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Richland County Climate

Richland County, Montana

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec45.5°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

45.5°F

Annual Precip

15.8"

Annual Snowfall

30.0"

Extreme Heat Days

31

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
0.4"
0.3"
0.6"
1.3"
2.5"
3.0"
2.5"
1.6"
1.5"
1.1"
0.6"
0.5"
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

2,573

Supports most vegetables & fruits

Last spring frost (32°F): 05/12
First fall frost (32°F): 09/27

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring34°57°4.4"Summer66°72°7.0"Fall32°61°3.2"Winter17°22°1.2"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 14% of US counties
Wetter than 8% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 92% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Richland County

Climate Verdict

Richland County has a cool, averaging 45.5°F annually, semi-arid conditions with only 15.8 inches of annual precipitation, occasional hot days — 31.45 per year above 90°F, moderate snowfall of 30.0 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are very cold — January averages 17.4°F. summers are warm — July averages 72.4°F. Residents experience a substantial 55°F difference between winter and summer.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

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

Regional Context

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

Climate Profile

About Richland County Weather

Warmer Than the Montana Median

Richland County averages 45.5°F annually, placing it closer to the national median than many of its northern neighbors. This climate reflects a semi-arid transition zone with distinct seasonal extremes.

Leading the State in Temperature

At 45.5°F, Richland County is warmer than the Montana state average of 43.7°F. It experiences a more intense summer heat profile than the high-altitude counties to the west.

Dry Heat on the Eastern Border

Richland’s 15.8 inches of annual precipitation is nearly identical to the state average, but its 31 extreme heat days set it apart from cooler mountain regions. It receives 30.0 inches of snow, significantly less than the heavy totals found in western Montana.

Dramatic Swings From July to January

July brings a hot average of 72.4°F, while January plunges to a cold 17.4°F. This 55-degree spread between seasonal peaks defines the rugged local weather experience.

Prioritize Cooling and Winter Resilience

With a full month of temperatures over 90°F, efficient air conditioning is essential for Richland residents. Winter planning should focus on extreme cold protection rather than heavy snow management, given the modest 30-inch annual snowfall.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Richland County?
The average annual temperature in Richland County, MT is 45.5°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Richland County get?
Richland County receives an average of 15.8 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 Richland County?
Yes, Richland County receives an average of 30.0 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Richland County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Richland County is 69.8°F. The county experiences an average of 31 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Richland County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Richland County is 20.0°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 17.4°F.

Track your own weather in Richland 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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