Labor Day in Wyoming feels like that moment when summer starts to give way to fall. You’ll usually see daytime highs in the 70s, but nights cool off fast, dropping into the 40s or 50s. Of course, it all depends on where you are in the state.
This mix of mild afternoons and crisp evenings makes the holiday weekend a pretty comfortable time to get outside.
Weather can still surprise you around Labor Day. In lower spots like Cheyenne, you might get sunny skies with just a slight chance of late-day showers.
Up in the higher elevations—think Jackson or Yellowstone—temperatures run cooler, and sometimes you’ll even catch early mountain snowfall. It’s a sure sign that autumn is approaching.
If you’re planning anything outdoors, it helps to know these averages. That way, you’re ready for both warm afternoons and chilly nights.
Typical Labor Day Weather in Wyoming
You can count on mild daytime warmth, cool nights, and a mix of sunshine with the occasional shower around Labor Day in Wyoming. The details shift depending on where you are, but most places lean toward comfortable temperatures, light rainfall, and plenty of clear skies in early September.
Average Temperatures in Early September
Most of Wyoming sees daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-70s °F (18–24 °C) during early September. Higher up, like in Yellowstone or the Tetons, it stays cooler—highs are more like the upper 50s.
Nights cool off quickly, thanks to Wyoming’s dry air and elevation. Lows often drop into the 40s °F (4–9 °C), and in those mountain valleys, don’t be surprised if it dips into the 30s. If you’re heading outside, bring layers.
Cheyenne and Casper run a bit warmer, while Jackson and the north stay cooler. Compared to national averages, Wyoming is a few degrees lower, which makes things feel crisp but not freezing.
Precipitation Patterns and Rainfall
Rainfall stays pretty light in early September, though you might get a quick shower or thunderstorm. Most Wyoming cities pick up about 0.5 to 1.0 inch (13–25 mm) of rain during the month.
You’ll see more moisture on the eastern plains, while the western valleys and mountains get those fast afternoon storms. They don’t usually last long, but sometimes they bring gusty winds and a cool-down.
Snow is rare at lower elevations this time of year. High mountain passes, though, might get an early dusting.
Sunshine and Cloud Cover
Wyoming gets a ton of sunny days compared to a lot of other states. In early September, you’re looking at 7 to 9 hours of sunshine per day.
Mornings usually start clear, then clouds can build up in the afternoon. Sometimes those clouds bring a quick shower, but they tend to clear out by evening.
Thanks to the elevation and dry air, the sun feels stronger than you might expect for the temperature. Even if it’s partly cloudy, you should plan for sun protection—UV can be sneaky high.
Regional Weather Variations Across Wyoming
Wyoming’s weather changes a lot depending on where you are. Elevation, terrain, and local geography all play a part, so what you get in one city might be totally different just a few hours away.
Early September really brings out these differences.
Weather in Cheyenne Around Labor Day
Cheyenne sits in the southeast corner, up on the high plains at about 6,000 feet. Around Labor Day, you’ll see highs near 22°C (72°F) and lows around 8°C (46°F). The air stays dry, and skies are usually clear—about 70% of days are partly sunny or better.
Rain doesn’t happen much in September. Cheyenne averages less than 25 mm (1 inch) for the month, and storms don’t stick around long. Winds are lighter than in spring, but you’ll still feel breezes in the 15–20 kph (10–12 mph) range.
If you’re out early or late, it can feel chilly, so a light jacket is a good idea. The days get noticeably shorter too—down to about 12.4 hours by early September.
Conditions in Other Major Cities
Other Wyoming cities show their own patterns. Casper, more central, gets average highs around 24°C (75°F), a bit warmer than Cheyenne. Nights cool to about 7°C (45°F), so you’ll notice a bigger temperature swing.
Head up to Jackson in the northwest, and it’s cooler thanks to the elevation near the Tetons. Highs average 20°C (68°F), and lows can drop to 2°C (36°F). Sometimes you’ll even see frost in the valleys. Rain falls more often here, with about 5 days of measurable precipitation in September.
