Routt County Climate
Routt County, Colorado
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
41.6°F
Annual Precip
20.0"
Annual Snowfall
142.9"
Extreme Heat Days
6
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
5a
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
1,465
Limited to cold-tolerant varieties
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Routt County
Climate Verdict
Routt County has a cool, averaging 41.6°F annually, semi-arid conditions with only 20.0 inches of annual precipitation, rare extreme heat with only 6.366666666666667 days above 90°F annually, heavy winter snowfall averaging 142.9 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are very cold — January averages 18.5°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 65.1°F. The 47°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
Routt County is 4.3°F cooler than the Colorado statewide average of 45.9°F, it is somewhat wetter than average for Colorado, the county experiences 20.2493675988914 fewer extreme heat days than the state average.
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
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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.