Christmas in Wyoming really feels like winter. Most days, you’ll see cold temperatures with highs hanging out in the 20s or 30s Fahrenheit. Nights often drop into the teens or even single digits, and there’s a good chance of snow. The season paints the landscape white, brings short days, and ushers in brisk winds that make the cold feel even sharper.
Conditions shift a lot depending on where you are. Mountain towns like Jackson usually get deep snow and colder temps, while places out on the plains, like Cheyenne, see lighter snowfall but plenty of biting wind.
These regional quirks shape your holiday experience and definitely affect travel plans.
If you’re hoping to enjoy Wyoming at Christmas, you’ll want to get ready for both the beauty and the challenges winter brings. From festive ski slopes in the west to icy highways across the state, Wyoming offers plenty of holiday charm—if you know what you’re getting into.
Typical Christmas Weather in Wyoming
Christmas in Wyoming usually means cold air, short daylight hours, and snow blanketing the ground in many spots. Nights freeze hard, and snow can fall lightly or heavily, depending on your region.
If you’re on the road, winter weather can definitely slow you down.
Average Temperatures in December
December temperatures across Wyoming stay well below freezing at night. The days don’t warm up much, either.
On the plains, like in Cheyenne, highs often reach the mid-30s °F (1–3°C). Lows dip into the teens °F (-7 to -12°C).
In higher towns like Laramie or Jackson, daytime highs usually hover in the mid-20s °F (-4 to -2°C). Nights can drop into the single digits °F (-13 to -17°C).
The cold is steady, not usually extreme, but the wind really cuts through, especially in open places. Bring warm layers and something to block the wind if you plan to be outside.
Precipitation Patterns
December brings mostly snow to Wyoming. On the eastern plains, light snow showers are common. The mountains and western valleys get heavier, more frequent storms.
Cheyenne averages about 3 inches (7–8 cm) of snow in December. Jackson gets over 20 inches (50+ cm), with snow falling almost every other day.
Rain is rare, but you might see it during a short warm spell at lower elevations. Frozen drizzle and icy roads show up, too, especially in central and southern Wyoming. With daylight so short, snow and ice tend to stick around.
Likelihood of a White Christmas
Wyoming boasts pretty high odds for a white Christmas. Towns in the west, like Jackson and Evanston, almost always have snow on the ground by late December—sometimes several feet deep.
In central and northern cities such as Casper and Sheridan, snow cover is also quite likely, though it might not be as deep. The eastern plains, including Cheyenne, can be hit or miss. Some years you’ll see bare ground, while others bring several inches of snow by Christmas morning.
If you’re planning on skiing, snowshoeing, or just soaking up a snowy holiday, western Wyoming is your best bet.
Regional Variations Across Wyoming
Christmas weather in Wyoming changes a lot from place to place. Elevation, mountain ranges, and wide-open plains all play into how cold it feels, how much snow falls, and how hard the wind blows.
Differences Between Western and Eastern Wyoming
Western Wyoming, especially around Jackson and the Tetons, gets colder and snowier in late December. Average highs in Jackson stay near 25°F, and lows often fall into the single digits. Snow piles up fast, with over 12 inches common in December, making it one of the snowiest spots in the state.
Eastern Wyoming, including Cheyenne, is a bit milder but a lot windier. December highs average around 39°F, and lows hover near 20°F. Snowfall is lighter, closer to 2 inches for the month, but the wind often whips up blowing snow and makes travel tricky.
Mountains in the west trap moisture, so storms hit more often there. The eastern plains stay drier, but the winds can make it feel much colder than the thermometer says.
Weather in Major Cities
Cheyenne sits high on the plains. Around Christmas, you’ll wake up to mornings near 20°F, see daytime highs in the upper 30s, and deal with light but gusty snow. Wind really dominates here, making travel tough even when it hasn’t snowed much.
Jackson gets a much snowier holiday. Daily highs stay below freezing, and lows drop into the single digits. Snow falls often, building up deep drifts for skiing and winter fun.
Casper falls somewhere in the middle. Average highs hit the low 30s, and lows linger in the teens. Snowfall is moderate, but Casper can get both mountain storms and windy plains weather, depending on what’s moving through.
Weather Trends and Patterns Near Christmas
Wyoming’s holiday season usually brings unsettled weather. One day might be mild, the next snowy. The state’s elevation and geography mean you could drive dry roads in one area while another spot nearby is buried in fresh snow.
Recent Years’ Weather Trends
Lately, Wyoming has seen warmer-than-normal falls. Towns like Lander, Rock Springs, and Jackson have logged some of their warmest autumns, which delays the first real snowpack.
December brings a shift, though. Cold fronts from Canada roll in mid to late December, setting up snow for the holidays. You might start the month with dry ground, but by Christmas, snow usually covers it.
Meteorologists say December, January, and February are Wyoming’s driest months. That means snowfall is often light, but it’s usually enough to create a white Christmas in many places. The weather swings back and forth instead of staying steady.
Snowfall Timing and Chances
Your odds for snow on Christmas depend a lot on location. Western Wyoming, including Jackson and Yellowstone, sees the best chances for snow on the ground, thanks to elevation and frequent storms. Central and eastern towns, like Casper or Cheyenne, are more unpredictable.
Historical data shows many western areas have at least a 50% shot at one inch or more of snow by December 25. Southeastern Wyoming is less reliable—often below a 30% chance.
Snow usually falls in short bursts with passing cold fronts. Light snow of 1–3 inches is typical, but southern and higher-elevation counties can get 2–5 inches in one storm. Storms right before Christmas can quickly change travel plans.
Temperature Fluctuations
Temperatures around Christmas in Wyoming swing a lot. Highs might reach the 40s or even low 50s during a warm spell, especially out on the plains. These mild stretches happen under high-pressure systems that block storms and clear the skies.