On the eastern plains, towns like Torrington or Gillette usually stay warmer and drier. Highs can hit the upper 70s °F, and thunderstorms are less common than earlier in the summer.
Mountain Versus Plains Climate Differences
Wyoming’s geography creates some sharp contrasts. The Rocky Mountain ranges in the west and northwest bring cooler temps, more clouds, and higher precipitation. Snow can fall in the mountains by early September, especially above 9,000 feet.
The high plains, covering much of eastern and central Wyoming, stay drier and warmer. You’ll notice bigger swings between day and night temps, and clear skies show up more often. Winds also blow stronger on the plains than in sheltered valleys.
If you’re traveling across the state, this divide matters. A short drive can take you from dry, sunny plains into cool, damp mountain weather. Packing layers makes the most sense.
Weather Trends Leading Up to Labor Day
Late summer in Wyoming brings a mix of warm afternoons, cool nights, and the occasional thunderstorm. You’ll notice a slow move toward fall, with temps easing down and a bit more wind or rain as September kicks in.
Transition from Summer to Fall
By late August, you start to feel shorter days and cooler evenings. In places like Cheyenne and Laramie, daytime highs usually sit in the low to mid-70s °F, and nighttime lows dip into the 40s. Mountain areas cool off faster, so crisp mornings show up more often.
Moisture patterns shift too. Afternoon thunderstorms still pop up, especially in the higher terrain, but they’re less common than in July. Drier air from the west often takes over, bringing clearer skies and lower humidity.
Winds pick up a bit as summer wraps up. Northwest breezes are pretty common, and they can make it feel cooler than the thermometer says.
Historical Weather Patterns in Late August and Early September
If you check the records, Wyoming shows pretty consistent trends this time of year. In Cheyenne, average highs from late August through early September run 72–78 °F, while average lows sit between 45–50 °F. Laramie is a little cooler, thanks to its higher elevation.
Chances for rain stay moderate. You might get scattered showers or storms in late August, but by early September, they happen less often. Rainfall averages about 1–1.5 inches for the month in many places, though local storms can dump more.
Snow is rare, but not impossible, in the high country. Sometimes the first measurable snow in the mountains shows up in early September, while the lower valleys usually don’t see snow until later.
Comparing Labor Day Weather to Other Months
Labor Day in Wyoming usually brings mild days and cooler nights. Temperatures, rainfall, and daylight hours change fast this time of year, and you really notice the difference compared to late summer and early fall.
How September Differs from August in Wyoming
August feels like peak summer in Wyoming. In Cheyenne, average highs hover near 80°F, and Jackson averages around 77°F. Nights stay fairly mild, with lows in the 50s. Skies are usually clear, and rain doesn’t fall much—August is one of the drier months.
Once September arrives, things cool off more quickly. Highs drop to the low 70s in Cheyenne and the upper 60s in Jackson. Nighttime lows fall into the 40s, which can feel chilly if you’re camping or outside after dark.
Rain picks up a little in early September compared to August. Cheyenne averages about 1.0 inch of rain, and Jackson gets around 1.1 inches. Days get shorter, too—down from about 13.7 hours in August to 12.4 hours in September.
This shift marks the start of fall weather. Mornings and evenings feel cooler, even if afternoons stay comfortable.
Typical Weather After Labor Day
After the holiday, temperatures keep dropping. By late September, Cheyenne highs average in the mid-60s, and Jackson often stays in the upper 50s to low 60s. Lows can dip into the 30s, especially up high, and that’s when the first frosts show up.
Rain and early snow become more common later in the month. Jackson averages 0.2 inches of snow in September, and Cheyenne sees about 0.5 inches. These aren’t big amounts, but they do signal winter is coming.
Clear skies still happen a lot—both cities report around 70% of days partly clear or better. The air feels crisper, and Cheyenne’s winds start to pick up again, averaging close to 9 mph by mid-September.
