La Plata County Climate
La Plata County, Colorado
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
45.2°F
Annual Precip
20.1"
Annual Snowfall
78.3"
Extreme Heat Days
10
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
6a
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
1,754
Favors cool-season crops
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: La Plata County
Climate Verdict
La Plata County has a cool, averaging 45.2°F annually, semi-arid conditions with only 20.1 inches of annual precipitation, rare extreme heat with only 10.116666666666665 days above 90°F annually, heavy winter snowfall averaging 78.3 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are very cold — January averages 24.0°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 67.0°F. The 43°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
La Plata County closely matches the Colorado statewide average temperature of 45.9°F, it is somewhat wetter than average for Colorado, the county experiences 16.499367598891403 fewer extreme heat days than the state average.
Climate Profile
About La Plata County Weather
La Plata runs 16° cooler than the U.S. average
La Plata County's 45.2°F annual temperature sits 16.5 degrees below the U.S. median of 61.7°F, placing it in the cooler tier of American counties. With 20.1 inches of annual precipitation—above both state (16.0) and national (15.2) averages—La Plata receives generous moisture for its elevation.
Slightly below Colorado's state average
At 45.2°F, La Plata runs 0.8 degrees below Colorado's state average of 46.0°F, ranking it squarely in the middle of the state's 64 counties. This balanced profile reflects its elevation between the high peaks and eastern plains.
Bridging mountain cold and plains warmth
La Plata (45.2°F) sits warmer than the extreme-cold Jackson, Gunnison, and Hinsdale counties but cooler than foothill Jefferson County (47.7°F) and plains counties Kiowa and Kit Carson. At 10 extreme heat days annually, La Plata experiences moderate summer heat—more than alpine zones but far less than the eastern plains.
Moderate winters, cool summers, steady precipitation
January averages 24.0°F and July reaches 67.0°F, creating a 43-degree swing with only 10 days above 90°F annually. La Plata receives 78.3 inches of snow yearly, substantial enough to require winter preparation but less extreme than the highest mountain counties.
Prepare for reliable snowfall and spring runoff
La Plata residents need solid heating systems and snow removal for 78.3 inches annually, plus drainage management for spring snowmelt. Summer recreation dominates May-September with minimal cooling demands, making outdoor planning and maintenance windows predictable and extended.
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.