Jackson Hole Weather: What Most People Get Wrong About January

Jackson Hole Weather: What Most People Get Wrong About January

Jackson Hole is weird. I mean that in the best way possible, but if you’re looking at a 10 day weather forecast jackson hole wy right now, you’re probably seeing a string of numbers that don’t tell the whole story. You see 25°F and think, "Okay, chilly." Then you see 6°F and think, "Stay inside."

But here’s the thing: those valley numbers are often a total lie when it comes to what you’ll actually feel on the mountain.

Right now, as of January 17, 2026, we are sitting in a classic Teton pattern. The valley is currently a crisp 6°F with clear skies. It sounds brutal, but with the wind basically non-existent at 1 mph from the north, it’s that "dry cold" locals always brag about.

The Inversion: Why the Mountain is Warmer Than the Town

Most people assume the higher you go, the colder it gets. In the Tetons, January loves to flip the script. We call it a temperature inversion. Cold, dense air settles into the hole (the valley), while warmer air sits on top of the peaks.

Honestly, it's a trip. You can leave your hotel in the town of Jackson where it's 5°F, ride the tram up to Corbet’s Cabin, and find it’s 25°F and sunny at the summit. If you see "mostly sunny" or "clear" in the forecast for the next few days—which we are seeing through Monday, January 19—expect the inversion to be in full effect.

Breaking Down the 10 Day Weather Forecast Jackson Hole WY

The next week looks like a tale of two seasons. We’re starting with a "Bluebird" stretch and ending with what looks like a genuine Teton reset.

The Sunny Stretch (Today through Wednesday)
Today, Saturday, January 17, is looking like a dream for photographers. High of 25°F, low of 6°F, and nothing but sun. This continues Sunday and Monday with highs creeping up toward 29°F.

  • Pro Tip: This is "goggle tan" weather. The UV index is low (around 1), but the snow reflects everything. Don't be the person with a bright red nose in January.

The Shift (Tuesday & Wednesday)
By Tuesday, January 20, we start seeing some "partly sunny" labels. Highs stay steady at 24°F, but the clouds will start moving in. This is the transition period. The air feels a bit "heavy." If you’re planning a sleigh ride at the National Elk Refuge, do it during this window before the visibility drops.

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The Snow Cycle (Thursday through Next Monday)
This is what skiers live for. Starting Thursday, January 22, the moisture arrives.

  1. Thursday: Cloudy with a 20-25% chance of snow. It’s just the appetizer.
  2. Friday & Saturday: Snow showers become a near certainty (45% chance). Highs stay in the mid-20s.
  3. Sunday, Jan 25: This looks like the peak of the system. Expect consistent snowfall and wind picking up to about 8 mph from the southwest.

What Nobody Tells You About "Dry" Forecasts

We’ve been in a bit of a dry spell lately. Before this current 10-day window, the valley was running about 11°F above average. That sounds like a win, but for the snowpack, it’s a bit of a nail-biter.

The "Teton Trickle" is a real phenomenon here. Even when the forecast says "20% chance of snow," the way the peaks catch the clouds means you might wake up to 4 inches of fresh powder that the "official" forecast didn't see coming.

How to Actually Pack for This

Layers aren't just a suggestion; they are a survival strategy. Because the 10 day weather forecast jackson hole wy shows lows of 5°F and highs of 30°F, you will be constantly adding and shedding clothes.

  • Base Layers: Merino wool is king. Synthetic is fine, but steer clear of cotton. If cotton gets damp from sweat or snow, it stays cold.
  • The "Town" Look: Jackson is casual. You can wear your ski pants to dinner at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar and nobody will blink.
  • Footwear: The wooden boardwalks in town are iconic, but they are also skating rinks in January. Bring boots with actual tread.

The Altitude Factor

You're at over 6,000 feet in town and over 10,000 feet at the summit. The air is thin and incredibly dry.

People get "Jackson Hole Sick" not just from the booze at après-ski, but from simple dehydration. The humidity right now is around 62%, which feels like zero when the temperature is in the single digits. Drink twice as much water as you think you need.

Real-Time Logistics for Your Trip

If you're heading out this week, the ski conditions are "Packed Powder." As of mid-January, we've got a summit depth of 78 inches. All 13 lifts are running.

While the first half of the week is perfect for scenic tours and snowmobiling to Granite Hot Springs, the second half (Jan 23-26) is for the hardcore skiers. Visibility will drop, but the "Teton Trickle" will be refreshing the trails every few hours.

Next Steps for Your Trip:
Check the live webcams at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort before you head out each morning. If the valley looks foggy and gray, don't cancel your plans—the summit might be sticking out above the clouds in total sunshine. Keep your reservoir of water full, keep your skin covered, and watch for that Friday snow to start rolling in.