How Cold and Snowy Is Lake City, Colorado in Winter?

Cold, with steady snow. NOAA normals for Lake City list an average January high of about 34°F and an average January low of about 1°F, and the station has averaged about 79 inches of snow a year. Record lows have reached −38°F. It is a manageable winter for a well-prepared home and a serious one for a cabin left empty.

Temperature normals (1991–2020) and snowfall averages (1981–2010) come from NOAA data for the Lake City station as compiled in the Wikipedia article on Lake City, Colorado, reviewed November 11, 2026. Record lows are for 1905–2010. Higher terrain around town gets more snow and colder nights.

How cold does Lake City get?

The normals list:

• January: average high 33.8°F, average low 1.1°F
• July: average high 76.7°F, average low 46.7°F
• Record lows: −38°F in January, −32°F in December and −30°F in February

Lake City sits at about 8,672 feet, so even summer nights are cool.

How much snow does Lake City get?

About 78.7 inches a year on average at the town station. By month:

So snow is spread fairly evenly from November through March, rather than coming in one big month. That is less than Crested Butte's roughly 203 inches but more than Gunnison's roughly 45.

Can I get to Lake City in winter?

Yes. As I covered in my winter access post, the Lake City visitor site says Highway 149 is open year-round and plowed daily from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. in winter. Plan travel in daylight and check CoTrip.org before you go.

What does winter mean for a Lake City home?

Hinsdale County's building guidelines list snow load, foundation frost protection and insulation among the items new construction must address, which tells you how much winter shapes building here. For an existing home or cabin, I suggest checking:

• Heating: What is the system, how old is it and what fuel does it use? Ask for a year of bills or fuel deliveries.
• Backup heat: A wood stove or other backup can matter during outages. Have chimneys inspected.
• Pipes: Are any in exterior walls, crawl spaces or unheated areas?
• Roof: Where does snow shed, and is the roof in good condition?
• Driveway and access: Who plows the road and the driveway?
• Water and septic: Wells, lines and septic components need freeze protection.

Should I winterize a seasonal cabin?

Many Lake City owners use their homes mainly in summer. If you will be away, talk with a local plumber about whether to fully winterize (drain the system) or keep the heat on at a set temperature, and arrange for someone to check the property after storms. Tell your insurance agent how often the home is occupied, since vacancy can affect coverage.

Is Lake City livable year-round?

Yes, for people who are prepared. Year-round residents plan supply trips, keep a well-stocked vehicle and enjoy quiet winters with snowshoeing, skiing and snowmobiling nearby. If you are thinking about living here full-time, spend part of a winter here first. My post on living in Lake City year-round covers more.

What should I keep on hand for a Lake City winter?

Being a long drive from bigger stores changes how you plan. Many year-round residents keep:

• Extra fuel or a scheduled propane delivery, so you never run low during a cold snap
• A snow shovel, roof rake and ice melt
• Flashlights, batteries and a backup heat source, in case of outages
• A winter kit in the vehicle, with warm clothes, water and a shovel, as the visitor site recommends
• Pantry and medication supplies, so a storm does not force a trip to Gunnison

Does winter affect buying and selling?

Snow can hide roofs, decks and septic lids, and some rural roads are harder to reach. Build time into your contract for follow-up inspections, or plan a spring walk-through. Sellers should keep access clear and have heating records ready.

What is the bottom line?

Lake City winters bring January lows near zero, record lows in the −30s and about 79 inches of snow spread across the season. With a sound roof, reliable heat, freeze-protected plumbing and a plan for snow, homes here handle it well. A local agent can help you size up how any property will do in winter.

Frequently asked questions

How cold does Lake City, CO get in winter?

The average January low is about 1°F, and record lows on file reach −38°F.

How much snow does Lake City get a year?

About 78.7 inches on average at the town station, per NOAA data.

What is the elevation of Lake City, Colorado?

About 8,672 feet.

Is Highway 149 open in winter?

Yes, it is plowed daily from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. in winter, per the Lake City visitor site.

Connect with a great real estate agent in Lake City, Kelsey Loftis with Crystal Peak Properties, Brokered by eXp Realty. Phone: (970) 784-6768 · Email: kelseyloftis@gmail.com · Website: crystalpeakproperties.com

Sources: NOAA climate normals (1991–2020 temperatures; 1981–2010 snowfall; records 1905–2010) for Lake City, as compiled in the Wikipedia article on Lake City, Colorado; Hinsdale County Building Department, Construction Planning Guidelines (2017); Lake City visitor site (cited October 19, 2026); reviewed November 11, 2026.