Climate and monthly weather forecast
Wyoming, USA

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Flag of Wyoming, USA
Flag of Wyoming, USA

The climate of Wyoming

Wyoming has a semi-arid, continental type of climate (Köppen climate classification BSk) with warm and moderately wet summers and cold winters. Colorado in the south, Utah in the southwest, Idaho in the west, Montana in the north, and South Dakota and Nebraska in the east, border the state. Wyoming is windy and dry compared to the rest of the United States and has more substantial temperate variations over the seasons, mostly due to its topography - the state is a vast plateau divided by mountain ranges such as the Rocky Mountains, at the base of which lie the Great Plains.

The Continental Divide runs north-south in the land-locked Cowboy state, more specifically along its center - the rain waters that accumulate in the nearby areas sink in the soil in the Great Divide Basin. The Rocky Mountains range covers the western two-third parts, while the High Plains, prairie at high elevation, covers the remaining one-third part; the distribution of many high mountain ranges in the landscape has a significant influence on the climate of Wyoming.

The best time to visit Wyoming

The best time to visit Wyoming is from mid-summer to autumn, particularly from June to October.
Late spring and early summer witness rain and thunderstorms, while early spring lingers with the effects of the cold winter. Summers tend to be moderate in the highlands, but the lowlands see many days in the 85°F (29.4°C) to 95°range. The fall season sees pleasant temperatures, particularly in September and October, and a change of colors in the foliage of the high country.
Summer sees a significant rise in tourist numbers, especially in places like the Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks, where most of the trails are open until October.

The worst time to visit Wyoming

Winter is the worst time to visit Wyoming as the state experiences cold weather with extreme temperatures.
Highlands and mountaintops experience intense cold with vast amounts of snowfall often up to 200" (5080mm). The lowlands accumulate less snow, but many of them register approximately 50" (1270mm) during the winter. Winter days are often below freezing point in many parts of Wyoming, and the night's witness even colder temperatures - the season is slow regarding tourist numbers. However, off-season discounts and winter activities attract some visitors.

Spring weather in Wyoming

Late spring transitions into early summer, bringing Wyoming's primary precipitation period. While the state generally receives an average annual rainfall of 10" (254mm), higher elevations get between 15" (381mm) and 20" (508mm). During this time, both thunderstorms and tornadoes can occur. The lowlands typically receive less precipitation, ranging from 8" (203mm) to 10" (254mm). Temperatures begin to rise, yet the lingering effects of winter can still be felt, particularly in the early part of the season.

Summer weather in Wyoming

Summers are relatively warm across Wyoming, but conditions differ noticeably between the highlands and the plains. In July, the plains may experience highs up to 90°F (32.2°C), whereas the highlands remain more moderate with highs from 70°F (21.1°C) to 75°F (23.9°C). Nighttime temperatures offer relief, cooling down to between 50°F (10°C) and 60°F (15.6°C). Despite its overall arid conditions, Wyoming still faces occasional thunderstorms during the late spring and early summer.

Autumn weather in Wyoming

Autumn in Wyoming is characterized by pleasant temperatures and aesthetic changes in foliage, especially in the highlands. September and October offer a visual feast of changing colors in high country vegetation. In terms of weather, daytime temperatures remain comfortable, slowly dipping as winter approaches. Precipitation is generally low, making outdoor activities more enjoyable during this period.

Winter weather in Wyoming

Winters in Wyoming are harsh, with extreme cold and significant snowfall, especially in higher elevations. Low temperatures across the state range from 0°F (-17.8°C) to 18°F (-7.8°C). Snowfall in the mountains can reach up to 200" (5080mm), whereas the plains receive approximately 50" (1270mm). Winds blow at high speeds across the plains until meeting the mountain ranges that act as natural barriers. Chinook winds occasionally provide a warming effect, although the climate remains predominantly cold and semi-arid.

Weather in January

January stands as one of the coldest months in Wyoming, with temperatures often reaching their lowest points of the year. Notably, Riverside holds the record for the coldest temperature ever recorded in the state at -66°F (-54.4°C) on February 9, 1933. Weather in January »

Weather in February

February continues the trend of harsh winter conditions in Wyoming, although temperatures gradually start to rise as the state transitions towards spring. Riverside, known for its record-setting cold temperature of -66°F (-54.4°C) in the state, often continues to experience bitterly cold conditions. Weather in February »

Weather in March

March marks the beginning of a transitional period in Wyoming, as winter starts to wane and signs of spring become more apparent. Still, temperatures remain relatively low with average lows fluctuating between 10°F (-12.2°C) to 20°F (-6.7°C), depending on the geographical region and elevation. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April ushers in more noticeable changes in Wyoming’s climate, paving the way for spring’s arrival. Average low temperatures experience a moderate rise, settling between 20°F (-6.7°C) and 30°F (-1.1°C) across various regions and elevations. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May signals the true onset of spring in Wyoming, bringing more hospitable conditions that lay the groundwork for the summer ahead. Average low temperatures climb further, ranging between 30°F (-1.1°C) and 40°F (4.4°C) depending on location and altitude. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June in Wyoming is a month of significant transformation, characterized by longer days and the welcoming warmth of early summer. Average low temperatures continue their upward trend, typically residing between 40°F (4.4°C) and 50°F (10°C). Weather in June »

Weather in July

July stands as the pinnacle of summer in Wyoming, presenting the warmest conditions of the year. Average low temperatures are comfortably mild, ranging from 50°F (10°C) to 60°F (15.6°C), while average high temperatures can soar up to 90°F (32.2°C) in the plains. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August continues the summer warmth in Wyoming, although the month often serves as a transitional period leading into autumn. Average low temperatures hover between 50°F (10°C) and 60°F (15.6°C), similar to July, but average high temperatures begin to show subtle signs of cooling. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September marks the onset of autumn in Wyoming, bringing with it a notable shift in climate and scenery. Average low temperatures begin to drop, generally ranging from 40°F (4.4°C) to 50°F (10°C), while average high temperatures in the plains may reach up to 75°F (23.9°C). Weather in September »

Weather in October

October in Wyoming fully embraces the autumn season with temperatures declining more noticeably. Average low temperatures can drop to between 30°F (-1.1°C) and 40°F (4.4°C), while average high temperatures generally hover from 60°F (15.6°C) to 70°F (21.1°C) in the plains. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November in Wyoming serves as a prelude to winter, introducing colder temperatures and more frequent snowfall. Average low temperatures often drop from 20°F (-6.7°C) to 30°F (-1.1°C), while average high temperatures range from 45°F (7.2°C) to 55°F (12.8°C) in the plains. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December in Wyoming solidifies the arrival of winter, featuring cold temperatures and significant snowfall. Average low temperatures plummet to between 10°F (-12.2°C) and 20°F (-6.7°C) across various regions, and average high temperatures can stay between 30°F (-1.1°C) and 40°F (4.4°C) in the plains. Weather in December »
Updated: May 24, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
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Wyoming, USA

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