Climate and monthly weather forecastChallis, ID
Climate and monthly weather forecast
The climate of Challis
In Challis, Idaho, the predominant climate is classified as Dfb according to the Köppen system. This refers to a Humid Continental climate that experiences no dry season, with warm summers. Geographically nestled in the mountainous region of central Idaho, Challis is subject to a distinct range of weather conditions throughout the year.Temperatures over the year fluctuate significantly. The monthly average highs range from 28.4°F (-2°C) in January to a peak of 76.6°F (24.8°C) in July. Conversely, the monthly lows show a similar variation, reaching a minimum of 8.1°F (-13.3°C) in January and climbing to a balmy 47.8°F (8.8°C) in August. Humidity levels generally follow an opposite trend with respect to the temperature, starting at 86% in January, and decreasing to the yearly minimum of 38% during July and August, before climbing back up towards the end of the year.
In terms of precipitation, Challis experiences both rainfall and snowfall. Rainfall is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, varying from 0.28" (7mm) during the driest month in July to 1.1" (28mm) during the wettest month in June. Snowfall, on the other hand, is common from October to April with peak snowfall of 3.54" (90mm) occurring in February.
The best time to visit Challis
The best time to visit Challis primarily depends upon what one prefers in terms of weather conditions. For those who relish warmer temperatures and less humidity, July seems an ideal time. July offers the highest temperatures with an average high of 76.6°F (24.8°C) and the lowest relative humidity levels at 38%. This month also brings the least amount of rainfall, which facilitates outdoor activities. Moreover, daylight is at its maximum, with 15.2 hours of daylight per day, that invigorates longer exploration durations.The worst time to visit Challis
Visitors not fond of lower temperatures and significant snowfall should consider avoiding winter months, particularly January. January averages the lowest temperatures with highs of 28.4°F (-2°C) and lows dipping down to 8.1°F (-13.3°C). January also receives a considerable amount of snowfall with 3.23" (82mm) on average and shorter daylight duration, limiting outdoor activities.Spring weather in Challis
Spring in Challis is marked by a gradual warming trend from the winter. During this season, March to May, temperatures show an upward movement from an average high of 35.2°F (1.8°C) during March to 54.5°F (12.5°C) in May. Nighttime lows also rise from 18°F (-7.8°C) to 33.4°F (0.8°C) in the same period. The spring witnesses a drop in humidity levels from 82% in March to 61% in May. The amount of rainfall in this season increases slightly from 0.55" (14mm) in March to 0.59" (15mm) in May.Summer weather in Challis
Summer, from June to August, brings the highest temperatures in Challis. Average highs swing from 65.8°F (18.8°C) in June to a peak of 76.6°F (24.8°C) in July, before slightly dropping to 75.4°F (24.1°C) in August. Average lows also rise, registering between 40.3°F (4.6°C) to 47.8°F (8.8°C) in these three months. The humidity levels drop significantly, reaching the lowest yearly levels of 38% in July and August. Summer features a surge in rainfall, peaking at 1.1" (28mm) in June, and then drops to 0.31" (8mm) by August.Autumn weather in Challis
Autumn, encompassing September through November, sees Challis transitioning towards colder temperatures. In this season, the average high drops from 65.7°F (18.7°C) in September to 36.7°F (2.6°C) in November. Similarly, average lows descend from 41.5°F (5.3°C) to 18.9°F (-7.3°C). Humidity begins to rise from 45% in September to 75% in November. The rainfall flutters around 0.5" (13mm) in September and November, with a slightly increased 0.55" (14mm) in October.Winter weather in Challis
Winter weather in Challis, from December to February, is characterized by low temperatures and abundant snowfall. Average highs range from 28.4°F (-2°C) in January to 35.2°F (1.8°C) in February. The average lows are between 8.1°F (-13.3°C) to 18°F (-7.8°C) in these months. The humidity levels are highest during these months, skyrocketing up to 87% in February. Rainfall stays below 0.6" (15mm), but snowfall picks up substantially, reaching a peak of 3.54" (90mm) in February.Weather in January
In Challis, Idaho, winter persists in January with the coldest temperatures registered. The low temperatures of this month drop to 8.1°F (-13.3°C), making it one of the coldest months. The weather is characterized by a high possibility of snow with frequent snowfall, making it the ideal setting for winter activities. Weather in January »Weather in February
