Lake County Climate
Lake County, Colorado
Avg Annual Temp
34.9°F
Annual Precip
16.4"
Annual Snowfall
225.8"
Extreme Heat Days
0
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
Climate Profile
About Lake County Weather
Lake County is among America's coldest
At 34.9°F annually, Lake County runs 15.6 degrees colder than the U.S. median of 50.5°F, placing it firmly in the alpine/high-elevation climate zone. The county receives 16.4 inches of precipitation annually—slightly above the national median—but transforms much of that moisture into snow rather than rain.
Colorado's coldest county by far
Lake County's 34.9°F average is 11.1 degrees below Colorado's state average of 46.0°F, making it the coldest county in the state. This reflects its high elevation and mountain terrain, which dominate the county's geography.
Dramatically colder than mountain neighbors
Lake County averages 34.9°F compared to neighboring Mineral County's 38.0°F and Larimer County's 44.8°F—a significant difference driven by elevation and exposure. Its 225.8 inches of annual snowfall far exceeds neighboring counties, creating a distinct alpine climate zone.
Nearly 14 feet of snow, zero heat days
Lake County experiences virtually no summer heat, with July averaging just 55.8°F and zero days reaching 90°F annually. Winter is harsh: January averages 17.2°F, and the county receives 225.8 inches of snow per year—the heaviest accumulation in the state.
Prepare for mountain extremes year-round
Residents need heavy-duty snow removal equipment and ice management systems; 225.8 inches annually demands serious infrastructure. Summer outdoor planning revolves around cool mountain conditions and winter preparation begins early—most of the year requires cold-weather gear and equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average temperature in Lake County?
How much rain does Lake County get?
Does it snow in Lake County?
How hot does Lake County get in summer?
How cold are winters in Lake County?
Track your own weather in Lake 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.