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Musselshell County Climate

Musselshell County, Montana

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec46.0°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

46.0°F

Annual Precip

15.2"

Annual Snowfall

36.8"

Extreme Heat Days

42

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
0.5"
0.4"
0.8"
1.8"
2.6"
2.9"
1.5"
1.1"
1.2"
1.3"
0.5"
0.5"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

4b

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

2,213

Favors cool-season crops

Last spring frost (32°F): 05/20
First fall frost (32°F): 09/21

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring35°54°5.2"Summer63°71°5.6"Fall34°59°3.0"Winter24°27°1.3"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 16% of US counties
Wetter than 7% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 68% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Musselshell County

Climate Verdict

Musselshell County has a cool, averaging 46.0°F annually, semi-arid conditions with only 15.2 inches of annual precipitation, occasional hot days — 41.63333333333333 per year above 90°F, moderate snowfall of 36.8 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are very cold — January averages 24.4°F. summers are warm — July averages 71.0°F. The 47°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

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

Regional Context

Musselshell County closely matches the Montana statewide average temperature of 43.7°F, the county experiences 19.96878826530612 more extreme heat days than the state average.

Climate Profile

About Musselshell County Weather

A Cool Climate in Big Sky Country

The 46.0°F annual average in Musselshell County is nearly 8 degrees cooler than the national median of 54.4°F. This semi-arid climate defines the heart of the northern plains.

Warmer Than the Montana Average

Musselshell sits 2.3 degrees above the Montana state average of 43.7°F. It ranks as one of the warmer regions in a state known for its frigid winters.

Consistent Temperatures Across the Central Plains

Its 46.0°F average mirrors nearby Petroleum County but stays warmer than the mountain-chilled regions to the west. Precipitation levels of 15.2 inches align closely with the state's 15.4-inch norm.

Hot Summers and Moderate Snow

Residents face 42 extreme heat days reaching 90°F or higher during the 67.6°F summers. Winters average 25.5°F and bring a moderate 36.8 inches of annual snowfall.

Planning for Heat and Snow

High heat frequency requires robust air conditioning for the 71.0°F July peaks. Winter prep should include standard snow removal equipment for the 36.8 inches of annual accumulation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Musselshell County?
The average annual temperature in Musselshell County, MT is 46.0°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Musselshell County get?
Musselshell County receives an average of 15.2 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 Musselshell County?
Yes, Musselshell County receives an average of 36.8 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Musselshell County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Musselshell County is 67.6°F. The county experiences an average of 42 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Musselshell County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Musselshell County is 25.5°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 24.4°F.

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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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