February in Challis maintains the winter conditions seen in January, but with a subtle increase in temperature. The gradual transition from winter to spring is characterized by short-lived snowfalls. February sees the heaviest snowfall of the year, with accumulations reaching 3.54" (90mm). Weather in February »Weather in March
March exhibits definite signs of change in weather, shifting from the cold grip of winter towards the mildness of spring. The shift is characterized by a decrease in snowfall and a relative increase in rainfall, making it the month with the highest number of rainfall days, 7.4 on average. Weather in March »Weather in April
As spring unfolds in Challis in April, warmth engulfs the city and the frosty weather of winter becomes a memory. The rains continue in April and combined with warmer temperatures, contribute to the blooming of flora across Challis. Weather in April »Weather in May
In May, Challis experiences a steady climb in temperatures, likely to be the beginning of the summer season. The rainfall quantity drops and is replaced by more hours of sunshine, making it a leisurely period for outdoor activities. Weather in May »Weather in June
June represents the onset of the peak summer period in Challis, with temperatures reaching their zenith and rainfall occurrence becoming scant. The soaring temperatures, which can go up to an average high of 65.8°F (18.8°C), coupled with open skies, create the perfect summer setting. Weather in June »Weather in July
July is the summit of the summer season in Challis, where days are hot under clear and sunny skies. This month records the warmest temperatures of the year with an average high at 76.6°F (24.8°C). The weather conditions are dry with exceptionally low humidity levels and minimal clouds. Weather in July »Weather in August
August in Challis continues the summer spell with no significant changes in temperature or weather patterns from July. The average high temperature remains consistent at 75.4°F (24.1°C). Though the rainfall quantity is minimal, it occurs more frequently than in the previous month. Weather in August »Weather in September
The swing towards fall begins in September in Challis with a remarkable drop in temperature and increased cloud cover. The average high temperature falls to 65.7°F (18.7°C), indicating the change from the heat of summer to the coolness of autumn. Weather in September »Weather in October
October ensures the full arrival of fall in Challis with a further decrease in temperature and the dominance of rainfall over snowfall. The coolness sets across the city as temperatures plummet, providing relief from the scorching summer heat. Weather in October »Weather in November
Come November, Challis makes a swift shift from fall to winter. The onset of winter is evident as both the days get shorter and the average high temperature drops to 36.7°F (2.6°C). Rainfall decreases however, snowfall begins to occur, albeit not as intensely as in the ensuing winter months. Weather in November »Weather in December
December serves as the mid-point of the winter season in Challis, with a firm grip of cold weather conditions. Temperature continues to drop, reaching a low of 8.6°F (-13°C) in this month. Challis experiences an increase in snowfall with levels reaching 3.03" (77mm). Weather in December »Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
Average temperature
Challis, ID
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (76.6°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is December (26.1°F).
The month with the highest average low temperature is August (47.8°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (8.1°F).
Average pressure
Challis, ID
- Average pressure in January:
30.27"Hg - Average pressure in February:
30.15"Hg - Average pressure in March:
30.07"Hg - Average pressure in April:
29.98"Hg - Average pressure in May:
29.93"Hg - Average pressure in June:
29.91"Hg
- Average pressure in July:
29.95"Hg - Average pressure in August:
29.95"Hg - Average pressure in September:
29.98"Hg - Average pressure in October:
30.06"Hg - Average pressure in November:
30.16"Hg - Average pressure in December:
30.24"Hg
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.27"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.91"Hg).
Average wind speed
Challis, ID
- Average wind speed in January:
4.8mph - Average wind speed in February:
5.2mph - Average wind speed in March:
5.6mph - Average wind speed in April:
5.6mph - Average wind speed in May:
5.3mph - Average wind speed in June:
5.7mph
- Average wind speed in July:
5.7mph - Average wind speed in August:
5.2mph - Average wind speed in September:
5.2mph - Average wind speed in October:
5.1mph - Average wind speed in November:
5.3mph - Average wind speed in December:
5mph
The windiest months (with the highest average wind speed) are June and July (5.7mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is January (4.8mph).
