Average Weather Around Thanksgiving in Wyoming: What to Expect

Thanksgiving in Wyoming usually brings cold air, snow on the ground, and a real chance of winter storms rolling through. Daytime highs typically land somewhere in the teens to 30s, while nights often drop into the single digits or teens.

Snowfall happens most years. Sometimes you just get light flurries, but other years, several inches stick around through the holiday weekend.

Your experience depends a lot on where you spend Thanksgiving. Mountain towns like Jackson or Lander usually get heavier snow and colder weather, while places out on the plains, like Cheyenne, might see lighter snow but still deal with icy roads and sharp winds.

These differences make planning a must, especially if you’re traveling across the state.

Thanksgiving really kicks off Wyoming’s winter feel. By late November, the ground’s cold enough for snow to stay, and the shorter days add to the chill.

If you’re driving to dinner, flying out of a regional airport, or planning outdoor traditions, knowing what to expect from the weather helps you prepare and maybe enjoy the holiday with fewer surprises.

Typical Thanksgiving Weather in Wyoming

Thanksgiving in Wyoming usually means cold air, a decent chance of snow in lots of places, and shorter days with steady winds. Conditions vary between the eastern plains near Cheyenne and mountain valleys like Jackson, but late November almost always feels like winter has arrived.

Average Temperatures in Late November

By late November, most of Wyoming gets daytime highs in the 30s to low 40s°F in lower spots like Cheyenne. At night, lows often fall into the teens or 20s°F, and mountain towns or valleys can dip even lower.

Jackson usually sees average highs closer to the upper 30s°F, and lows that commonly fall into the teens°F. Up in the mountains, single-digit mornings aren’t rare.

Temperatures swing a lot. A sunny afternoon might feel almost mild, but nights cool off fast once the sun’s gone. You’ll want winter coats, gloves, and layers, especially if you’ll be outside for a while.

Precipitation and Snowfall Patterns

Snow becomes frequent in Wyoming by late November. Cheyenne averages about 2 to 3 inches of snowfall for the month, but a single storm can drop more. Rain barely happens—most precipitation falls as snow or a messy mix of snow and sleet.

Jackson and the surrounding mountains get more snow. November often brings 7 to 8 inches there, and mountain passes can see even higher totals. Storms sometimes hit right around Thanksgiving, which can mean travel delays and slick roads.

Moisture levels stay modest, but storm timing really matters. A calm week feels dry, but a holiday storm can quickly make things tough. If you’re traveling, expect at least a chance of wintry weather.

Daylight Hours and Wind Conditions

Daylight is limited in late November. In Cheyenne, the sun rises around 7:00 a.m. and sets before 4:40 p.m., so you get just under 10 hours of light.

Jackson’s days run even shorter, with about 9.5 hours of daylight.

Winds are something to watch. Cheyenne is known for steady breezes, averaging 12–14 mph in November, and storms can bring stronger gusts. That wind makes cold temperatures feel even chillier.

Jackson sits in a valley, so winds there stay lighter, often near 5 mph. But up on exposed mountain ridges, it can get windy and harsh. If you’re driving or hiking, keep wind chill in mind—it can drop the “feels like” temperature well below freezing.

Regional Variations Across Wyoming

Thanksgiving weather in Wyoming can change a lot depending on where you are. Elevation, terrain, and your spot in the state all shape temperatures, snowfall, and travel conditions.

Weather in Cheyenne and the Southeast

Cheyenne sits on the high plains at about 6,000 feet in the southeast corner. Around Thanksgiving, you’ll usually find cold mornings in the 20s °F and daytime highs in the 30s or low 40s °F.

Snow is possible, but storms here tend to be lighter than in the mountains.

Winds can make things feel colder. Gusts are common, and blowing snow sometimes happens when storms roll in. Roads like Interstate 25 and Interstate 80 can get slick, but long closures happen less often than in the higher western passes.

Precipitation in late November is usually light, and many Thanksgivings stay dry. When snow does fall, it often melts quickly if the sun comes out. This can make travel a bit easier compared to the western half of Wyoming.

Conditions in Northwestern Wyoming

Northwestern Wyoming—home to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks—usually sees much harsher Thanksgiving weather. Daytime temperatures often stay below freezing, and single digits at night happen pretty often.

Snow is a regular thing here, and Jackson Hole frequently reports several inches by late November.