Once a cold front blows in, daytime highs can drop to the 20s or teens. Overnight lows sometimes fall below zero, especially in valleys. These sharp changes can happen in just a day.
Eastern Wyoming usually rebounds faster after a cold snap, while western valleys hang onto the cold longer. If you’re planning ahead, expect a big range—from mild afternoons to very cold mornings, all depending on the weather and your elevation.
Cheyenne Weather Around Christmas
In Cheyenne, Wyoming, late December brings cold temperatures, frequent snow, and short days. You’ll see freezing conditions most of the time, with winter storms possible and sunlight at its lowest for the year.
Temperature Ranges
Cheyenne stays cold all day and night around Christmas. Average highs reach about 39°F (4°C), and lows drop near 20°F (-7°C). Some years get colder, with single-digit temps, especially overnight.
Wind is a big deal here. Cheyenne is famous for strong winter winds, which make it feel even colder. Wind chills often fall well below zero, especially early and late in the day.
Daytime highs might sneak above freezing, but long stretches of subfreezing weather are common. If you’re heading outdoors, layer up and make sure you’ve got windproof gear.
Snowfall and Precipitation
Snow falls often in December, and by Christmas, you’ll probably see snow on the ground. Cheyenne averages about 2 inches of snow for the month, but totals can jump higher if storms roll through. Light snow is common, but heavier storms can drop several inches at once.
December is also one of the drier months for rain. Most precipitation falls as snow, thanks to the cold. You might see 1–2 days of measurable snow during Christmas week, and mixed precipitation is pretty rare.
Cheyenne’s elevation means storms can pop up fast. Roads get slick, and travel delays happen when the snow piles up. Keeping an eye on local forecasts can help you avoid surprises.
Sunlight and Daylight Hours
Daylight is in short supply in Cheyenne during late December. Around Christmas, you’ll only get about 9 hours and 15 minutes of daylight. The sun rises after 7:20 AM and sets near 4:30 PM.
The low sun angle just adds to the chill, and long nights keep things cold. Sunshine hours are few, and clouds are common, especially when storms are nearby.
Even on sunny days, the sun sits low, casting long shadows. If you’re planning outdoor fun, aim for midday when it’s a bit warmer and the light is strongest.
Travel Considerations During Christmas
Traveling in Wyoming at Christmas can be tough—snow, ice, and relentless wind can all cause problems. You’ll want to prepare for delays and stay flexible if the weather changes fast.
Road and Air Travel Impacts
Driving in Wyoming in late December often means icy highways, blowing snow, and poor visibility. Interstate closures happen, especially on I‑80, where high winds whip up ground blizzards even if it hasn’t snowed much.
Mountain passes can get dangerous, with steep grades and deep snow. You’ll often need chains or snow tires, and sometimes you just can’t get through without them.
Air travel isn’t immune, either. Regional airports, like those in Casper and Jackson, sometimes face delays or cancellations from snow or low visibility. Smaller airports might shut down temporarily if they can’t clear the runways fast enough.
Always check Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) for road closures and your airline for flight updates before heading out.
Holiday Travel Safety Tips
To stay safer, get your vehicle ready for winter. Pack an emergency kit with blankets, food, water, a flashlight, and a shovel. Keep your gas tank full so you don’t get stranded in remote areas.
Give yourself extra time for any trip. Even short drives can take way longer when snow and ice cover the roads. Try to avoid driving at night when it’s colder and visibility drops.
For air travel, keep medications and essentials in your carry-on in case of delays. Winter weather can mess up connecting flights, so a flexible schedule helps.
Stay up to date with local forecasts, road cameras, and travel alerts. With a little planning and the right supplies, you can handle Wyoming’s winter travel challenges during Christmas.
How to Prepare for Wyoming’s Christmas Weather
Cold air, frequent snow, and strong winds shape the holiday season in Wyoming. You’ll need to plan for outdoor comfort and safe travel, but there’s still plenty of room to enjoy the state’s winter traditions.
Recommended Clothing and Gear
Daytime highs usually hover near freezing, but once the sun goes down, temperatures drop into the teens. Wind can cut right through you, so layering matters.
Start with a moisture-wicking base layer. Then, add an insulating mid-layer. Top it off with a windproof, waterproof jacket—trust me, you’ll feel the difference if you skip a layer.
For your legs, try insulated pants or just pull thermal leggings under jeans. Waterproof boots with solid traction really help because sidewalks and roads ice up faster than you’d expect. Wool socks? Absolutely, they keep your feet both warm and dry.
Don’t forget to pack gloves, a hat, and a scarf or neck gaiter. These little things actually make a huge difference when the wind picks up. Sunglasses or goggles come in handy too, especially when sunlight bounces off fresh snow and blinds you for a second.
If you’re driving, toss a winter car kit in your trunk with blankets, water, snacks, and a small shovel. Road conditions change fast out there, so being prepared just makes sense.
Local Holiday Activities
Wyoming really leans into winter, offering activities that just feel right for the season. In Jackson Hole and the Tetons, locals and visitors rush to the slopes for skiing and snowboarding.
If you want something quieter, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing let you wander peaceful trails at your own pace.
Communities like Cheyenne and Casper usually put on Christmas parades, holiday light displays, and seasonal markets. These events show off local traditions and give everyone a chance to warm up indoors for a bit.
Families can jump on sleigh rides through open valleys. Some folks might choose a guided wildlife tour to spot elk or bison in their snowy habitats.
If being outside isn’t your thing, you’ll find museums and historic sites open, and honestly, they’re less crowded in December.
Keep an eye on the weather when you plan your outings. Snowstorms might slow you down, but they also make Wyoming’s Christmas feel extra magical.