The climate in La Plata County is generally mild and dry, with hot summers and cold winters. Summers are usually hot during the day but cool down at night, while winters can be bitter cold with temperatures sometimes reaching -10 degrees Celsius. Snowfall is common in the winter months, but typically melts quickly due to the lack of humidity. Due to its high altitude, UV radiation levels are higher than average, so it’s important to protect yourself from the sun. Rainfall is also sparse throughout the year; La Plata County averages only 14 inches of precipitation annually. Despite this arid climate, vegetation is still abundant due to irrigation efforts by local farmers and ranchers.
La Plata County, Colorado gets 19 inches of rain, on average, per year. The US average is 38 inches of rain per year.
La Plata County averages 66 inches of snow per year. The US average is 28 inches of snow per year.
On average, there are 267 sunny days per year in La Plata County. The US average is 205 sunny days.
La Plata County gets some kind of precipitation, on average, 89 days per year. Precipitation is rain, snow, sleet, or hail that falls to the ground. In order for precipitation to be counted you have to get at least .01 inches on the ground to measure.
Weather Highlights
Summer High: the July high is around 86 degrees
Winter Low: the January low is 12
Rain: averages 19 inches of rain a year
Snow: averages 66 inches of snow a year