Climate

Rathdrum residents enjoy four beautiful seasons throughout the year. The region receives an average annual rainfall of 28 inches which includes an average annual snowfall of 50-plus inches that can vary widely from year to year. With approximately 142 full sunny days, there is a good growing season and plenty of opportunity for outdoor recreation. There are approximately 120 frost-free days in Kootenai County, with the last frost ending by mid-May and the first beginning after mid-September.

Even though Rathdrum is located over 300 miles from the Pacific Ocean and 2,250 feet above sea level, the weather is influenced by maritime air blown eastward on the prevailing westerly winds. Particularly in winter, the maritime influence is noticeable in the more than average cloudiness, greater frequency of precipitation, and mean temperatures, which are above those at the same latitude and altitude in mid-continent. The main barrier to free-flowing air is the rugged chain of Bitterroot Mountains forming much of the boundary between Idaho and Montana.

The annual average percentage of sunshine ranges from about 30% in the winter, with frequent periods of cloudy weather, to average percentages in the 80%’s during July and August as the crystal-clear days may linger well into fall for perfect golfing and boating weather.