Gunnison County Climate
Gunnison County, Colorado
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
36.8°F
Annual Precip
14.5"
Annual Snowfall
88.1"
Extreme Heat Days
1
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
5a
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
902
Limited to cold-tolerant varieties
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Gunnison County
Climate Verdict
Gunnison County has a cold, with an average annual temperature of 36.8°F, arid conditions receiving just 14.5 inches of precipitation annually, rare extreme heat with only 1.34 days above 90°F annually, heavy winter snowfall averaging 88.1 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are very cold — January averages 10.7°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 60.6°F. The 50°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
Gunnison County is 9.0°F cooler than the Colorado statewide average of 45.9°F, the county experiences 25.276034265558067 fewer extreme heat days than the state average.
Climate Profile
About Gunnison County Weather
Gunnison runs 25° colder than America
At 36.8°F annually, Gunnison County ranks among Colorado's coldest regions, running 25 degrees below the U.S. median of 61.7°F. This high-elevation county receives 14.5 inches of precipitation yearly, slightly below the national average of 15.2 inches, making it a true alpine climate zone.
Second-coldest county in Colorado
Gunnison's 36.8°F average places it near the bottom of Colorado's 64 counties, nearly 10 degrees colder than the state average of 46.0°F. Only a handful of higher-elevation mountain counties run colder than Gunnison.
Colder than Hinsdale, milder than Jackson
Gunnison (36.8°F) sits between Jackson County to the north (36.0°F) and Hinsdale County to the south (38.6°F), representing a tight cluster of high-elevation mountain climates. All three counties experience virtually no days above 90°F and heavy winter snowfall, though Hinsdale receives the most snow at 107.7 inches annually.
Brutal winters, cool summers, heavy snow
January averages just 10.7°F while July maxes out at 60.6°F—a 50-degree seasonal swing in a place that rarely sees extreme heat (only 1 day above 90°F per year). Gunnison receives 88.1 inches of snow annually, meaning residents face heavy snowpack from December through March.
Prepare for sustained winter operations
Gunnison residents need industrial-grade snow removal equipment and winter tires year-round, plus well-insulated homes and robust HVAC systems for sub-zero stretches. Summer outdoor planning can happen anytime, but spring and fall transitions arrive unpredictably—layered clothing and emergency kits are essential year-round.
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.