The higher elevation and mountain terrain mean storms can be heavy. Roads into Yellowstone usually close for the season by now, and snow vehicles become the only way in.

In Jackson, ski areas start prepping for early-season runs, using both natural and man-made snow.

Travelers should plan for winter driving. U.S. Highway 191 and Teton Pass often have snowpack and icy stretches, and storms can reduce visibility in a hurry. If you’re visiting, pack for the cold and be ready for quick changes.

Mountain vs. Plains Weather Differences

Mountains and plains in Wyoming show sharp contrasts at Thanksgiving. The plains—like the Powder River Basin and southeastern areas—often stay drier with lighter snow. Daytime highs here may climb into the 40s °F, so you get milder conditions.

Mountain zones like the Wind River Range or the Tetons hold snowpack early in the season. Snowfall totals can be much higher than on the plains, and temperatures stay colder.

This makes mountain travel more challenging and less predictable.

If you compare Cheyenne to Jackson Hole, you’ll see the difference: Cheyenne might have breezy but manageable weather, while Jackson is already deep into winter. If you’re moving between regions, you’ll want to plan for those differences.

Weather Impacts on Thanksgiving Travel

Traveling around Wyoming during Thanksgiving often means dealing with tricky road and air conditions. Snow, ice, and wind can make driving hazardous, and storms in the Rockies or Midwest can mess with flight schedules.

Road Conditions and Safety

Driving in Wyoming in late November means you’ll probably face snow-packed highways, icy patches, and strong crosswinds. Interstate 80, which cuts through southern Wyoming and near Cheyenne, is especially known for closures and slowdowns.

Even light snow can cause black ice, which is tough to spot and raises accident risks.

You should expect reduced visibility, especially in open areas where blowing snow can hide lane markings. Temperatures usually fall at night, making early morning and late evening travel more dangerous.

Daytime driving is a bit better, but icy spots can still stick around.

For safer travel, keep an emergency kit in your car. Toss in blankets, food, water, and a flashlight. Check Wyoming Department of Transportation updates before you leave, since road closures on I‑80 and I‑25 happen a lot during winter storms.

Flight Delays and Cancellations

Flying isn’t immune to Thanksgiving weather, either. Snow and ice in Wyoming can slow things down at regional airports, including Cheyenne Regional.

But often, the bigger issue comes from connecting hubs like Denver International and Salt Lake City International, where storms can ripple through flight schedules.

You might face delays or cancellations if storms hit the Rockies, Midwest, or Great Lakes. These areas often get heavy snow and freezing rain in late November, which can ground flights or cause long waits.

To reduce stress, try booking flights earlier in the day when delays are less likely to snowball. Keep an eye on airline alerts and maybe consider travel insurance if your schedule is tight.

Getting to the airport with extra time and flexibility helps your chances of making it to your destination without too much hassle.

Thanksgiving Outdoor Activities and Weather Considerations

Late November in Wyoming usually brings cold temperatures, early-season snow, and unpredictable mountain weather. These conditions support popular winter sports, but you’ll need to prepare for sudden changes in snow, wind, and visibility.

Skiing and Snowboarding Opportunities

Thanksgiving often marks the kickoff for ski season in Wyoming. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Grand Targhee are among the first to open.

Snow in the Tetons is usually reliable by late November, but coverage can vary. Resorts focus on grooming main runs early in the season, so the terrain is a bit limited compared to mid-winter.

Daytime highs at base areas hover near freezing, and it gets colder higher up. Wind chills on chairlifts can make it feel much colder, so bring insulated layers and face protection.

Lift operations sometimes depend on snowmaking, especially at lower elevations. If natural snow is below average, you’ll see fewer open trails but still get good skiing on groomed runs.

Early-season lift ticket deals are common, so it’s a cost-effective time to ski.

Snowshoeing and Snowmobiling Conditions

Snowshoeing trails near Jackson, Cody, and the Bighorn Mountains often have enough snow by Thanksgiving for short outings. Depths can range from a few inches at lower trailheads to over a foot in shaded or higher spots.

Bring waterproof boots and gaiters, since early-season snow can be wet and uneven.

Snowmobiling conditions depend a lot on elevation. Places like Togwotee Pass and the Snowy Range usually get early snowpack that supports some riding by late November, but coverage can still be thin in open meadows or rocky areas.

