Chaffee County Climate
Chaffee County, Colorado
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
45.5°F
Annual Precip
9.3"
Annual Snowfall
43.0"
Extreme Heat Days
10
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
5b
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
1,748
Favors cool-season crops
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Chaffee County
Climate Verdict
Chaffee County has a cool, averaging 45.5°F annually, arid conditions receiving just 9.3 inches of precipitation annually, rare extreme heat with only 9.75 days above 90°F annually, moderate snowfall of 43.0 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are cold, with January averaging 26.6°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 66.8°F. The 40°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
Winter sports enthusiasts benefit from reliable snow cover for 3-4 months annually.
Regional Context
Chaffee County closely matches the Colorado statewide average temperature of 45.9°F, it is also noticeably drier, receiving 6.8 inches less precipitation than the state average, the county experiences 16.866034265558067 fewer extreme heat days than the state average.
Climate Profile
About Chaffee County Weather
Chaffee: High alpine chill and dryness
Chaffee County averages 45.5°F annually, running 0.5 degrees cooler than the U.S. median of 46°F. Despite receiving only 9.3 inches of precipitation yearly, the county's 43 inches of annual snowfall reflects how elevation transforms modest moisture into significant winter precipitation.
Cooler mountain interior
At 45.5°F, Chaffee ranks slightly below Colorado's state average of 46°F, reflecting its Arkansas Valley location and elevation. The county represents the state's mountain-interior cool zone, warmer than high peaks but cooler than front-range lowlands.
Valley position creates temperate middle
Chaffee (45.5°F) sits between Alamosa County's alpine cold (42.5°F) and the Front Range warmth of Adams County (50.7°F). Its Arkansas Valley location provides moderation between extremes.
Extreme cold, sparse rainfall
January averages 26.6°F while July peaks at 66.8°F, with just 10 days per year reaching 90°F. Annual snowfall of 43 inches proves that elevation transforms low precipitation (9.3 inches) into meaningful snow accumulation.
Alpine heating, snow management
Residents need heavy-duty heating systems for sustained cold and winter months lasting September through May. The 43 inches of annual snowfall requires robust removal equipment and seasonal planning; cooling needs are minimal with only 10 annual 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.