackson Hole’s best-kept secret. The views are every bit as striking, the pace is more relaxed, and there is more room to enjoy the places that make the valley special.
October brings crisp afternoons, lingering golden cottonwoods and the possibility of the season’s first snow. By November, white begins to settle across the valley, and excitement builds for opening day. Visiting during these months gives you a front-row seat to the Tetons changing seasons, along with quieter trails, easier reservations, and more time to take it all in.
This guide covers the weather, favorite seasonal activities, and specific 2026 events to help you make the most of an October or November trip.
Jump to: Why Visit, Weather, Things to Do, 2026 Events, Planning Notes, What to Pack, Where to Stay, FAQs
Why Visit Jackson Hole During the Off-Season?
The off-season offers a side of the valley that can be harder to find during peak travel months. Town Square is easier to explore, trails and scenic pullouts are quieter, and a slower itinerary feels natural. Vacation rentals often have greater availability, making it easier to find a home with the location, views, and amenities at the top of your list.
It is also a season that invites spontaneity. Start with a few priorities, check the day’s conditions, and leave room for an unexpected wildlife sighting, a quiet walk beneath the Tetons, or a snowy afternoon back at your rental. Some local businesses adjust their hours during these months, so a quick check before heading out keeps the day running smoothly.
What Is the Weather Like in October and November?
The weather is part of what makes this season so memorable. A trip may include golden afternoons, crisp mornings and the first snow of winter, sometimes all within a few days. Based on long-term data collected in Moose, Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park reports the following monthly averages:
| Month | Average High | Average Low | Average Snowfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| October | 55.7°F | 23.2°F | 4.7 inches |
| November | 38.3°F | 13.6°F | 23.4 inches |
Jackson Hole in October
Early October often brings sunny afternoons that are well suited to walking, hiking, or biking, followed by clear, cold evenings. Fall color can linger in parts of the valley while fresh snow highlights the higher peaks. Pack layers and check trail conditions that morning, then enjoy whichever version of fall the day brings.
Jackson Hole in November
November offers the first real look at winter. Snow becomes more common, the mountains turn white, and fireplaces and hot tubs become even more inviting at the end of the day. The National Park Service notes that the first heavy snows generally arrive by November 1, and later in the month the valley begins to buzz with anticipation for ski season.
Things to Do in Jackson Hole in October and November
1. Look for Wildlife
Fall is an active season for wildlife. Elk move toward winter range, moose are often seen around willows and river corridors, and bison may be visible in and around Grand Teton National Park. A guided wildlife tour can be especially helpful as seasonal road access changes. Always give animals plenty of space, use binoculars or a long camera lens and review Grand Teton wildlife safety guidance before heading out.
2. Take a Scenic Drive Through Grand Teton National Park
October is a beautiful time to drive through the park, stop at overlooks and photograph the first snow on the peaks. In November, the main highways through Grand Teton remain open and plowed, providing access to broad Teton views and potential wildlife sightings. Check current park road information that morning and let the open routes shape a scenic day.
3. Hike, Walk or Bike According to Conditions
Lower-elevation trails can remain accessible in October, particularly during dry stretches. The changing conditions make every outing feel distinct, with bare trails in the valley, snow-dusted peaks overhead, and noticeably more space to enjoy the scenery.
Beginning November 1, the Teton Park Road becomes a car-free recreation corridor between the Taggart Lake Trailhead and Signal Mountain Lodge. Before snow covers the road, visitors may bike, walk or run with wide-open Teton views. Once winter settles in, the route transitions toward skiing and snowshoeing. Check the National Park Service road page for current conditions and permitted uses.
4. Explore Jackson’s Art, History and Shops
Cool-weather days are well suited to exploring downtown. Browse galleries around Town Square, visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art, or learn more about the valley at the Jackson Hole History Museum. Check each venue’s current hours before visiting, since fall schedules may differ from peak-season hours.
5. Make Time for a Soak
Cold air makes a hot-springs visit especially appealing. Astoria Hot Springs, south of Jackson, offers reservable soaking sessions beside the Snake River. Advance reservations are recommended, and operating dates or session times can vary seasonally.
6. Enjoy the Valley’s Food and Coffee Scene
Off-season mornings invite a slower start, and fall menus often highlight hearty, seasonal flavors. Build time into your itinerary for local coffee, lunch near Town Square or dinner at a restaurant that may be difficult to book during busier months. A quick hours check is worthwhile, but the reward is often easier reservations and more time to settle in.
