Clear Creek County Climate
Clear Creek County, Colorado
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
39.9°F
Annual Precip
20.0"
Annual Snowfall
129.8"
Extreme Heat Days
0
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
5b
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
904
Limited to cold-tolerant varieties
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Clear Creek County
Climate Verdict
Clear Creek County has a cold, with an average annual temperature of 39.9°F, semi-arid conditions with only 20.0 inches of annual precipitation, heavy winter snowfall averaging 129.8 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are very cold — January averages 23.9°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 60.1°F. The 36°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
Clear Creek County is 6.0°F cooler than the Colorado statewide average of 45.9°F, it is somewhat wetter than average for Colorado, the county experiences 26.616034265558067 fewer extreme heat days than the state average.
Climate Profile
About Clear Creek County Weather
Clear Creek: Mountain Climate, Extremely Cold
At 39.9°F, Clear Creek County is nearly 10 degrees colder than the U.S. median of 49.5°F, placing it among the nation's coldest counties. Its 20.0 inches of annual precipitation slightly exceed the national median, but high elevation transforms most of that into snow rather than rain. This is authentic alpine climate, shaped by its high-elevation mountain location.
Clear Creek: The Coldest Colorado County
Clear Creek County's 39.9°F average temperature ranks as the coldest in Colorado, a stark 6.1 degrees below the state average of 46.0°F. The county receives 20.0 inches of precipitation annually—above Colorado's 16.0-inch state average—but nearly all falls as snow rather than rain due to elevation. This extreme cold is driven by the county's location in the heart of the Rockies, with peaks exceeding 13,000 feet.
Coldest Mountain Valley in the Region
Clear Creek County is substantially colder than neighboring Gilpin County to the northeast and Park County to the south, which sit at lower elevations and average 3–4 degrees warmer. Its 129.8 inches of annual snowfall dwarfs precipitation in nearby metro counties like Denver (41.3 inches), though the moisture totals are comparable when water content is considered. The county's alpine character stands apart from all surrounding lowland and foothill neighbors.
Zero Hot Days, 130 Inches of Snow
Clear Creek County never reaches 90°F—it experiences zero extreme heat days annually, with July averaging just 60.1°F and January dropping to 23.9°F. Annual snowfall totals 129.8 inches, ranking among the highest in Colorado and creating a winter season that typically lasts six months. The summer-to-winter temperature swing of 36 degrees is modest compared to plains counties, because cool temperatures persist year-round.
Build for Blizzards and Year-Round Cold
Residents must invest in heavy-duty heating systems, triple-glazed windows, and serious insulation to handle perpetual cold and 129.8 inches of annual snow. Outdoor gear must include avalanche safety equipment for backcountry travel, and vehicles require winter tires from September through May at minimum. Summer recreation (60°F conditions) is the only season for outdoor activity without cold-weather gear; plan accordingly, as even summer nights drop below 40°F.
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.