Modoc County Climate
Modoc County, California
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
48.4°F
Annual Precip
14.6"
Annual Snowfall
51.3"
Extreme Heat Days
30
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
6b
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
2,030
Favors cool-season crops
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Modoc County
Climate Verdict
Modoc County has a cool, averaging 48.4°F annually, arid conditions receiving just 14.6 inches of precipitation annually, occasional hot days — 30.128571428571426 per year above 90°F, moderate snowfall of 51.3 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are cold, with January averaging 32.4°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 68.8°F. The 36°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change. December is typically the coldest month and July the warmest.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
Winter sports enthusiasts benefit from reliable snow cover for 3-4 months annually.
Regional Context
Modoc County is 10.2°F cooler than the California statewide average of 58.7°F, it is also noticeably drier, receiving 11.1 inches less precipitation than the state average, the county experiences 28.542353534362448 fewer extreme heat days than the state average.
Climate Profile
About Modoc County Weather
A Chilly High-Desert Climate
Modoc County’s annual average temperature of 48.4°F is significantly cooler than the national median. This high-altitude region experiences a semi-arid climate that stays much crisper than the typical California image.
Far Below the State Average
With a yearly average over 10 degrees lower than California's 58.7°F mark, Modoc ranks among the state's coldest counties. It is also significantly drier, receiving only 14.6 inches of precipitation compared to the 25.8-inch state average.
The Dry Side of the North
While sharing a similar temperature with nearby Plumas County (48.4°F), Modoc is much more arid. It receives less than half the annual precipitation of its western and southern neighbors, making it a distinct desert-mountain hybrid.
Snowy Winters and Sharp Summers
Residents face 51.3 inches of annual snowfall as winter temperatures average 33.0°F. Summers are brief but intense, featuring 30 days where temperatures climb to or exceed 90°F.
Prepare for Wide Temperature Swings
Winterizing pipes is a necessity here given the consistent sub-freezing January average of 32.4°F. High-altitude sun protection is also essential for the month-long stretch of extreme summer heat days.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Data sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020. Forecast and alert data from National Weather Service API. Air quality data from Open-Meteo.
Climate normals are 30-year averages of weather variables. Station data is aggregated to county level. Forecasts and alerts are fetched live and may change frequently. Data is informational only — not a substitute for official National Weather Service forecasts or emergency weather warnings.