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Washington County Climate

Washington County, Vermont

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec43.2°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

43.2°F

Annual Precip

43.7"

Annual Snowfall

106.4"

Extreme Heat Days

6

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
2.9"
2.6"
2.9"
3.4"
4.0"
4.5"
4.8"
4.0"
3.5"
4.4"
3.2"
3.6"
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

1,974

Favors cool-season crops

Last spring frost (32°F): 05/16
First fall frost (32°F): 09/29

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring28°54°10.3"Summer63°68°13.3"Fall35°58°11.0"Winter17°24°9.1"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 8% of US counties
Wetter than 55% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 84% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Washington County

Climate Verdict

Washington County has a cool, averaging 43.2°F annually, moderately wet with 43.7 inches of annual precipitation, rare extreme heat with only 5.86 days above 90°F annually, heavy winter snowfall averaging 106.4 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are very cold — January averages 16.5°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 67.7°F. Residents experience a substantial 51°F difference between winter and summer.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

Winter sports enthusiasts benefit from reliable snow cover for 3-4 months annually.

Regional Context

Washington County closely matches the Vermont statewide average temperature of 43.6°F.

Climate Profile

About Washington County Weather

Extreme Snowfall in a Chilly Climate

Washington County averages 43.2°F annually, sitting well below the national median of 54°F. It is characterized by high-elevation weather patterns and heavy precipitation. The county is a quintessential example of the rugged, snowy New England interior.

Vermont's High-Elevation Snow Leader

The county's average temperature of 43.2°F is very close to the state average of 43.6°F. However, it stands out with a massive 106.4 inches of annual snowfall, far exceeding many neighboring counties. Its 43.7 inches of annual precipitation aligns with the statewide average of 44.2 inches.

Snowier than Rutland and Orange

Washington County is significantly snowier than Rutland County (79.0 inches) and Orange County (92.9 inches). While its average temperature is similar to Orange, the topography drives much higher snow accumulations. This makes it a hub for winter sports and snow management.

Heavy Snow and Frequent Heat Days

Winter dominates the year with 106.4 inches of snow and a January average of 16.5°F. Surprisingly, it sees more extreme heat than its northern neighbors, recording 6 days per year above 90°F. July is generally pleasant with an average temperature of 67.7°F.

Plan for Major Snow Removal

Homeowners must have a serious snow removal plan to handle over 100 inches of annual accumulation. The 6 days of extreme heat suggest that while rare, some air conditioning is beneficial for summer comfort. Roof rakes and winterized vehicles are essential gear for this high-snowfall region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Washington County?
The average annual temperature in Washington County, VT is 43.2°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Washington County get?
Washington County receives an average of 43.7 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 Washington County?
Yes, Washington County receives an average of 106.4 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Washington County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Washington County is 65.5°F. The county experiences an average of 6 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Washington County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Washington County is 19.7°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 16.5°F.

Track your own weather in Washington 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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