Expect icy patches, variable depths, and maybe even bare ground on lower routes. If you’re heading into the backcountry, carry avalanche gear, since early snow layers can be unstable.

Checking local trail reports before you go helps you avoid unsafe or closed areas.

Popular Destinations and Their Thanksgiving Weather

Wyoming’s landscapes draw visitors all year, but late November brings colder air, shorter days, and the first signs of real winter. Snow shows up in most areas, and temperatures shift depending on elevation and terrain.

Yellowstone National Park in November

Yellowstone sits high up, so Thanksgiving often feels like mid-winter. Average daytime highs stay in the 20s to low 30s °F, and nights usually fall into the teens or single digits.

Snow is common, and many roads close for the season, limiting access to some areas.

You can still reach parts of the park, like Mammoth Hot Springs and the northern entrance near Gardiner, Montana. These spots stay open all year and often feature cool contrasts between steaming thermal features and snowy ground.

Wildlife activity shifts in late November. Bison, elk, and wolves stand out against the snow, but you should prepare for icy conditions and fewer services.

If you plan to visit, bring winter gear and expect slower travel.

Grand Teton National Park Weather

Grand Teton National Park also gets cold, snowy weather at Thanksgiving. Average highs hover in the low to mid-30s °F, and overnight lows often dip below 20 °F.

Snow falls frequently, and the Teton Range usually builds up a solid snowpack by now.

Jackson, just south of the park, tends to be a bit milder but still cold. Roads through the park stay open, but some secondary routes may close or get tough to navigate without good tires.

You can enjoy scenic drives with views of snow-covered Tetons, and wildlife like moose and elk are often spotted in the valley.

If you’re planning outdoor activities, dress in layers and get ready for icy trails, especially in shaded spots.

Visiting Devils Tower and Other Landmarks

Devils Tower sits in northeastern Wyoming at a lower elevation than Yellowstone or the Tetons. Because of that, Thanksgiving weather here usually isn’t as harsh.

Daytime highs can reach the upper 30s to low 40s °F, but nights drop into the 20s. You might see some snow, though it’s lighter than what the mountains get.

You can still access the monument, and people usually find the roads open. If you walk the trails around the base, you’ll probably run into patches of ice—so bring sturdy shoes.

The cooler weather means you’ll spot fewer visitors, which gives you more room to check out the tower’s wild geology.

Other landmarks nearby, like Fort Laramie or the Bighorn Mountains, show a similar pattern. Lower valleys can stay fairly mild, but higher ground brings colder air and more snow.

You really have to plan ahead if you want to travel safely in this region.

Comparing Thanksgiving to Other Seasons in Wyoming

Thanksgiving weather in Wyoming usually brings cold air, some snow, and shorter days. These conditions feel pretty different compared to the warmer, wetter spring months or the hot, dry stretches of summer.

Thanksgiving Versus Spring Weather

By late November, you’ll usually see highs in the 30s or 40s °F in Cheyenne. Mountain towns like Jackson get even colder.

Snow is common, and those strong Wyoming winds can make it feel much worse.

Spring in Wyoming, from March through May, is all over the place. You might wake up to freezing mornings, then see it warm up to the 50s or 60s °F by afternoon.

Snow sticks around into April, especially higher up, but May brings more rain.

In spring, you get more daylight—13 to 14 hours by May. Thanksgiving only gives you about 10 hours.

Traveling in spring can get messy with wet snow and muddy roads. Late November is more about dry cold, but you can get hit with heavier storms.

Thanksgiving Versus Summer Conditions

Summer in Wyoming, especially in July, just feels worlds apart from late November. In Cheyenne, highs usually hit the low 80s °F, and Jackson hangs out a bit cooler, somewhere in the 70s °F.

Nights stay pretty mild. Most of the time, the skies look clear.

June and July bring the most rain, mostly as those classic afternoon thunderstorms. You won’t see any snow then, though.

Thanksgiving flips the script, bringing snow showers pretty often. Icy roads can make things tricky.

Summer days stretch on forever, with up to 15 hours of daylight. Late November? You barely get 10 hours.

Events like Cheyenne Frontier Days really come alive in the warm, dry summer climate. Thanksgiving weather, on the other hand, usually pushes everyone inside and can totally mess with outdoor plans.

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