Cambridge, Idaho Weather by Month
Cambridge is a small city located in Washington County, Idaho, United States. Nestled in the western part of the state, Cambridge is approximately 90 miles northwest of Boise, the state capital. The city covers an area of about 0.7 square miles and has a population of around 300 residents. Cambridge is known for its rural charm, agricultural heritage, and scenic landscapes.
Geographically, Cambridge is part of the broader Snake River Plain region, characterized by its rolling hills, fertile farmlands, and proximity to the Weiser River. The town is surrounded by picturesque countryside, making it an ideal location for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and hunting. The local economy is largely driven by agriculture, with many residents involved in farming and ranching.
While Cambridge may not host large corporations or major universities, it is home to several notable landmarks and institutions. One such landmark is the Salubria Lodge, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Additionally, Cambridge serves as a gateway to the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse recreational opportunities.
Climate and Weather Overview
Cambridge experiences a semi-arid climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and cold, wet winters. This type of climate is typical for much of the interior Pacific Northwest, with significant seasonal variations in temperature and weather patterns. The city receives a moderate amount of precipitation, primarily in the winter months.
Average Monthly Climate Data
Month | Average Temperature (°F) | Average Precipitation (in) | Average Sunny Days |
---|---|---|---|
January | 30.0 | 1.5 | 10 |
February | 34.0 | 1.3 | 11 |
March | 41.0 | 1.6 | 14 |
April | 50.0 | 1.3 | 16 |
May | 58.0 | 1.5 | 18 |
June | 66.0 | 1.0 | 21 |
July | 74.0 | 0.4 | 25 |
August | 73.0 | 0.5 | 24 |
September | 64.0 | 0.7 | 21 |
October | 51.0 | 1.1 | 16 |
November | 39.0 | 1.7 | 11 |
December | 30.0 | 1.9 | 10 |
Weather by Month
January
January in Cambridge is characterized by cold temperatures, with average lows around 22°F and highs reaching about 38°F. Snowfall is common, contributing to the winter landscape. Precipitation averages around 1.5 inches, mostly in the form of snow.
Natural Disasters
Cambridge occasionally experiences winter storms in January, which can lead to heavy snowfall and icy conditions, causing travel disruptions and power outages.
Activities
Inside Activities: Indoor activities such as visiting local community centers, enjoying community events, and indoor sports at the community center are popular.
Outside Activities: Outdoor enthusiasts often engage in activities like snowshoeing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling in nearby trails and parks.
February
February remains cold with similar temperature patterns to January. Average lows are around 24°F, and highs reach about 42°F. Precipitation is slightly lower, averaging 1.3 inches.
Natural Disasters
Winter storms continue to pose a threat, although they are less frequent than in January.
Activities
Inside Activities: Cultural events and workshops at local community centers, as well as library programs, offer indoor entertainment.
Outside Activities: Outdoor activities include cross-country skiing and ice skating at community rinks.
March
March marks the beginning of spring with temperatures starting to warm up. Average lows are around 30°F, and highs reach about 52°F. Precipitation increases to about 1.6 inches, primarily as rain and snow.
Natural Disasters
Flooding can occur due to melting snow and spring rains, although it is not a common occurrence.
Activities
Inside Activities: Spring crafts and indoor markets become popular as residents anticipate the warmer weather.
Outside Activities: Early spring hiking and bird watching at local parks are enjoyable as the flora begins to bloom.
April
April sees a more noticeable increase in temperatures, with lows around 37°F and highs averaging 61°F. Rainfall is more common, with an average precipitation of 1.3 inches.
Natural Disasters
The risk of natural disasters decreases, but heavy rains can still cause localized flooding.
Activities
Inside Activities: Art exhibits, cultural presentations, and indoor sports continue to draw crowds.
Outside Activities: Gardening, fishing, and visiting local parks are popular as the weather becomes more favorable.
May
May brings significantly warmer temperatures with lows around 44°F and highs reaching 71°F. Precipitation averages 1.5 inches, often in the form of showers and thunderstorms.
Natural Disasters
Thunderstorms are more frequent, sometimes accompanied by hail or strong winds.
Activities
Inside Activities: Indoor concerts, theater performances, and community events provide cultural experiences.
Outside Activities: Farmers’ markets, outdoor festivals, and picnics become common as the weather improves.
June
June is the start of summer with temperatures ranging from lows of 50°F to highs of 81°F. It is one of the drier months, with an average precipitation of 1.0 inches.
Natural Disasters
The risk of natural disasters is low, but dry conditions can increase the risk of wildfires.
Activities
Inside Activities: Educational programs and community events continue to attract locals and visitors.
Outside Activities: Hiking, biking, and fishing are popular as residents take advantage of the warm weather.
July
July is the warmest month with average lows around 55°F and highs reaching 89°F. Precipitation is lower at 0.4 inches, with frequent sunny days.
Natural Disasters
Heatwaves can occur, but severe weather such as thunderstorms and wildfires are more common.
Activities
Inside Activities: Visiting air-conditioned museums and attending indoor events are favored during hot spells.
Outside Activities: Swimming, boating, and attending outdoor concerts are popular summertime activities.
August
August remains warm with temperatures ranging from lows of 54°F to highs of 87°F. Precipitation averages 0.5 inches, mostly from occasional thunderstorms.
Natural Disasters
Similar to July, thunderstorms and wildfires are the primary weather concerns.
Activities
Inside Activities: Indoor sports and community center events provide relief from the summer heat.
Outside Activities: Hiking, camping, and participating in local fairs and festivals are common.
September
September sees a gradual cooling with lows around 45°F and highs of 77°F. Precipitation averages 0.7 inches, mostly from fall showers.
Natural Disasters
The risk of severe weather decreases, but wildfires remain a concern until the first rains.
Activities
Inside Activities: Fall arts and crafts fairs, along with cultural events, are popular.
Outside Activities: Apple picking, hiking, and enjoying the fall foliage at local parks and preserves are favored activities.
October
October brings cooler temperatures with lows around 36°F and highs reaching 61°F. Precipitation averages 1.1 inches, often in the form of light rain.
Natural Disasters
The likelihood of natural disasters is low, although early frost can impact agriculture.
Activities
Inside Activities: Halloween events and indoor fall festivals attract families.
Outside Activities: Leaf peeping, hayrides, and visiting pumpkin patches are popular outdoor activities.
November
November sees further cooling with lows around 28°F and highs averaging 48°F. Precipitation averages 1.7 inches, transitioning from rain to occasional snow by the end of the month.
Natural Disasters
Early winter storms can occur, but they are generally mild.
Activities
Inside Activities: Holiday craft fairs and indoor community gatherings begin to take place.
Outside Activities: Hiking and preparing for winter sports are common as residents enjoy the last of the fall weather.
December
December is characterized by cold temperatures with lows around 21°F and highs of 38°F. Precipitation averages 1.9 inches, mostly as snow.
Natural Disasters
Winter storms and heavy snowfall can disrupt travel and daily activities.
Activities
Inside Activities: Holiday events, indoor markets, and family gatherings are prevalent during the festive season.
Outside Activities: Ice skating, snowmobiling, and winter hiking in nearby parks provide outdoor entertainment.