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Owyhee County Climate

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec49.7°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

49.7°F

Annual Precip

10.0"

Annual Snowfall

47.3"

Extreme Heat Days

41

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
1.1"
0.7"
0.9"
1.1"
1.4"
0.8"
0.3"
0.3"
0.5"
0.7"
1.0"
1.1"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

7a

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

2,530

Supports most vegetables & fruits

Last spring frost (32°F): 05/17
First fall frost (32°F): 10/06

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring41°56°3.4"Summer63°72°1.5"Fall38°62°2.1"Winter30°35°3.0"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 29% of US counties
Wetter than 2% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 43% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Owyhee County

Climate Verdict

Owyhee County has a cool, averaging 49.7°F annually, arid conditions receiving just 10.0 inches of precipitation annually, occasional hot days — 41.08571428571429 per year above 90°F, moderate snowfall of 47.3 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are cold, with January averaging 31.0°F. summers are warm — July averages 72.4°F. The 41°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change. December is typically the coldest month and July the warmest.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

Winter sports enthusiasts benefit from reliable snow cover for 3-4 months annually.

Regional Context

Owyhee County is 3.1°F warmer than the Idaho statewide average of 46.5°F, it is also noticeably drier, receiving 7.0 inches less precipitation than the state average.

Climate Profile

About Owyhee County Weather

America's High Desert Frontier

Owyhee is a vast, dry frontier with a 49.7°F average temperature and only 10 inches of rain. This puts it among the driest counties in the United States.

Idaho's Driest Desert County

It is warmer than the Idaho average of 46.5°F but ranks as the driest county in the state. While rain is scarce, the county catches a robust 47.3 inches of snow annually.

Drier and Snowier than Boise

Owyhee is significantly drier and warmer than its northern neighbor, Ada County. However, its high-desert peaks catch far more snow (47.3 inches) than the nearby Treasure Valley.

Hot Summers, Cold Snowy Winters

Summers are hot with 41 days hitting 90°F or higher. Winters are moderately cold, averaging 32°F, though January nights can be particularly biting in the open desert.

Conserve Water and Drive 4WD

Water conservation is a way of life given the 10-inch annual precipitation limit. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for winter travel to navigate the 47-inch snowfall average.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Owyhee County?
The average annual temperature in Owyhee County, ID is 49.7°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Owyhee County get?
Owyhee County receives an average of 10.0 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 Owyhee County?
Yes, Owyhee County receives an average of 47.3 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Owyhee County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Owyhee County is 68.8°F. The county experiences an average of 41 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Owyhee County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Owyhee County is 32.0°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 31.0°F.

Track your own weather in Owyhee 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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