Idaho Weather & Climate Guide 2026

Idaho is a landlocked state in the Pacific Northwest and Mountain West regions of the United States, celebrated for its dramatic landscapes ranging from the Snake River Plain to the jagged Sawtooth Mountains. Home to Boise — a vibrant, fast-growing city — Idaho offers world-class whitewater rafting on the Salmon River, skiing at Sun Valley, and some of America's deepest river gorges. Potato farms, craft breweries, and a thriving farm-to-table dining scene round out a destination that rewards curious travelers willing to venture off the beaten path.

Idaho's climate varies enormously by region and elevation. Southern Idaho (Boise, Twin Falls) has a semi-arid climate with hot summers (90–100°F / 32–38°C) and cold winters with occasional snow. Northern Idaho (Coeur d'Alene, Sandpoint) is more Pacific-influenced — wetter, greener, and cooler. The mountain zones (Sawtooths, Sun Valley, Panhandle ranges) have alpine climates with heavy snowfall (200+ inches/year at higher elevations) and short summers. The Snake River Plain gets less than 12 inches of rain annually.