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Franklin County Climate

Franklin County, Vermont

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec44.5°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

44.5°F

Annual Precip

39.7"

Annual Snowfall

81.6"

Extreme Heat Days

5

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
2.1"
1.9"
2.4"
3.2"
3.6"
4.2"
4.3"
4.0"
4.0"
4.1"
3.0"
2.8"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

5a

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

2,240

Favors cool-season crops

Last spring frost (32°F): 05/14
First fall frost (32°F): 10/01

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring29°56°9.2"Summer64°69°12.5"Fall36°60°11.1"Winter17°25°6.9"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 11% of US counties
Wetter than 45% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 87% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Franklin County

Climate Verdict

Franklin County has a cool, averaging 44.5°F annually, moderate rainfall of 39.7 inches per year, rare extreme heat with only 5.066666666666666 days above 90°F annually, heavy winter snowfall averaging 81.6 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are very cold — January averages 16.9°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 69.3°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

Franklin County closely matches the Vermont statewide average temperature of 43.6°F, it is somewhat drier than average for Vermont.

Climate Profile

About Franklin County Weather

A Chilly Northern Border

Franklin County’s 44.5°F average temperature is approximately 10 degrees below the national median. Its position on the Canadian border ensures a true northern weather pattern.

Slightly Above State Average

The county ranks 4th warmest in this group, sitting 0.9 degrees above the Vermont state average. It benefits from the moderating effects of the northern Champlain Valley.

Milder Than the High Peaks

At 44.5°F, Franklin is significantly warmer than Lamoille’s 41.0°F. However, it remains cooler than the 47.0°F seen in Chittenden County to the south.

Consistent Snow and Moderate Heat

Franklin sees 81.6 inches of snow annually with January averages of 16.9°F. Summers are pleasant, featuring a July average of 69.3°F and 5 days of extreme heat.

Prepare for Variable Winters

With nearly 40 inches of annual precipitation, residents need reliable drainage and snow removal. Winter tires are a must for the 20.2°F average winter temperatures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Franklin County?
The average annual temperature in Franklin County, VT is 44.5°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Franklin County get?
Franklin County receives an average of 39.7 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 Franklin County?
Yes, Franklin County receives an average of 81.6 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Franklin County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Franklin County is 67.1°F. The county experiences an average of 5 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Franklin County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Franklin County is 20.2°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 16.9°F.

Track your own weather in Franklin 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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