Chelan County Climate
Chelan County, Washington
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
48.0°F
Annual Precip
23.9"
Annual Snowfall
96.8"
Extreme Heat Days
26
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
7a
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
2,244
Favors cool-season crops
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Chelan County
Climate Verdict
Chelan County has a cool, averaging 48.0°F annually, semi-arid conditions with only 23.9 inches of annual precipitation, occasional hot days — 25.91428571428571 per year above 90°F, heavy winter snowfall averaging 96.8 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are cold, with January averaging 27.7°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 69.7°F. The 42°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
Winter sports enthusiasts benefit from reliable snow cover for 3-4 months annually.
Regional Context
Chelan County closely matches the Washington statewide average temperature of 49.9°F, it is also noticeably drier, receiving 14.6 inches less precipitation than the state average.
Climate Profile
About Chelan County Weather
A snowy retreat with moderate temperatures
Chelan County averages 48.0°F annually, sitting below the national temperature median. It is characterized by heavy winter precipitation and dry, hot summers.
Below state average temperatures with high snow
At 48.0°F, Chelan is cooler than the state average of 49.9°F. Its standout feature is its 96.8 inches of snow, which dwarfs the state's coastal averages.
The snow capital compared to neighbors
While Benton County to the south sees little snow, Chelan receives nearly 97 inches annually. This makes it a dramatic contrast to the drier, flatter counties in central Washington.
Extreme snow and hot summer days
Chelan experiences 26 days of extreme heat despite its cold 27.7°F January average. The transition from 69.7°F July averages to 96.8 inches of snow defines the local year.
Prepare for heavy snow and sun
Residents must maintain high-quality snow removal equipment for the massive 96.8-inch annual snowfall. Home insulation should be rated for sub-freezing winters and 90°F summer peaks.
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.