Carter County Climate
Carter County, Montana
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
43.3°F
Annual Precip
16.4"
Annual Snowfall
38.5"
Extreme Heat Days
24
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
4b
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
2,070
Favors cool-season crops
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Carter County
Climate Verdict
Carter County has a cool, averaging 43.3°F annually, semi-arid conditions with only 16.4 inches of annual precipitation, occasional hot days — 24.066666666666666 per year above 90°F, moderate snowfall of 38.5 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are very cold — January averages 18.9°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 69.9°F. Residents experience a substantial 51°F difference between winter and summer.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
Growing season and gardening data is currently limited for Carter County. Check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map and local extension office for specific guidance.
Regional Context
Carter County closely matches the Montana statewide average temperature of 43.7°F.
Climate Profile
About Carter County Weather
Prairie Winds and Northern Temps
Carter County's 43.3°F annual average is notably cooler than the national median. This southeast corner of Montana is characterized by wide-open plains and seasonal extremes.
Typical Montana Prairie Climate
The county's 43.3°F average temperature sits right at the Montana state average of 43.7°F. It experiences the standard thermal profile expected for the region.
Wetter Than Many Montana Peers
Recording 16.4 inches of annual precipitation, Carter is wetter than the state average and neighbors like Blaine. This extra moisture supports its distinct prairie ecosystem.
Warm Summers Meet Chilly Winters
July reaches a warm average of 69.9°F with 24 extreme heat days. Winters are sharp, averaging 20.4°F with 38.5 inches of snow throughout the season.
Prepare for Wind and Precipitation
Reliable HVAC systems are needed to handle 24 days of 90°F heat and 18.9°F January lows. Residents should also prepare for muddy conditions given the higher-than-average precipitation.
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.