7. Welcome Ski Season in Late November
By Thanksgiving week, ski-season energy returns to the valley. Early turns can be a memorable way to welcome winter, while the opening-day buildup brings its own excitement even before you step onto a lift. Check the official Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Snow King Mountain and Grand Targhee Resort websites for opening dates, lift status and snow reports.
Jackson Hole Events in October and November 2026
These local events add art, community, and early ski-season excitement to the quieter months. Event details can change, so follow the linked organizer pages before finalizing plans.
Pumpkins on Fire | October 10, 2026
The Art Association of Jackson Hole hosts this seasonal community event in its Glenwood parking area. The 2026 event is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Halloween Trunk or Treat on Town Square | October 31, 2026
Head to Town Square for a family-friendly Jackson Hole Halloween tradition. The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce event calendar lists the 2026 Trunk or Treat for 3:30 p.m. Registration and full details are expected closer to October.
Teton Mudpots Fall Sale | November 4–6, 2026
Shop locally made ceramics at the Art Association of Jackson Hole. The 2026 sale is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at the Art Association Gallery.
Thanksgiving and the Annual Turkey Trot | November 26, 2026
Thanksgiving week brings the first hints of winter-season energy. Jackson’s annual Turkey Trot is traditionally held on Thanksgiving morning, offering a festive way to begin the day before dinner. The 2026 race page and final details had not yet been posted at the time of publication, so check the Jackson Hole events calendar as the date approaches.
A Few Helpful Seasonal Planning Notes
A little planning makes it easy to enjoy the best of the season:
- Grand Teton National Park remains open. US 89/191 and US 26/287 are plowed for winter travel, keeping sweeping mountain views and wildlife-watching opportunities within reach.
- The Teton Park Road offers a different kind of access. Beginning November 1, a section closes to vehicles and opens to walkers, runners, and cyclists until snow ushers in winter recreation.
- Daily conditions can guide the adventure. Check the park’s current conditions and alerts, then choose the best scenic drive, trail or town activity for that day.
- Local schedules are easy to confirm. Check current restaurant, tour, museum, and attraction hours as you plan each day.
- A winter-ready vehicle adds confidence. In November, use a properly equipped vehicle and check road conditions before setting out.
What to Pack for Jackson Hole in October and November
Versatile layers are the foundation of an off-season packing list. Bring a warm base layer, insulating midlayer, waterproof outer layer, hat, gloves, and sturdy footwear with reliable traction. Sunglasses and sunscreen still matter at high elevation, even on cold days.
November travelers should plan for true winter conditions, including an insulated coat and winter boots. Keep a warm layer and basic emergency supplies in the car when exploring outside town.
For a more complete checklist, read our guide to what to pack for Jackson Hole in the fall.
Where to Stay During the Jackson Hole Off-Season
A vacation rental gives you space to adjust your day around the weather. Look for a home with a fireplace, hot tub, or well-equipped kitchen, then enjoy a relaxed evening in after exploring the valley. Staying in the Town of Jackson keeps restaurants, galleries, and shops nearby. At the same time, Wilson, the Westbank, and Teton Village offer a quieter setting with convenient access to Grand Teton National Park.
Browse Jackson Hole vacation rentals →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is October a good time to visit Jackson Hole?
Yes. October is an especially rewarding time for quieter trails, scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and fall color framed by snow-dusted peaks. Bring layers so you can make the most of each day.
Does it snow in Jackson Hole in October?
It can. Moose, Wyoming, averages 4.7 inches of snowfall in October, and higher elevations may receive more. Warm, sunny days are also possible.
Does it snow in Jackson Hole in November?
Yes. November averages 23.4 inches of snowfall in Moose, and the National Park Service notes that the first heavy snows generally arrive by November 1.
Is Grand Teton National Park open in November?
Yes. The park remains open, and the main highways are plowed for scenic drives and wildlife viewing. Beginning November 1, part of the Teton Park Road becomes a car-free route for walking, running, and biking until snow transitions it toward winter recreation.
Can you ski in Jackson Hole in November?
Ski areas may begin opening in late November, but dates, lifts, and terrain depend on snow and operating conditions. Check directly with each resort before planning a ski day.
Are restaurants and shops open during the off-season?
Yes. Many restaurants, coffee shops, galleries, and stores remain open, often with a more relaxed pace and easier reservations. Hours can shift seasonally, so check your must-visit spots you plan the day.
Plan Your October or November Getaway
October and November offer the same remarkable landscape at a quieter, more relaxed pace. One day might bring a sunny walk beneath the Tetons, while the next delivers the first winter snowfall. Pack for both and enjoy a trip shaped by wildlife, local events, unhurried meals, and more space to take in the view.
