weatherbycounty

Prairie County Climate

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec43.8°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

43.8°F

Annual Precip

14.0"

Annual Snowfall

11.8"

Extreme Heat Days

30

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
0.3"
0.3"
0.5"
1.5"
2.7"
2.4"
2.0"
1.2"
1.3"
1.1"
0.4"
0.4"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

4a

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

2,219

Favors cool-season crops

Last spring frost (32°F): 05/20
First fall frost (32°F): 09/22

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring32°53°4.6"Summer63°71°5.6"Fall31°59°2.7"Winter17°21°1.0"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 9% of US counties
Wetter than 6% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 90% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Prairie County

Climate Verdict

Prairie County has a cool, averaging 43.8°F annually, arid conditions receiving just 14.0 inches of precipitation annually, occasional hot days — 30.26666666666667 per year above 90°F, light snow averaging 11.8 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are very cold — January averages 17.2°F. summers are warm — July averages 70.9°F. Residents experience a substantial 54°F difference between winter and summer.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

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

Regional Context

Prairie County closely matches the Montana statewide average temperature of 43.7°F.

Climate Profile

About Prairie County Weather

Vast Temperature Swings on the Plains

The 43.8°F average is about 10.6 degrees below the national median. This eastern Montana county experiences wide temperature swings characteristic of the Great Plains.

Perfectly Aligned with Montana

Prairie County aligns almost perfectly with the Montana state average of 43.7°F. It serves as a reliable benchmark for the state's overall thermal profile.

Exceptionally Dry Winters

It is remarkably dry with only 11.8 inches of snow annually, far less than its western neighbors. Total precipitation of 14.0 inches also trails the 15.4-inch state average.

Deep Winter and Sunny Summers

Extremes define the year, with a cold 17.2°F January and a warm 70.9°F July. Despite the low snowfall, the 19.5°F winter average remains biting.

Cooling and Drought Prep

With 30 extreme heat days and very low snowfall, residents should focus on cooling and drought-resistant landscaping. Winter prep involves managing wind chill rather than shoveling heavy snow.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Prairie County?
The average annual temperature in Prairie County, MT is 43.8°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Prairie County get?
Prairie County receives an average of 14.0 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 Prairie County?
Yes, Prairie County receives an average of 11.8 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Prairie County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Prairie County is 67.9°F. The county experiences an average of 30 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Prairie County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Prairie County is 19.5°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 17.2°F.

Track your own weather in Prairie 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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