Orleans County Climate
Orleans County, Vermont
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
41.0°F
Annual Precip
43.8"
Annual Snowfall
98.6"
Extreme Heat Days
2
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
4b
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
1,723
Favors cool-season crops
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Orleans County
Climate Verdict
Orleans County has a cool, averaging 41.0°F annually, moderately wet with 43.8 inches of annual precipitation, rare extreme heat with only 1.5 days above 90°F annually, heavy winter snowfall averaging 98.6 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are very cold — January averages 13.8°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 66.0°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
Orleans County closely matches the Vermont statewide average temperature of 43.6°F.
Climate Profile
About Orleans County Weather
A Truly Cold Northern Climate
Orleans County averages just 41.0°F annually, making it one of the coldest regions in the United States. This is roughly 13 degrees colder than the national median temperature. Its position along the Canadian border ensures a prolonged and rigorous winter season.
One of Vermont's Coldest Counties
At 41.0°F, Orleans County is significantly colder than the Vermont state average of 43.6°F. It receives 43.8 inches of annual precipitation, which aligns closely with the state average of 44.2 inches. The county represents the true 'North Country' climate of Vermont.
Colder than Central Vermont Neighbors
Orleans County is substantially chillier than Washington County to its south, which averages 43.2°F. It averages nearly 2.6 degrees colder annually than the state as a whole. This temperature gap is most pronounced during the winter months in this high-latitude region.
Frigid Winters and Brief Summers
January is exceptionally cold here with an average temperature of 13.8°F. The county receives nearly 99 inches of snow annually, while summer heat is rare with only 2 days hitting 90°F. July averages a comfortable 66.0°F, providing a brief window of mild weather.
Prepare for Extreme Winter Conditions
Homeowners must invest in robust insulation and winter-proofed plumbing to withstand January lows. Reliable four-wheel drive and heavy-duty snow gear are necessary for the nearly 100 inches of annual snowfall. Extreme heat is so rare that central air conditioning is often considered optional.
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.