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Montrose County Climate

Montrose County, Colorado

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec48.2°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

48.2°F

Annual Precip

14.0"

Annual Snowfall

31.3"

Extreme Heat Days

36

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
1.0"
1.0"
1.2"
1.3"
1.2"
0.6"
1.2"
1.4"
1.6"
1.4"
1.0"
1.1"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

6b

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

2,490

Favors cool-season crops

Last spring frost (32°F): 05/11
First fall frost (32°F): 10/05

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring39°56°3.6"Summer66°72°3.2"Fall37°61°4.0"Winter26°31°3.2"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 24% of US counties
Wetter than 6% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 65% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Montrose County

Climate Verdict

Montrose County has a cool, averaging 48.2°F annually, arid conditions receiving just 14.0 inches of precipitation annually, occasional hot days — 35.628571428571426 per year above 90°F, moderate snowfall of 31.3 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are cold, with January averaging 25.7°F. summers are warm — July averages 71.6°F. The 46°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

Growing season and gardening data is currently limited for Montrose County. Check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map and local extension office for specific guidance.

Regional Context

Montrose County closely matches the Colorado statewide average temperature of 45.9°F, it is somewhat drier than average for Colorado.

Climate Profile

About Montrose County Weather

Montrose slightly warmer, drier than US norm

Montrose County averages 48.2°F annually, edging above the U.S. median of 47.5°F, while its 14.0 inches of precipitation falls well below the national average of 38 inches. This dry, temperate profile reflects high-elevation high-desert geography typical of western Colorado.

Upper-middle warmth in Colorado rankings

At 48.2°F, Montrose ranks in Colorado's warmest third of counties, running 2.2°F above the state average of 46.0°F. It sits slightly cooler than neighboring Montezuma but remains well above the state's frigid high-mountain counties.

Comparable to Montezuma, hotter than Ouray

Montrose (48.2°F) sits just 0.6°F below Montezuma County (48.8°F), making them regional climate twins. Both run dramatically warmer than Ouray County (44.5°F) to their south, which gains elevation and vastly more precipitation.

Hot summers, cold winters, sparse snow

Summer temperatures average 68.9°F with 36 days of 90°F-plus heat—notably higher than Montezuma's 23 days, signaling a sunnier climate. Winters average 27.7°F with just 31.3 inches of snow, making it one of Colorado's driest counties year-round.

Manage heat and drought-conscious landscaping

With 36 extreme heat days annually and only 14 inches of rain, residents should prioritize air conditioning maintenance and drought-tolerant outdoor design. Minimal snowfall (31 inches) means less shoveling but requires preparedness for occasional winter storms and roof load surprises.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Montrose County?
The average annual temperature in Montrose County, CO is 48.2°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Montrose County get?
Montrose County receives an average of 14.0 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 Montrose County?
Yes, Montrose County receives an average of 31.3 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Montrose County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Montrose County is 68.9°F. The county experiences an average of 36 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Montrose County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Montrose County is 27.7°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 25.7°F.

Track your own weather in Montrose 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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