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Jefferson County Climate

Jefferson County, Montana

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec42.6°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

42.6°F

Annual Precip

10.8"

Annual Snowfall

Extreme Heat Days

12

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet
0.3"
0.2"
0.4"
0.8"
1.9"
2.3"
1.4"
1.1"
1.1"
0.6"
0.5"
0.3"
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

1,477

Limited to cold-tolerant varieties

Last spring frost (32°F): 06/07
First fall frost (32°F): 09/08

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring34°49°3.0"Summer57°65°4.8"Fall31°55°2.2"Winter23°26°0.7"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 6% of US counties
Wetter than 2% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 45% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Jefferson County

Climate Verdict

Jefferson County has a cool, averaging 42.6°F annually, arid conditions receiving just 10.8 inches of precipitation annually, rare extreme heat with only 12 days above 90°F annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are very cold — January averages 23.5°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 65.4°F. The 42°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change. December is typically the coldest month and July the warmest.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

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

Regional Context

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

Climate Profile

About Jefferson County Weather

A dry climate with cool averages

Jefferson County is notably dry, receiving only 10.8 inches of precipitation per year. Its annual average temperature of 42.6°F is roughly 12 degrees below the national median.

Slightly cooler than the state average

With an average of 42.6°F, Jefferson County is just over a degree cooler than the Montana state average of 43.7°F. It ranks among the more arid counties in the state.

Similar to Granite and Judith Basin

Jefferson County's 42.6°F temperature mirrors Granite County (42.5°F) and is slightly cooler than Judith Basin (43.4°F). It is significantly drier than its neighbor, Glacier County.

Mild summers and low heat risk

Summer heat is moderate here, with only 12 days reaching 90°F and a July average of 65.4°F. While snowfall data is limited, winters stay cold with a January average of 23.5°F.

Focus on moisture and winter heat

With only 10.8 inches of precipitation, water-wise landscaping is essential for residents. Heating remains the primary utility concern, as summer cooling needs are minimal with only 12 extreme heat days.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Jefferson County?
The average annual temperature in Jefferson County, MT is 42.6°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Jefferson County get?
Jefferson County receives an average of 10.8 inches of precipitation per year, including both rain and meltwater from snow. This is based on NOAA 30-year climate normals.
How hot does Jefferson County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Jefferson County is 62.2°F. The county experiences an average of 12 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Jefferson County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Jefferson County is 24.0°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 23.5°F.

Track your own weather in Jefferson 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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