Missoula County Climate
Missoula County, Montana
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
43.4°F
Annual Precip
18.0"
Annual Snowfall
73.9"
Extreme Heat Days
18
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
5b
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
1,581
Favors cool-season crops
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Missoula County
Climate Verdict
Missoula County has a cool, averaging 43.4°F annually, semi-arid conditions with only 18.0 inches of annual precipitation, rare extreme heat with only 18.25 days above 90°F annually, heavy winter snowfall averaging 73.9 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are very cold — January averages 23.8°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 66.0°F. The 42°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
Missoula County closely matches the Montana statewide average temperature of 43.7°F, it is somewhat wetter than average for Montana.
Climate Profile
About Missoula County Weather
A Classic Northern Rockies Profile
Missoula County's 43.4°F annual average is typical for high-latitude mountain valleys but cold compared to the 54°F national median. The county receives 18.0 inches of precipitation, indicating a moderately moist climate.
Aligning With the Montana Median
The county's average temperature of 43.4°F sits right next to the state average of 43.7°F. However, its 73.9 inches of annual snowfall is significantly higher than many other populated Montana valleys.
Snowier Than Its Eastern Neighbors
Missoula receives 73.9 inches of snow, more than double the 32.6 inches recorded in Lewis and Clark County. Despite the snow, the two counties share similar average July temperatures around 66°F.
Heavy Snow Cycles and Warm Julys
Winter is snowy and persistent, with a January average of 23.8°F and 73.9 total inches of fall. July is pleasant at 66°F, though 18 days of 90°F heat provide a significant summer peak.
Prioritize Snow Removal and Insulation
Robust snow removal tools are a necessity for the heavy 73.9-inch annual snowfall. Residents should also plan for moderate summer cooling to offset the nearly three weeks of extreme 90°F heat.
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.