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Garfield County Climate

Garfield County, Colorado

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

Avg Annual Temp

48.4°F

Annual Precip

15.8"

Annual Snowfall

46.5"

Extreme Heat Days

44

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
1.2"
1.2"
1.2"
1.7"
1.7"
0.9"
1.1"
1.4"
1.8"
1.7"
1.2"
1.1"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

6a

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

2,516

Supports most vegetables & fruits

Last spring frost (32°F): 05/13
First fall frost (32°F): 10/04

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring40°56°4.5"Summer66°72°3.3"Fall37°62°4.6"Winter25°31°3.5"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 25% of US counties
Wetter than 8% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 72% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Garfield County

Climate Verdict

Garfield County has a cool, averaging 48.4°F annually, semi-arid conditions with only 15.8 inches of annual precipitation, occasional hot days — 43.525000000000006 per year above 90°F, moderate snowfall of 46.5 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are very cold — January averages 24.8°F. summers are warm — July averages 72.3°F. The 48°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

Garfield County closely matches the Colorado statewide average temperature of 45.9°F, the county experiences 16.90896573444194 more extreme heat days than the state average.

Climate Profile

About Garfield County Weather

Garfield blends warmth with aridity

At 48.4°F annual temperature, Garfield County runs 2.4°F above the U.S. median of 46°F, placing it in a temperate semi-arid zone. With 15.8 inches of annual precipitation, the county receives less than half the national average of 38.7 inches, making it one of Colorado's drier regions.

Warmer and drier than Colorado average

Garfield County's 48.4°F annual temperature ranks it 2.4°F above Colorado's state average of 46.0°F. Its 15.8 inches of precipitation sits slightly below the state average of 16.0 inches, positioning it as one of the state's warmer, drier counties.

The warmest in the western region

Garfield County is notably warmer than nearby Eagle County (37.9°F) and Grand County (37.4°F) to the east due to lower elevation. It runs slightly warmer than Dolores County (47.1°F) to the south while maintaining similar precipitation levels across the western slope.

Hot summers, cold winters, extreme heat days

January dips to 24.8°F while July climbs to 72.3°F, with 44 days annually reaching 90°F or hotter—among Colorado's highest heat day counts. The county receives 46.5 inches of snowfall annually, creating a relatively light winter compared to higher-elevation neighbors.

Summer heat demands serious preparation

With 44 days annually exceeding 90°F, Garfield County residents must invest in high-efficiency air conditioning and shade structures for outdoor spaces. The 46.5 inches of annual snowfall requires basic winter maintenance, but summer heat management should be the primary climate consideration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Garfield County?
The average annual temperature in Garfield County, CO is 48.4°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Garfield County get?
Garfield County receives an average of 15.8 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 Garfield County?
Yes, Garfield County receives an average of 46.5 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Garfield County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Garfield County is 69.4°F. The county experiences an average of 44 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Garfield County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Garfield County is 27.1°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 24.8°F.

Track your own weather in Garfield 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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