Dolores County Climate
Dolores County, Colorado
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
47.1°F
Annual Precip
11.3"
Annual Snowfall
—
Extreme Heat Days
18
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
6b
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
2,200
Favors cool-season crops
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Dolores County
Climate Verdict
Dolores County has a cool, averaging 47.1°F annually, arid conditions receiving just 11.3 inches of precipitation annually, rare extreme heat with only 17.75 days above 90°F annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are cold, with January averaging 25.8°F. summers are warm — July averages 70.6°F. The 45°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
Growing season and gardening data is currently limited for Dolores County. Check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map and local extension office for specific guidance.
Regional Context
Dolores County closely matches the Colorado statewide average temperature of 45.9°F, it is somewhat drier than average for Colorado.
Climate Profile
About Dolores County Weather
Dolores runs cool and dry
At 47.1°F annually, Dolores County sits just above the U.S. median temperature of 46°F, placing it in a semi-arid climate zone. The county receives only 11.3 inches of precipitation yearly—less than a third of the national average of 38.7 inches—making it significantly drier than most American counties.
Slightly warmer than Colorado average
Dolores County's 47.1°F annual temperature ranks it among Colorado's warmer counties, sitting 1.1°F above the state average of 46.0°F. However, its precipitation of 11.3 inches falls well below Colorado's state average of 16.0 inches, marking it as one of the state's driest regions.
Warmer than high-altitude neighbors
Dolores County is notably warmer than nearby Eagle County (37.9°F) and Grand County (37.4°F), which sit at higher elevations in the San Juan and Book Cliffs regions. Its climate more closely mirrors Garfield County (48.4°F) to the northwest, though Dolores receives significantly less precipitation than any of its neighbors.
Mild winters, hot days ahead
January averages 25.8°F while July climbs to 70.6°F, with 18 days annually reaching 90°F or hotter. Snowfall data is limited for the county, but the combination of low precipitation and moderate temperature swings suggests relatively light winter snow cover.
Prepare for heat and drought
Residents should invest in quality air conditioning for the 18 annual heat days and ensure HVAC systems handle dry air efficiently. Water conservation is critical year-round given the 11.3-inch annual precipitation; outdoor landscaping and irrigation systems require careful planning for this semi-arid climate.
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.