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Deer Lodge County Climate

Deer Lodge County, Montana

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec43.8°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

43.8°F

Annual Precip

14.9"

Annual Snowfall

75.1"

Extreme Heat Days

10

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
0.6"
1.0"
1.1"
1.5"
2.1"
2.2"
1.3"
1.2"
1.1"
1.0"
1.0"
0.7"
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

1,559

Favors cool-season crops

Last spring frost (32°F): 06/01
First fall frost (32°F): 09/14

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring35°50°4.8"Summer58°66°4.7"Fall32°56°3.1"Winter25°28°2.3"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 9% of US counties
Wetter than 7% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 32% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Deer Lodge County

Climate Verdict

Deer Lodge County has a cool, averaging 43.8°F annually, arid conditions receiving just 14.9 inches of precipitation annually, rare extreme heat with only 10.3 days above 90°F annually, heavy winter snowfall averaging 75.1 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are cold, with January averaging 26.3°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 65.7°F. The 39°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

Deer Lodge County closely matches the Montana statewide average temperature of 43.7°F.

Climate Profile

About Deer Lodge County Weather

Cool mountain air and heavy snow

Deer Lodge County averages 43.8°F annually, reflecting its high-altitude mountain environment. It is a snowy destination, receiving 75.1 inches of snowfall, which is significantly higher than the national median.

Typical Montana mountain weather

The county's 43.8°F average aligns almost perfectly with the Montana state average of 43.7°F. However, its 75.1 inches of snow more than doubles the totals seen in the eastern plains counties.

Snowier than the eastern plains

Compared to Fallon County’s 34.2 inches of snow, Deer Lodge is a winter wonderland with 75.1 inches. Its average temperature is nearly identical to Fergus County, but its mountainous terrain creates more dramatic local variations.

Mild summers and steady winters

Summer is brief and cool, with only 10 days reaching 90°F and a July average of 65.7°F. Winters are surprisingly stable, with a December through February average of 26.2°F, which is milder than many eastern Montana counties.

Gear up for snow

Residents should invest in high-quality snow removal equipment and winter tires to manage the 75.1 inches of annual snowfall. Air conditioning is rarely a necessity given that only 10 days a year reach extreme heat levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Deer Lodge County?
The average annual temperature in Deer Lodge County, MT is 43.8°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Deer Lodge County get?
Deer Lodge County receives an average of 14.9 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 Deer Lodge County?
Yes, Deer Lodge County receives an average of 75.1 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Deer Lodge County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Deer Lodge County is 62.6°F. The county experiences an average of 10 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Deer Lodge County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Deer Lodge County is 26.2°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 26.3°F.

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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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