Cody, Wyoming, located in the beautiful Bighorn Basin, is a charming city known for its rich history, stunning natural landscapes, and vibrant western culture. Located in northwest Wyoming, Cody is located approximately 52 miles from the east entrance of Yellowstone National Park, making it a popular gateway for visitors exploring the wonders of the park. With a population of around 10,000 residents, Cody offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure, cultural attractions, and cowboy heritage. Named after the legendary showman Buffalo Bill Cody, the city celebrates its western heritage through rodeos, museums, and events that pay homage to its colorful past.
Geography
Cody is located in Park County, Wyoming, along the eastern edge of the Absaroka Range and the western edge of the Bighorn Basin. The city is located at an elevation of approximately 5,016 feet above sea level and is surrounded by rugged mountains, vast plains, and the meandering Shoshone River. Its strategic location near Yellowstone National Park makes it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure in the wilderness.
Affiliation and Population
Cody is affiliated with Park County and is part of the state of Wyoming in the United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of Cody was estimated to be around 10,000 residents. Despite its relatively small size, Cody serves as a cultural and economic hub for the surrounding region, attracting visitors from across the country and around the world.
Area and Major Landmarks
Cody covers a total area of approximately 9.53 square miles, offering a mix of residential neighborhoods, commercial districts, and open spaces. Major landmarks in Cody include the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, a renowned museum complex dedicated to the life and legacy of Buffalo Bill Cody and the history of the American West. Other notable attractions include the Cody Firearms Museum, the Cody Nite Rodeo, and the Old Trail Town, a collection of historic buildings and artifacts from Wyoming’s frontier era.
Famous Company or University
Cody is not home to any major companies or universities, but it serves as a gateway to Yellowstone National Park, one of the most iconic natural attractions in the United States. The city’s economy is largely driven by tourism, with visitors flocking to Cody to explore the wonders of the park and experience the region’s rich western heritage.
Climate and Weather Overview
Cody experiences a semi-arid climate, characterized by mild summers, cold winters, and low precipitation levels throughout the year. The city’s proximity to the Rocky Mountains and its high elevation contribute to its unique weather patterns, including rapid temperature changes and occasional high winds. While summers are generally warm and sunny, winters can be cold and snowy, with frequent snowstorms and subzero temperatures.
Average Climate Data
Below is a table detailing the average temperature, precipitation, and number of sunny days for each month in Cody:
| Month | Average Temperature (°F) | Precipitation (inches) | Sunny Days |
| January | 30°F | 0.49 inches | 22 |
| February | 35°F | 0.51 inches | 25 |
| March | 42°F | 0.89 inches | 29 |
| April | 51°F | 1.18 inches | 29 |
| May | 61°F | 1.55 inches | 29 |
| June | 71°F | 1.09 inches | 29 |
| July | 79°F | 0.58 inches | 29 |
| August | 78°F | 0.47 inches | 30 |
| September | 69°F | 0.68 inches | 28 |
| October | 57°F | 0.80 inches | 27 |
| November | 41°F | 0.61 inches | 24 |
| December | 32°F | 0.53 inches | 21 |
Weather by Month
January
January in Cody is characterized by cold temperatures and occasional snowfall, with average highs around 30°F. Precipitation levels are relatively low, with an average of 0.49 inches of precipitation. Despite the cold, there are still 22 sunny days, providing opportunities for outdoor activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, or wildlife viewing in nearby Yellowstone National Park.
February
February brings slightly warmer temperatures to Cody, with average highs reaching around 35°F. Precipitation levels increase slightly to 0.51 inches on average, and there are 25 sunny days. Residents can enjoy outdoor activities such as ice fishing, snowmobiling, or visiting local museums and galleries to learn about the region’s rich history and culture.
March
March marks the transition to spring in Cody, with temperatures warming up to an average of 42°F. Precipitation levels increase to 0.89 inches on average, but there are still 29 sunny days. Residents can embrace the arrival of spring by going hiking, birdwatching, or exploring the scenic drives and hiking trails in nearby Shoshone National Forest.
April
April brings milder temperatures and the first signs of spring to Cody, with average highs around 51°F. Precipitation levels continue to increase to 1.18 inches on average, and there are 29 sunny days. Residents can take advantage of the warmer weather to go fishing, camping, or horseback riding in the surrounding countryside, or attending local events and festivals celebrating the arrival of spring.
May
May heralds the arrival of warmer temperatures and blooming wildflowers in Cody, with average highs reaching around 61°F. Precipitation levels increase further to 1.55 inches on average, but there are still 29 sunny days. Residents can explore the scenic beauty of Yellowstone National Park, go whitewater rafting on the Shoshone River, or attend Cody’s annual rodeo and western-themed events.
June
June brings summer-like temperatures and clear skies to Cody, with average highs peaking at around 71°F. Precipitation levels remain relatively low at 1.09 inches on average, and there are 29 sunny days. Residents can spend time outdoors enjoying activities such as hiking, camping, or fishing in the Absaroka Mountains, or attending Cody’s nightly rodeo and western entertainment.