If you visit after Labor Day, expect cooler evenings, shorter days, and a higher chance of unsettled weather compared to the start of the month.
Factors Influencing Wyoming’s Labor Day Weather
Wyoming’s early September weather really comes down to its high elevation and varied geography. These factors shape temperature swings, cloud cover, and the risk of rain or snow during the holiday.
Elevation and Its Impact on Temperature
Wyoming has the highest average elevation of any state in the country—about 6,700 feet above sea level. That elevation really affects how warm or cool your Labor Day weekend feels.
At higher spots like Jackson Hole or the Wind River Range, daytime highs often stick to the 60s or low 70s °F, and nights can drop into the 30s. Down lower, near Cheyenne or Casper, highs reach the upper 70s or low 80s °F, and nights stay milder.
The thin mountain air means temperatures change quickly from day to night. You can get a 30–40°F swing in just one day, so layering is the way to go if you’re outside.
Snow is rare at high elevations in early September, but it’s not out of the question. Sometimes mountain passes get light snow while the valleys nearby stay mild and sunny.
Geographic and Regional Influences
Wyoming sits right between the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains, so you get some pretty sharp regional contrasts. Western valleys, like Jackson, often get cooler and wetter thanks to those mountain storms.
Meanwhile, the eastern plains—think Cheyenne—tend to stay drier and a lot sunnier, especially in early September.
Moisture patterns jump around too. Western Wyoming usually gets more rain in September, with about 5–7 wet days per month. The southeast averages fewer than 5.
That means you’ll probably run into afternoon showers in the mountains more often than out on the plains.
Wind plays a big role as well. Cheyenne and other spots in the southeast get stronger gusts, often 10–15 mph, while western valleys stay calmer.
These winds can make those already cool evenings feel even colder, and they might mess with your outdoor plans.
Cloud cover changes a lot by region. Cheyenne usually enjoys clearer skies on most September days. Jackson, though, gets more unpredictable cloudiness.
So, sunshine feels like a safer bet in the southeast than it does in the mountain valleys.
Tips for Planning Labor Day Activities in Wyoming
Wyoming weather around Labor Day usually means mild days, cool nights, and a chance of a quick shower. Conditions shift from region to region, so it’s smart to plan ahead if you want to make the most of outdoor events and stay comfortable.
Outdoor Event Considerations
Daytime highs in early September usually land somewhere between the mid-60s and upper 70s °F, depending on your elevation. Nights can drop into the 40s or 50s, so you’ll notice a big difference between day and night.
If you’re heading to festivals, rodeos, or parades, expect some strong midday sun. Ultraviolet levels stay high in the mountain west, even when the air feels cool.
Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses really aren’t optional.
You might get a rain shower, especially in the afternoons. Most of the time, they’re short—maybe a 15–30 minute delay for outdoor fun.
Winds are usually calmer than in spring, but breezes can still pick up in open plains or near mountain passes.
Crowds in places like Jackson Hole, Cheyenne, and Casper get bigger during the holiday weekend.
If you want good parking or a decent seat at balloon festivals, concerts, or local fairs, you’ll want to show up early.
Packing and Preparation Advice
Layer your clothing. You’ll want a light jacket or fleece for those chilly mornings and evenings, but during the day, short sleeves usually do the trick. If you’re camping, pack a sleeping bag that keeps you warm on cool nights. Nights in Wyoming can get cold fast after the sun goes down.
Here’s a simple packing checklist for Labor Day in Wyoming:
- Clothing: T-shirts, long sleeves, a light jacket, rain shell
- Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes, and hiking boots if you’ll be hitting the trails
- Essentials: Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a refillable water bottle
- Extras: Blanket or lawn chair for outdoor shows, plus a small flashlight for campsites
Sometimes, smoke from regional wildfires hangs in the air and makes the sky look hazy. If you’re sensitive to air quality, check the daily forecast before you head out.
You might not find much food or water in rural areas, so bring your own if you’re leaving the main towns. Cell service gets spotty in the mountains, so pack a paper map or download an offline navigation app.