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Big Horn County Climate

Big Horn County, Montana

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec47.0°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

47.0°F

Annual Precip

14.8"

Annual Snowfall

39.1"

Extreme Heat Days

43

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
0.6"
0.6"
0.9"
1.7"
2.7"
2.0"
1.3"
0.8"
1.4"
1.5"
0.7"
0.6"
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

2,434

Favors cool-season crops

Last spring frost (32°F): 05/21
First fall frost (32°F): 09/29

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring37°55°5.3"Summer65°72°4.1"Fall35°60°3.6"Winter25°27°1.7"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 20% of US counties
Wetter than 7% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 72% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Big Horn County

Climate Verdict

Big Horn County has a cool, averaging 47.0°F annually, arid conditions receiving just 14.8 inches of precipitation annually, occasional hot days — 43.47500000000001 per year above 90°F, moderate snowfall of 39.1 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are very cold — January averages 24.6°F. summers are warm — July averages 72.2°F. The 48°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

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

Regional Context

Big Horn County is 3.4°F warmer than the Montana statewide average of 43.7°F, the county experiences 21.810454931972796 more extreme heat days than the state average.

Climate Profile

About Big Horn County Weather

Moderate Temperatures for the Northern Plains

Big Horn County maintains an average annual temperature of 47.0°F, which remains cooler than the national median. However, it represents a relatively mild corridor for the northern United States.

Warmer Than the Montana Baseline

The county's 47.0°F average exceeds the Montana state average of 43.7°F. This makes Big Horn one of the warmer counties in a state known for extreme cold.

Hotter Summers Than Regional Peers

Big Horn experiences 43 extreme heat days per year, significantly more than neighboring counties like Carbon or Carter. Its 14.8 inches of annual precipitation is also slightly below the state average.

Intense Summer Heat and Snowy Peaks

July temperatures average 72.2°F, fueled by frequent 90°F days. Winters are more moderate than other parts of the state, though the county still receives 39.1 inches of annual snowfall.

Prepare for Peak Heat and Snow

Efficient air conditioning is vital for the 43 days of extreme heat each summer. Sturdy snow removal equipment is also necessary to manage the nearly 40 inches of annual winter accumulation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Big Horn County?
The average annual temperature in Big Horn County, MT is 47.0°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Big Horn County get?
Big Horn County receives an average of 14.8 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 Big Horn County?
Yes, Big Horn County receives an average of 39.1 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Big Horn County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Big Horn County is 69.0°F. The county experiences an average of 43 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Big Horn County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Big Horn County is 25.9°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 24.6°F.

Track your own weather in Big Horn 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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