Essex County Climate
Essex County, Vermont
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
40.4°F
Annual Precip
42.2"
Annual Snowfall
97.9"
Extreme Heat Days
2
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
4b
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
1,625
Favors cool-season crops
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Essex County
Climate Verdict
Essex County has a cool, averaging 40.4°F annually, moderately wet with 42.2 inches of annual precipitation, rare extreme heat with only 1.7999999999999998 days above 90°F annually, heavy winter snowfall averaging 97.9 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are very cold — January averages 12.7°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 65.0°F. Residents experience a substantial 52°F difference between winter and summer.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
Winter sports enthusiasts benefit from reliable snow cover for 3-4 months annually.
Regional Context
Essex County is 3.2°F cooler than the Vermont statewide average of 43.6°F.
Climate Profile
About Essex County Weather
The Coldest Corner of Vermont
Essex County averages just 40.4°F annually, one of the lowest figures in the continental United States. This subarctic-leaning climate is nearly 14 degrees colder than the national median.
The State’s Thermal Cellar
Essex ranks as the coldest county in Vermont, falling 3.2 degrees below the state average. It represents the peak of Vermont’s reputation for long, harsh winters.
Colder Than Its Neighbors
Essex is nearly a degree colder than Caledonia and over 6 degrees colder than Chittenden. Its remote, northern location keeps it consistently chilled year-round.
Severe Winters and Cool Summers
January temperatures average a brutal 12.7°F with nearly 98 inches of annual snowfall. Summers are fleeting, with July averaging 65.0°F and only 2 days of extreme heat.
Maximized Heating and Insulation
Residents must prioritize high-performance heating systems and sub-zero rated outdoor gear. With only 2 days of heat, AC is rarely needed, but winterizing pipes is critical.
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.