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Placer County Climate

Placer County, California

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec54.1°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

54.1°F

Annual Precip

48.0"

Annual Snowfall

62.9"

Extreme Heat Days

33

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
8.4"
8.0"
7.4"
3.8"
2.6"
0.8"
0.0"
0.1"
0.5"
2.5"
5.0"
8.9"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

9b

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

3,120

Supports most vegetables & fruits

Last spring frost (32°F): 05/04
First fall frost (32°F): 11/24

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring45°56°13.8"Summer65°72°0.9"Fall47°66°7.9"Winter40°42°25.3"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 48% of US counties
Wetter than 69% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 7% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Placer County

Climate Verdict

Placer County has a mild, with an average annual temperature of 54.1°F, moderately wet with 48.0 inches of annual precipitation, occasional hot days — 32.575 per year above 90°F, heavy winter snowfall averaging 62.9 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are mild, with January temperatures averaging 40.9°F. summers are warm — July averages 71.9°F. The 31°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

Placer County is 4.5°F cooler than the California statewide average of 58.7°F, it is also noticeably wetter, receiving 22.2 inches more precipitation than the state average, the county experiences 26.09592496293387 fewer extreme heat days than the state average.

Climate Profile

About Placer County Weather

A High-Precipitation Hub

Placer County’s average temperature of 54.1°F aligns with the national median. However, its 48.0 inches of annual precipitation makes it much wetter than most of the United States.

California's Wet Northern Interior

Placer receives nearly double the state's average rainfall of 25.8 inches. While its 54.1°F average is cooler than the state mean, it bridges the gap between the hot valley and cold peaks.

Wetter Than Neighbors

Placer is significantly wetter than Plumas County (36.1 inches) and Nevada County (40.4 inches). It serves as a major watershed for the region due to this high annual precipitation.

Snow and Heat in Equal Measure

The county faces 62.9 inches of annual snow in the mountains, yet sees 33 days of extreme heat in the lower elevations. This diversity creates a 69.2°F summer and 40.9°F winter average.

Dual-Season Home Preparation

Homeowners must prepare for both heavy mountain snow and valley heatwaves reaching over 90°F. Reliable drainage systems are critical to manage the 48.0 inches of annual rainfall.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Placer County?
The average annual temperature in Placer County, CA is 54.1°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Placer County get?
Placer County receives an average of 48.0 inches of precipitation per year, including both rain and meltwater from snow. This is based on NOAA 30-year climate normals.
Does it snow in Placer County?
Yes, Placer County receives an average of 62.9 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Placer County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Placer County is 69.2°F. The county experiences an average of 33 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Placer County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Placer County is 40.9°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 40.9°F.

Track your own weather in Placer County

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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.

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
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