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Hill County Climate

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec42.1°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

42.1°F

Annual Precip

11.5"

Annual Snowfall

30.3"

Extreme Heat Days

25

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
0.4"
0.3"
0.4"
1.0"
1.9"
2.5"
1.3"
1.0"
1.1"
0.8"
0.5"
0.3"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

3b

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

1,829

Favors cool-season crops

Last spring frost (32°F): 05/24
First fall frost (32°F): 09/15

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring31°52°3.2"Summer60°68°4.9"Fall29°56°2.4"Winter17°20°1.0"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 5% of US counties
Wetter than 3% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 84% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Hill County

Climate Verdict

Hill County has a cool, averaging 42.1°F annually, arid conditions receiving just 11.5 inches of precipitation annually, occasional hot days — 25.080000000000002 per year above 90°F, moderate snowfall of 30.3 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are very cold — January averages 16.6°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 67.9°F. Residents experience a substantial 51°F difference between winter and summer.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

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

Regional Context

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

Climate Profile

About Hill County Weather

Cold and exceptionally dry northern plains

Hill County is one of the drier spots in the U.S., receiving just 11.5 inches of precipitation annually. Its average annual temperature of 42.1°F is significantly lower than the national median.

Cooler than the Montana state norm

At 42.1°F, Hill County sits below the state average of 43.7°F. Its location on the northern border subjects it to more frequent arctic blasts than the central or southern counties.

Warmer than Glacier, colder than Garfield

Hill County is warmer than Glacier County to its west (39.9°F) but significantly cooler than Garfield County (44.9°F). It experiences a more continental climate than its neighbors.

Frigid winters and 25 hot days

January is particularly harsh with an average temperature of just 16.6°F and 30.3 inches of snow. Conversely, summers bring 25 days of heat over 90°F, with July averaging 67.9°F.

Insulate for deep winter freezes

The 16.6°F January average requires high-performance home insulation and reliable heating sources. Residents should also plan for water conservation given the very low 11.5 inches of annual rainfall.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Hill County?
The average annual temperature in Hill County, MT is 42.1°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Hill County get?
Hill County receives an average of 11.5 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 Hill County?
Yes, Hill County receives an average of 30.3 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Hill County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Hill County is 64.9°F. The county experiences an average of 25 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Hill County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Hill County is 18.8°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 16.6°F.

Track your own weather in Hill 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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