La Plata County Climate
La Plata County, Colorado
Avg Annual Temp
45.2°F
Annual Precip
20.1"
Annual Snowfall
78.3"
Extreme Heat Days
10.116666666666664
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
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
What is the average temperature in La Plata County?
How much rain does La Plata County get?
Does it snow in La Plata County?
How hot does La Plata County get in summer?
How cold are winters in La Plata County?
Track your own weather in La Plata County
Ambient Weather personal weather stations give you hyperlocal climate data.
Sponsored
Data source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020.
Climate normals are 30-year averages of weather variables computed from 1991 to 2020. Station data is aggregated to county level using spatial averaging. Data is informational only — not a substitute for official National Weather Service forecasts or emergency weather warnings.