Lewis and Clark County Climate
Lewis and Clark County, Montana
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
43.3°F
Annual Precip
15.6"
Annual Snowfall
32.6"
Extreme Heat Days
15
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
4b
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
1,566
Favors cool-season crops
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Lewis and Clark County
Climate Verdict
Lewis and Clark County has a cool, averaging 43.3°F annually, semi-arid conditions with only 15.6 inches of annual precipitation, rare extreme heat with only 14.928571428571429 days above 90°F annually, moderate snowfall of 32.6 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are very cold — January averages 24.7°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 65.7°F. The 41°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
Growing season and gardening data is currently limited for Lewis and Clark County. Check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map and local extension office for specific guidance.
Regional Context
Lewis and Clark County closely matches the Montana statewide average temperature of 43.7°F.
Climate Profile
About Lewis and Clark County Weather
A Cool Continental Climate in the Rockies
Lewis and Clark County maintains an annual average temperature of 43.3°F, significantly cooler than the national county median of roughly 54°F. This semi-arid region experiences dry air and sharp temperature shifts typical of high-elevation mountain environments.
Matching the Montana State Average
The county's average temperature sits just below the Montana state average of 43.7°F. With 15.6 inches of annual precipitation, it aligns closely with the state's typical moisture levels of 15.4 inches.
Warmer and Drier Than High-Altitude Neighbors
At 43.3°F, the county is notably warmer than neighboring Meagher County, which averages only 41.4°F. It also sees far less snow than nearby Missoula County, recording 32.6 inches compared to Missoula's 73.9 inches.
Moderate Summers Meet Sharp Winter Chills
July brings a pleasant average of 65.7°F, though residents face 15 extreme heat days over 90°F annually. Winters are brisk with a January average of 24.7°F and reliable, though not overwhelming, snowfall.
Preparing for Arid Extremes and Elevation
Homeowners should prioritize efficient heating systems for the 25.2°F winter average and consider moderate cooling for the two weeks of summer heat. Given the 15.6 inches of precipitation, water-wise landscaping is essential for local gardens.
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.