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Flathead County Climate

Flathead County, Montana

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec42.4°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

42.4°F

Annual Precip

23.6"

Annual Snowfall

70.8"

Extreme Heat Days

11

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
2.3"
1.6"
1.8"
1.8"
2.3"
3.4"
1.3"
1.0"
1.5"
2.1"
2.3"
2.3"
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

1,374

Limited to cold-tolerant varieties

Last spring frost (32°F): 05/18
First fall frost (32°F): 09/25

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring33°51°5.8"Summer57°64°5.7"Fall31°54°5.9"Winter23°25°6.2"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 6% of US counties
Wetter than 19% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 42% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Flathead County

Climate Verdict

Flathead County has a cool, averaging 42.4°F annually, semi-arid conditions with only 23.6 inches of annual precipitation, rare extreme heat with only 10.957142857142857 days above 90°F annually, heavy winter snowfall averaging 70.8 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are very cold — January averages 23.1°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 64.4°F. The 41°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

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

Regional Context

Flathead County closely matches the Montana statewide average temperature of 43.7°F, it is also noticeably wetter, receiving 8.2 inches more precipitation than the state average.

Climate Profile

About Flathead County Weather

Cool, wet mountain living

Flathead County averages 42.4°F, kept cool by its northern latitude and mountainous terrain. It is much wetter than the national median, receiving 23.6 inches of precipitation and 70.8 inches of snow.

A moisture-rich mountain haven

At 23.6 inches of precipitation, Flathead is significantly wetter than the Montana average of 15.4 inches. It is also cooler than the state average, sitting at 42.4°F compared to 43.7°F.

Wetter than the central plains

Flathead receives nearly 7 inches more precipitation than Fergus County and is much snowier than the eastern plains. Its 70.8 inches of snow is typical for the western side of the Continental Divide.

Mild summers and deep snow

Summers are exceptionally mild with only 11 days above 90°F and a July average of 64.4°F. Winter is defined by 70.8 inches of snow and a consistent winter average of 24.0°F.

Manage the moisture

Waterproofing and moisture-wicking gear are essential for the 23.6 inches of annual precipitation. Homeowners should prioritize roof maintenance and snow load capacity to handle the 70.8 inches of annual snowfall.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Flathead County?
The average annual temperature in Flathead County, MT is 42.4°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Flathead County get?
Flathead County receives an average of 23.6 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 Flathead County?
Yes, Flathead County receives an average of 70.8 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Flathead County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Flathead County is 61.6°F. The county experiences an average of 11 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Flathead County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Flathead County is 24.0°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 23.1°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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