Franklin County Climate
Franklin County, Washington
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
52.2°F
Annual Precip
9.5"
Annual Snowfall
13.5"
Extreme Heat Days
37
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
7a
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
2,836
Supports most vegetables & fruits
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Franklin County
Climate Verdict
Franklin County has a mild, with an average annual temperature of 52.2°F, arid conditions receiving just 9.5 inches of precipitation annually, occasional hot days — 37.475 per year above 90°F, light snow averaging 13.5 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are cold, with January averaging 33.4°F. summers are warm — July averages 73.0°F. The 40°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 Franklin County. Check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map and local extension office for specific guidance.
Regional Context
Franklin County closely matches the Washington statewide average temperature of 49.9°F, it is also noticeably drier, receiving 29.0 inches less precipitation than the state average, the county experiences 19.48223294723295 more extreme heat days than the state average.
Climate Profile
About Franklin County Weather
Arid Heat in the Basin
Franklin County averages 52.2°F, placing it closer to the national median than many of its northern neighbors. Its arid climate is defined by sparse rainfall, totaling just 9.5 inches annually.
Warmer and Drier Than Washington
It is one of the warmer spots in Washington, exceeding the state average of 49.9°F by over two degrees. It receives only a fraction of the state's 38.5-inch average precipitation, making it exceptionally dry.
Driest in the Region
Franklin is warmer and drier than neighboring Garfield County, which averages 49.8°F. While Garfield sees 17.6 inches of rain, Franklin struggles to reach even 10 inches.
Intense Heat and Low Snow
Summer heat is intense here, with 37 days reaching 90°F or higher and a July average of 73.0°F. Winters are relatively mild for the region, seeing 13.5 inches of snow and a 34.7°F average.
Managing the Summer Sizzle
Irrigation is vital for any landscaping due to the extremely low 9.5 inches of annual rain. Homeowners should prioritize cooling systems to manage the frequent extreme heat days during the peak of summer.
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.