July
July is the warmest month of the year in Cody, with average highs reaching around 79°F. Precipitation levels are minimal at 0.58 inches on average, and there are 29 sunny days. Residents can beat the heat by going swimming, boating, or picnicking at Buffalo Bill State Park, or attending Cody’s Fourth of July celebrations and fireworks displays.
August
August brings continued warmth and sunshine to Cody, with average highs remaining around 78°F. Precipitation levels remain low at 0.47 inches on average, and there are 30 sunny days. Residents can explore Cody’s outdoor attractions such as the Buffalo Bill Dam, take scenic drives along the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway, or attend Cody’s annual rodeo and western art show.
September
September marks the transition to fall in Cody, with temperatures starting to cool down to an average of 69°F. Precipitation levels increase slightly to 0.68 inches on average, but there are still 28 sunny days. Residents can take advantage of the mild weather to go hiking, mountain biking, or wildlife watching in Yellowstone National Park, or attending Cody’s fall festivals and rodeo events.
October
October brings cooler temperatures and fall foliage to Cody, with average highs dropping to around 57°F. Precipitation levels increase to 0.80 inches on average, and there are 27 sunny days. Despite the cooler weather, residents can still enjoy outdoor activities such as leaf-peeping, horseback riding, or visiting local pumpkin patches and corn mazes.
November
November sees further cooling and occasional snowfall in Cody, with average highs around 41°F. Precipitation levels decrease slightly to 0.61 inches on average, but there are still 24 sunny days. Residents can embrace the winter season by going skiing or snowboarding at nearby resorts, attending holiday craft fairs and bazaars, or enjoying cozy evenings by the fireplace with family and friends.
December
December brings winter to Cody, with cold temperatures and frequent snowstorms, including occasional blizzards. Average highs are around 32°F, and precipitation levels are relatively low at 0.53 inches on average. Despite the cold, there are still 21 sunny days, providing opportunities for residents to enjoy outdoor activities such as sledding, ice skating, or snowshoeing, or attending Cody’s holiday celebrations and parades.
Natural Disasters
Cody is susceptible to a range of natural disasters, including wildfires, floods, and severe winter storms. The region’s semi-arid climate and rugged terrain make it prone to wildfires, particularly during the dry summer months when vegetation is parched and temperatures are high. Additionally, heavy rainfall in the spring and summer can lead to flash floods in low-lying areas along rivers and streams. In the winter, blizzards and snowstorms can bring heavy snowfall, strong winds, and dangerously cold temperatures, posing risks to residents and travelers alike. Residents are advised to stay informed about weather forecasts and emergency preparedness measures to ensure their safety during natural disasters.
Recommended Activities
Throughout the year, Cody offers a variety of indoor and outdoor activities for residents and visitors to enjoy. From exploring national parks and scenic drives to attending cultural events and festivals, there is something for everyone to experience in this charming western town. Below are recommended activities for each month:
- January: Go skiing or snowboarding at nearby resorts, visit the Buffalo Bill Center of the West for western art and history exhibits, or attend Cody Ice Climbing Festival.
- February: Explore Yellowstone National Park on a guided snowshoe tour, go wildlife watching in Lamar Valley, or attend Cody’s Winter Carnival for snow sculpture contests and ice fishing competitions.
- March: Take a scenic drive along Chief Joseph Scenic Byway, go birdwatching at Buffalo Bill State Park, or attend Cody’s Big Horn Basin Folk Festival for live music and dance performances.
- April: Visit Old Trail Town to see historic log cabins and artifacts, go fly fishing on the Shoshone River, or attend Cody’s Spring Fling for arts and crafts vendors and live entertainment.
- May: Explore the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone National Park, go horseback riding in the Absaroka Mountains, or attend Cody’s Wild West River Fest for river races and outdoor adventures.
- June: Take a scenic drive along Beartooth Highway, go whitewater rafting on the Shoshone River, or attend Cody’s Rendezvous Royale for western art shows and auctions.
- July: Attend Cody Stampede Rodeo for bull riding and barrel racing, go camping or stargazing in Shoshone National Forest, or attend Cody’s Fourth of July parade and fireworks display.
- August: Visit Heart Mountain Interpretive Center for exhibits on Japanese American internment, go rock climbing in the Shoshone Canyon, or attend Cody’s Cody Nite Rodeo for nightly rodeo performances.
- September: Take a guided wildlife safari in Yellowstone National Park, go fishing or boating on Cody’s reservoirs, or attend Cody’s Fall Arts Festival for art exhibits and live music.
- October: Explore the historic streets of Cody on a walking tour, go elk watching in the Lamar Valley of Yellowstone National Park, or attend Cody’s Harvest Fest for pumpkin decorating and hayrides.
- November: Take a scenic drive along the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway, go hunting for big game in the Absaroka Mountains, or attend Cody’s Veterans Day parade and ceremony.
- December: Go ice fishing on Buffalo Bill Reservoir, visit Cody’s Christmas Bazaar for holiday shopping and crafts, or attend Cody’s Holiday Inn Express Polar Plunge for a chilly dip in the Shoshone River.