Wyoming is known for its wild winters, with freezing temperatures and snow-covered landscapes. Every year brings unique weather conditions, making it unpredictable whether Christmas will be snowy, freezing, or mild.
In this article, we’ll revisit some of Wyoming’s most extreme Christmas weather, from record-breaking cold snaps to surprisingly warm Decembers.
Wyoming’s Coldest Christmas Record
The coldest Christmas ever recorded in Casper, Wyoming, occurred on December 22, 2022, when temperatures plummeted to a bone-chilling -42°F. This broke the previous record of -41°F set on December 21, 1990.
The extreme cold wasn’t isolated to Casper—several parts of the state also experienced freezing conditions.
- Reliance recorded -27°F.
- Togwotee Pass, Wamsutter, and Grant Village in Yellowstone hit -24°F.
- Old Faithful in Yellowstone Park reached -21°F.
- Lander recorded a low of -19°F.
Wyoming’s Historical Winter Extremes
While the 2022 Christmas cold was intense, it wasn’t the lowest temperature ever recorded in Wyoming. That title goes to February 9, 1933, when the thermometer dipped to an icy -66°F in Yellowstone Park. However, this record remains under review, as some data suggests the readings may have occurred in neighboring Montana.
Wyoming’s Warmer Winters
Not every winter in Wyoming is relentlessly freezing. December 2023 brought unusually mild weather, with cities like Cheyenne, Laramie, and Rawlins experiencing some of their warmest Decembers on record. Notable highlights included:
- December 6, 2023: Laramie, Rawlins, and Sidney set new daily high-temperature records.
- Cheyenne didn’t experience a single day below 10°F during December, a rare event last seen in 2002.
Typical Winter Temperatures in Wyoming
Wyoming’s climate varies across its regions. Winters in the lower elevations of central and northeast Wyoming, the Big Horn Basin, and the eastern border tend to be milder than in the western valleys. Here’s what to expect:
- January, the coldest month, sees temperatures ranging from 5°F to 10°F in many areas.
- Western valleys can drop as low as -5°F during particularly cold spells.
What’s the Christmas 2024 Forecast?
As of now, Christmas 2024 is expected to have highs in the low 40s across most of Wyoming, with a slight chance of light snow. However, weather in this state is notoriously unpredictable, and every year brings surprises.
FAQs
1. What’s the coldest temperature ever recorded in Wyoming?
The coldest was -66°F on February 9, 1933, in Yellowstone Park, though it’s under review.
2. When was Wyoming’s coldest Christmas?
It occurred on December 22, 2022, with Casper recording -42°F.
3. Are Wyoming winters always freezing?
No, some winters, like December 2023, are warmer, with record-setting highs in several cities.
4. What areas in Wyoming are the coldest during winter?
Western valleys are typically the coldest, with temperatures dropping as low as -5°F or lower.
5. Will there be snow this Christmas in Wyoming?
The forecast predicts highs in the low 40s with light snow, but it’s always subject to change.
