Routt County Climate

Routt County, Colorado

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec41.6°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

41.6°F

Annual Precip

20.0"

Annual Snowfall

142.9"

Extreme Heat Days

6.366666666666667

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
1.9"
1.6"
1.4"
2.2"
2.0"
1.3"
1.5"
1.6"
1.8"
1.7"
1.5"
1.6"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring32°50°5.6"Summer59°65°4.3"Fall31°55°5.0"Winter18°22°5.1"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 4% of US counties
Wetter than 14% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 62% of US counties

Climate Profile

About Routt County Weather

Snow country: Routt dwarfs national precipitation norms

Routt County's 41.6°F annual average is 4.9°F cooler than the national median of 46.5°F, but its 142.9 inches of annual snowfall—nearly three times the national average of 50 inches—defines the county's climate. With 20.0 inches of total precipitation, Routt captures moisture primarily as snow due to its 8,000+ foot elevation, creating an alpine continental climate.

Colorado's snowiest county, among coldest

Routt's 41.6°F annual temperature sits 4.4°F below Colorado's state average of 46.0°F, and its 142.9 inches of annual snowfall is by far the highest in the state. The county's high-elevation northwest location makes it one of Colorado's premier snow destinations.

Snow giant towering over neighbors

Routt's 142.9 inches of snow vastly exceeds Rio Blanco County's 47.1 inches to the south and San Miguel County's 88.9 inches to the southwest, making it Colorado's clear snowfall leader. Its 41.6°F average closely matches Rio Blanco and Saguache counties, but precipitation volume sets it apart dramatically.

Brutal winters, short mild summers, minimal heat stress

Routt experiences only 6 days per year above 90°F, while winters average 20.0°F with January dipping to 18.5°F and July reaching just 65.1°F. Summer temperatures average only 62.3°F, making this one of Colorado's coolest climates with extremely compressed warm seasons.

Winter is the dominant planning reality

With 142.9 inches of annual snowfall and winter temperatures near 20°F, residents must invest in commercial-grade snow removal, robust roof designs, and heavy insulation systems designed for sustained alpine conditions. Summer is brief and cool (62.3°F average), so planning around the 6+ month snow season and avalanche terrain is the primary climate priority.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Routt County?
The average annual temperature in Routt County, CO is 41.6°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Routt County get?
Routt County receives an average of 20.0 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 Routt County?
Yes, Routt County receives an average of 142.9 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Routt County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Routt County is 62.3°F. The county experiences an average of 6.366666666666667 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Routt County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Routt County is 20.0°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 18.5°F.

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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.

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