Weather Overview for the Donnelly, ID area

Whatever time of the year you decide to visit Tamarack in Donnelly, Idaho, you'll find enough recreation in any kind of weather. The Donnelly, ID area, including McCall and Cascade, is characteristic of mild summers, snowy winters, and transitional autumns and springs. Year round, this area provides beautiful scenery and a distinct four season climate. However, winter and summer are the most distinct seasons and both bring in the most visitors.  

Winter

While the winters in the Donnelly area provide ample snow in the surrounding mountains for skiing, this season is generally mild. Because this area is surrounded by mountains, the coldest Canadian winds are blocked. The most precipitation occurs during December with an average of 3.45 inches, and winds usually come from the northwest, bringing storms.  The snow in this area is powdery, making it perfect for winter recreation such as skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling. Winter sports commonly begin in November and last through mid-April. The winter months do not usually drop to temperatures below 10 degrees Fahrenheit and usually average around 20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. January is the coolest month with average highs of 31 degrees Fahrenheit and lows of 13 degrees Fahrenheit. By April, the average temperature is close to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Summer

Summers in the Donnelly area are especially mild, with temperatures not usually rising above 80 degrees Fahrenheit. In June, at the start of summer, average temperatures in the Donnelly area are near 55 degrees Fahrenheit, with a comfortable high of 70 degrees Fahrenheit. July is the warmest month with high reaching 80 degrees Fahrenheit and the average monthly temperature being 61 degrees Fahrenheit. Breezes come into the area from Lake Cascade, making this weather perfect for exploring the gorgeous outdoors of Idaho. Summer is an ideal time for hiking, fishing and other lake activities, biking, and golfing.

Spring and Autumn

These two seasons are characteristically transitional periods to winter and summer, but are still very distinct. Spring brings in new plant life, including beautiful fields of wildflowers. Temperatures tend to be cooler at the beginning of Spring, in March, with temperatures averaging 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures escalate through April, reaching highs of 51 degrees Fahrenheit.

Autumn brings rich color to the Donnelly area, making Long Valley and the mountains more scenic than ever. Temperatures begin to only gradually cool off during September, reaching highs of 70 degrees Fahrenheit and averaging 52 degrees Fahrenheit. In November, though, winter temperatures have a foothold as temperatures drop to a high of 40 degrees and average 31 degrees Fahrenheit.