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Plumas County Climate

Plumas County, California

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec48.4°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

48.4°F

Annual Precip

36.1"

Annual Snowfall

64.5"

Extreme Heat Days

28

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
6.4"
6.0"
5.6"
2.8"
1.9"
0.8"
0.2"
0.2"
0.4"
1.8"
3.4"
6.7"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

7b

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

1,904

Favors cool-season crops

Last spring frost (32°F): 05/28
First fall frost (32°F): 09/28

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring40°53°10.3"Summer60°67°1.2"Fall39°60°5.6"Winter32°35°19.0"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 25% of US counties
Wetter than 36% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 14% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Plumas County

Climate Verdict

Plumas County has a cool, averaging 48.4°F annually, moderate rainfall of 36.1 inches per year, occasional hot days — 28.475 per year above 90°F, heavy winter snowfall averaging 64.5 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are cold, with January averaging 32.8°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 67.3°F. The 35°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

Plumas County is 10.3°F cooler than the California statewide average of 58.7°F, it is also noticeably wetter, receiving 10.3 inches more precipitation than the state average, the county experiences 30.195924962933873 fewer extreme heat days than the state average.

Climate Profile

About Plumas County Weather

Cold and Snowy Mountains

Plumas County’s 48.4°F annual average is below the national median. It experiences a mountain climate characterized by high precipitation and distinct seasonal shifts.

Cooler and Wetter Than Average

The county sits 10 degrees below the California average temperature of 58.7°F. Its 36.1 inches of annual precipitation is well above the 25.8-inch state average, often falling as heavy snow.

Similar Temperature, More Rain

Plumas shares an identical 48.4°F average with Modoc County but is more than twice as wet. This extra moisture supports denser forests and more significant winter snowpack.

Winter Snow and Summer Sun

Plumas sees 64.5 inches of annual snow and a January average of 32.8°F. Despite the cold winters, the county still endures 28 days of extreme heat over 90°F in the summer months.

Winter and Wildfire Readiness

Snow removal tools are essential for the 64.5 inches of winter snowfall. Residents should also plan for dry, hot summers that bring nearly a month of extreme heat and increased fire risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Plumas County?
The average annual temperature in Plumas County, CA is 48.4°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Plumas County get?
Plumas County receives an average of 36.1 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 Plumas County?
Yes, Plumas County receives an average of 64.5 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Plumas County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Plumas County is 64.5°F. The county experiences an average of 28 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Plumas County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Plumas County is 33.5°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 32.8°F.

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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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