Columbia County Climate
Columbia County, Washington
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
51.1°F
Annual Precip
18.8"
Annual Snowfall
15.8"
Extreme Heat Days
31
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
7a
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
2,541
Supports most vegetables & fruits
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Columbia County
Climate Verdict
Columbia County has a mild, with an average annual temperature of 51.1°F, semi-arid conditions with only 18.8 inches of annual precipitation, occasional hot days — 31 per year above 90°F, light snow averaging 15.8 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are cold, with January averaging 34.0°F. summers are warm — July averages 71.3°F. The 37°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change. December is typically the coldest month and July the warmest.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
Growing season and gardening data is currently limited for Columbia County. Check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map and local extension office for specific guidance.
Regional Context
Columbia County closely matches the Washington statewide average temperature of 49.9°F, it is also noticeably drier, receiving 19.7 inches less precipitation than the state average.
Climate Profile
About Columbia County Weather
Moderate temperatures with an arid lean
Columbia County's average temperature of 51.1°F is slightly below the national median. With 18.8 inches of annual rain, it is drier than the average U.S. county.
Warmer than the average Washington county
The county's 51.1°F average exceeds the state average of 49.9°F. However, it receives less than half the precipitation typically seen across Washington.
More snow than neighboring Asotin
Columbia records 15.8 inches of snow, about five inches more than neighbor Asotin County. It shares the hot, dry summer profile typical of the Walla Walla region.
Hot summers meet snowy winters
Residents face 31 days of heat over 90°F during the 68.4°F average summer. Winter brings a cooling shift to 34.9°F with a reliable 15.8 inches of snow.
Prepare for a true four-season climate
Effective cooling is necessary for the 31 days of extreme summer heat. Winter preparations should include snow tires for the 15.8 inches of annual snowfall.
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.