Average humidity
Challis, ID
The month with the highest relative humidity is February (87%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are July and August (38%).
Average rainfall
Challis, ID
- Average rainfall in January:
0.47" - Average rainfall in February:
0.55" - Average rainfall in March:
0.55" - Average rainfall in April:
0.59" - Average rainfall in May:
0.55" - Average rainfall in June:
1.1"
- Average rainfall in July:
0.28" - Average rainfall in August:
0.31" - Average rainfall in September:
0.51" - Average rainfall in October:
0.55" - Average rainfall in November:
0.39" - Average rainfall in December:
0.51"
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is June (1.1").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is July (0.28").
Average rainfall days
Challis, ID
- Average rainfall days in January:
3.8 days - Average rainfall days in February:
4.1 days - Average rainfall days in March:
7.4 days - Average rainfall days in April:
9 days - Average rainfall days in May:
9.7 days - Average rainfall days in June:
10.2 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
4.7 days - Average rainfall days in August:
4.8 days - Average rainfall days in September:
6.9 days - Average rainfall days in October:
6.5 days - Average rainfall days in November:
4 days - Average rainfall days in December:
4.6 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is June (10.2 days).
The month with the least rainy days is January (3.8 days).
Average snowfall
Challis, ID
- Average snowfall in January:
3.23" - Average snowfall in February:
3.54" - Average snowfall in March:
2.44" - Average snowfall in April:
1.57" - Average snowfall in May:
0.31" - Average snowfall in June:
0.75"
The month with the highest snowfall is February (3.54").
The months with the least snowfall are July and August (0").
Average snowfall days
Challis, ID
- Average snowfall days in January:
9 days - Average snowfall days in February:
9.4 days - Average snowfall days in March:
8.2 days - Average snowfall days in April:
4.8 days - Average snowfall days in May:
1.2 days - Average snowfall days in June:
0.2 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0 days - Average snowfall days in September:
0.5 days - Average snowfall days in October:
2.5 days - Average snowfall days in November:
5.8 days - Average snowfall days in December:
10.1 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is December (10.1 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are July and August (0 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Challis, ID
- Average daylight in January:
9h and 18min - Average daylight in February:
10h and 30min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 0min - Average daylight in April:
13h and 30min - Average daylight in May:
14h and 48min - Average daylight in June:
15h and 30min
- Average daylight in July:
15h and 6min - Average daylight in August:
14h and 0min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 30min - Average daylight in October:
11h and 0min - Average daylight in November:
9h and 36min - Average daylight in December:
8h and 54min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 30min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 8h and 54min).
- Average sunshine in January:
5h and 48min - Average sunshine in February:
6h and 54min - Average sunshine in March:
7h and 48min - Average sunshine in April:
9h and 54min - Average sunshine in May:
11h and 6min - Average sunshine in June:
11h and 36min
- Average sunshine in July:
11h and 54min - Average sunshine in August:
11h and 48min - Average sunshine in September:
9h and 30min - Average sunshine in October:
7h and 48min - Average sunshine in November:
6h and 36min - Average sunshine in December:
6h and 0min
The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 11h and 54min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 5h and 48min).
Average sunshine days
Challis, ID
- Average sunshine days in January:
21.1 days - Average sunshine days in February:
17.8 days - Average sunshine days in March:
17.2 days - Average sunshine days in April:
17.2 days - Average sunshine days in May:
18.7 days - Average sunshine days in June:
17.5 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
24.1 days - Average sunshine days in August:
23.4 days - Average sunshine days in September:
21.6 days - Average sunshine days in October:
22.1 days - Average sunshine days in November:
21.3 days - Average sunshine days in December:
19.3 days
The month with the most sunshine days is July (24.1 days).
The months with the least sunshine days are March and April (17.2 days).
Average UV index
Challis, ID
The months with the highest UV index are June and July (UV index 5).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, March, April, October, November and December (UV index 2).
Average cloud cover
Challis, ID
The month with the most cloud cover is February (Cloud cover 44).
The month with the least cloud cover is July (Cloud cover 11).
Average visibility
Challis, ID
The months with the highest visibility are April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January and February (4mi).





