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Gallatin County Climate

Gallatin County, Montana

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec41.2°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

41.2°F

Annual Precip

19.3"

Annual Snowfall

96.6"

Extreme Heat Days

13

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
1.2"
1.1"
1.4"
2.0"
2.6"
2.8"
1.3"
1.2"
1.4"
1.6"
1.3"
1.3"
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

1,411

Limited to cold-tolerant varieties

Last spring frost (32°F): 05/26
First fall frost (32°F): 09/23

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring32°49°6.1"Summer57°65°5.4"Fall29°55°4.3"Winter20°23°3.5"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 4% of US counties
Wetter than 13% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 57% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Gallatin County

Climate Verdict

Gallatin County has a cool, averaging 41.2°F annually, semi-arid conditions with only 19.3 inches of annual precipitation, rare extreme heat with only 12.787500000000001 days above 90°F annually, heavy winter snowfall averaging 96.6 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are very cold — January averages 20.3°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 64.7°F. The 44°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

Gallatin County closely matches the Montana statewide average temperature of 43.7°F, it is somewhat wetter than average for Montana.

Climate Profile

About Gallatin County Weather

High altitude and heavy snow

Gallatin County is a cold, high-elevation region with an annual average temperature of 41.2°F. It is famous for its 96.6 inches of annual snowfall, which ranks it among the snowiest populated counties in the nation.

Cold and snowy state leader

Gallatin is 2.5°F colder than the Montana average and receives significantly more precipitation at 19.3 inches. Its 96.6 inches of snow is nearly triple the amount seen in eastern Montana counties like Fallon.

Snowier than its mountain peers

Gallatin’s 96.6 inches of snow dwarfs the 70.8 inches found in Flathead County. It is also nearly 3 degrees colder on average than Deer Lodge County, reflecting its higher mountain basins.

Brief summers and long winters

July averages a cool 64.7°F with only 13 days of extreme heat. The winter season is long and intense, with a 21.1°F average from December to February and almost 100 inches of snow.

Total winter preparation

Residents must have professional-grade snow removal equipment and mountain-rated winter tires. Home heating systems should be robust enough to handle the 20.3°F January average and the heavy, persistent snowpack.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Gallatin County?
The average annual temperature in Gallatin County, MT is 41.2°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Gallatin County get?
Gallatin County receives an average of 19.3 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 Gallatin County?
Yes, Gallatin County receives an average of 96.6 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Gallatin County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Gallatin County is 61.5°F. The county experiences an average of 13 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Gallatin County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Gallatin County is 21.1°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 20.3°F.

Track your own weather in Gallatin 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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