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Butte County Climate

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec42.5°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

42.5°F

Annual Precip

10.9"

Annual Snowfall

35.0"

Extreme Heat Days

23

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
1.3"
0.8"
1.0"
1.0"
1.4"
1.1"
0.4"
0.5"
0.7"
0.9"
0.7"
1.2"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

5a

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

1,802

Favors cool-season crops

Last spring frost (32°F): 05/24
First fall frost (32°F): 09/14

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring33°51°3.3"Summer59°69°2.0"Fall30°57°2.3"Winter18°22°3.3"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 6% of US counties
Wetter than 2% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 83% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Butte County

Climate Verdict

Butte County has a cool, averaging 42.5°F annually, arid conditions receiving just 10.9 inches of precipitation annually, occasional hot days — 23.060000000000002 per year above 90°F, moderate snowfall of 35.0 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are very cold — January averages 18.0°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 68.5°F. Residents experience a substantial 50°F difference between winter and summer.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

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

Regional Context

Butte County is 4.0°F cooler than the Idaho statewide average of 46.5°F, it is also noticeably drier, receiving 6.1 inches less precipitation than the state average.

Climate Profile

About Butte County Weather

An Arid and High-Desert Climate

Butte County is significantly colder and drier than the national average, with an annual temp of 42.5°F and only 10.9 inches of rain. This environment reflects a harsh, high-desert ecosystem.

Colder and Drier than Idaho Averages

Butte County averages four degrees colder than the state average of 46.5°F. Its 10.9 inches of annual precipitation is far below the state average of 17.0 inches, marking it as a dry region.

Extreme Cold Compared to Southern Cassia

Butte's winter average of 19.7°F is much harsher than Cassia County's 30.0°F. While both are dry, Butte receives 35.0 inches of snow, nearly double Cassia's 18.5 inches.

Harsh Winters and Hot Summer Days

The county experiences extreme seasonal shifts, from a bitter 18.0°F average in January to 23 days of heat over 90°F. Winter is defined by 35.0 inches of snow and a low December-February average of 19.7°F.

Water Conservation and Winter Insulation

Given the low 10.9 inches of precipitation, xeriscaping and water conservation are practical for local homeowners. High-efficiency furnaces are critical for surviving the sub-20°F winter averages.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Butte County?
The average annual temperature in Butte County, ID is 42.5°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Butte County get?
Butte County receives an average of 10.9 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 Butte County?
Yes, Butte County receives an average of 35.0 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Butte County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Butte County is 64.9°F. The county experiences an average of 23 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Butte County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Butte County is 19.7°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 18.0°F.

Track your own weather in Butte 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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