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Dawson County Climate

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec46.6°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

46.6°F

Annual Precip

14.7"

Annual Snowfall

23.1"

Extreme Heat Days

38

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
0.4"
0.4"
0.5"
1.5"
2.6"
2.4"
2.2"
1.3"
1.4"
1.1"
0.5"
0.5"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

4a

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

2,733

Supports most vegetables & fruits

Last spring frost (32°F): 05/03
First fall frost (32°F): 10/04

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring35°57°4.6"Summer66°74°5.9"Fall34°62°3.0"Winter19°23°1.3"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 18% of US counties
Wetter than 7% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 92% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Dawson County

Climate Verdict

Dawson County has a cool, averaging 46.6°F annually, arid conditions receiving just 14.7 inches of precipitation annually, occasional hot days — 37.6 per year above 90°F, moderate snowfall of 23.1 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are very cold — January averages 19.1°F. summers are warm — July averages 74.0°F. Residents experience a substantial 55°F difference between winter and summer.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

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

Regional Context

Dawson County closely matches the Montana statewide average temperature of 43.7°F, the county experiences 15.935454931972789 more extreme heat days than the state average.

Climate Profile

About Dawson County Weather

Moderate temperatures for the north

Dawson County averages 46.6°F annually, positioned as a relatively temperate zone within the context of the northern United States. The area is quite dry, receiving only 14.7 inches of precipitation per year.

Warmest in the region

Dawson sits 2.9°F above the Montana state average of 43.7°F, making it one of the state's warmer counties. Its annual precipitation is nearly identical to the state average, providing a representative look at Montana's plains climate.

Leading the eastern pack

At 46.6°F, Dawson is slightly warmer than its neighbor Custer County at 46.4°F. It is significantly more temperate than Daniels County to the north, which averages over 6 degrees colder.

Hot summers and dry snow

July brings intense heat with 38 days topping 90°F and an average temperature of 74.0°F. Snowfall is modest at 23.1 inches, often arriving in dry, wind-blown bursts during the 21.6°F average winter months.

Equipping for the sun

Summer cooling is a major consideration, as the county experiences over a month's worth of extreme heat days. High-SPF sun protection and ventilated gear are necessary for outdoor work during the 71.0°F average summer season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Dawson County?
The average annual temperature in Dawson County, MT is 46.6°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Dawson County get?
Dawson County receives an average of 14.7 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 Dawson County?
Yes, Dawson County receives an average of 23.1 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Dawson County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Dawson County is 71.0°F. The county experiences an average of 38 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Dawson County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Dawson County is 21.6°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 19.1°F.

Track your own weather in Dawson 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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