Will Idaho see snow this winter? How cold will it be? What experts predict
How cold will it get in Idaho this winter?
Part of the Gem State may be in for below-normal temperatures, according to the latest winter weather outlook from the federal Climate Prediction Center.
The center, part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, recently released a three-month outlook for December, January and February that shows a 33% to 40% chance of colder temperatures in much of the northern part of the state.
Meanwhile, the section of the state closest to the Canadian border has an even greater chance — 40% to 50% — of below-normal temperatures, according to the outlook, which was issued Oct. 16.
Temperatures in the southern part of Idaho, including Boise, have equal chances of being above, near or below normal, the center said in its three-month outlook.
How much rain or snow will Idaho get this winter?
Idaho could be in for more rain and snow than normal in late 2025 and early 2026, if the Climate Prediction Center outlook bears out.
The center is predicting a 40% to 50% chance of above-normal precipitation for much of Idaho, with the probability even higher near the Montana border.
Chances for precipitation are a bit lower in the southernmost reaches of the Gem State.
What are other seasonal weather forecasts for Idaho?
The Climate Prediction Center isn’t alone in looking ahead to winter in Idaho.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac is predicting a “mild winter with mixed precipitation and fluctuating snow amounts” in the Intermountain region, which includes Idaho.
Temperatures are expected to be above normal in Idaho, with the coldest periods in late November, early December and early February in that region, the almanac said.
Precipitation is expected to be slightly above normal in the region, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac forecast.
Below-normal snowfall is expected in the northern part of the Intermountain region, the almanac said.
In the southern part of the region, snow levels are predicted to be above normal, according to the almanac.
The snowiest periods will hit in late January, early February and late March, the almanac said in its forecast.
Meanwhile, the Farmers’ Almanac, which is separate from The Old Farmer’s Almanac, said “the season’s coldest temperatures will be found from the Northern Plains to New England.”
People “in the Northwest should also prepare for a cold winter, especially in Idaho and Washington,” the Farmer’s Almanac said.
When does winter officially start?
According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, meteorological winter — which follows average temperatures and the calendar — lasts from Dec. 1 to Feb. 28, 2026.
However, the official start of the season is the winter solstice on Sunday, Dec. 21, according to online clock Time and Date.
Winter ends with the spring equinox on March 19, 2026.
This story was originally published October 27, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
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