If you're thinking about moving to Coeur d’Alene, you might be wondering what the winters are like, how cold it gets and how much snowfall there is. You'll find all four seasons in Coeur d’Alene. However, the weather and temperatures may not be as severe as you would expect.
So, how much snow does Coeur d’Alene Idaho get during the winter?
The City Of Coeur d'Alene's average snowfall is 42 inches of snow per year. The US national average is 28 inches of snow per year. It's surprising to most people how little snowfall Coeur d'Alene receives.
Now that you know how much snow Coeur d’Alene gets, learn more about the weather and what's it like to live in Coeur d’Alene during the winter time.
How much snow does Coeur d’Alene Idaho get?
How much snow does Coeur d’Alene Idaho get?
The image below from howmuchwillitsnow.com shows that Coeur d'Alene has received less than four feet of snow on average each year for the past six years.
Somewhat interesting is how few days there is snowfall. The blue squares represent the days of snow.
How much does Coeur d'Alene compared to other cities
When comparing Coeur d’Alene to other notable spots or even nearby Spokane, you can see that the snowfall is not extreme. In many ways it's not as bad as you think it would be.
| City | US | Bozeman, MT | Bend, OR | Coeur d'Alene | Boise | Spokane | Boulder, CO |
| Snowfall Inches | 27 | 63 | 20.5 | 42 | 18 | 44 | 89 |
How cold does it get in Coeur d'Alene
Coeur d’Alene offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. But what happens when the snow starts to fall and the temperature starts to drop? How cold does it get in Coeur d'Alene?
This is not Southern California or even Western Washington. It's going to get cold. Things start to get cold in December, lasting until mid-March. Even though it can be sunny during the wintertime, it can have its moments of fogginess.
Fortunately, winter in Coeur d'Alene gets cold, but it's still not too cold. It hits a winter low average in January at 24.5 degrees.
For comparison;
- Bozeman, MT hits 13.3 degrees.
- Denver CO, is 17.9 degrees.
- Boise, ID hits a January low of 23.7
- Bend, OR is 23.5 degrees
How bad is it driving in Coeur d'Alene during the winter
If you're relocating from somewhere else that doesn't have snow or it rarely snows... you might be concerned about driving in the snow.
The difference between places like Seattle or areas of California that rarely get snow, the city of Coeur d'Alene is prepared for it. They have the right equipment to plow the streets and make driving safe.
From the Coeur d’Alene city snow guide:
The City’s street system has grown from 140 miles of streets in 1990 to over 265 today. Due to limited resources, City crews must maintain a disciplined priority system. Keeping major streets open is the City’s key priority. By focusing first on major streets, emergency routes are maintained to keep essential services functioning after snowfalls that would otherwise paralyze the City.
Commencement of Snow Removal:
In accordance with the adopted Snow Plan, plowing does not typically commence unless there are 4 to 5 inches of snow accumulated on the roadway or 2 inches accumulated with forecasts of more snowfall.
Citywide plowing completion goal:
The adopted Snow Plan sets the goal of completion of a citywide plowing operation after a major snowstorm, at no more than 40 hours.
Plowing Priorities:
The City’s Streets & Engineering Director and staff will direct snow removal and ice control operations to established priorities outlined in the adopted snow plan.
- Emergency routes
- Major thoroughfares and dangerous hills and curves
- Arterials
- Bus routes
- Residential streets
- Cul-de-sacs
How bad are winters in Coeur d’Alene?
Coeur d’Alene is in North Idaho. North is the keyword there. That means shorter days during the winter.
In 2022, the shortest day is December 21, with 8 hours, 25 minutes of daylight. So, that could easily mean you leave for work in the dark and get home in the dark.
But as for it being brutal, harsh and piles and mounds of snow, not the case. Coeur d’Alene isn't even much colder than other cities like I've mentioned.
Plus the great thing about visiting, or living in Coeur d’Alene during the winter is all the things to do.
Things to do in Coeur d’Alene during the winter
You could take a cruise to the North Pole.
This unique experience of the Coeur d’Alene North Pole Cruise is something children and adults will enjoy. On your journey to the North pole, and you'll get to see some of the most amazing sights and lights along the way.
When it's cold out you can enjoy ice skating at CDA On Ice.
An outside seasonal ice skating rink is made in McEuen park. It runs from the last weekend of October through January.
Go sledding on Cherry Hill
This 30 acre park is located at the intersection of Hazel Ave. and 15th St. The park is near a giant hillside that becomes a popular sledding destination when the snow starts falling.
Head up to Schweitzer Mountain
Schweitzer Mountain is a great place to go skiing and snowboarding in the winter. The mountain has almost 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, making it one of the largest ski resorts in the Northwest. Schweitzer also has a number of different runs for all levels of skiers and snowboarders, from beginner to expert. And if you're not up for skiing or snowboarding, there's also tubing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing trails at Schweitzer Mountain.
OTHER SKI RESORTS NEAR COEUR d'ALENE
- 49 Degrees North Ski & Snowboard Resort
- Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area
- Mount Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park
- Silver Mountain Resort
Conclusion
So if you're curious about how much snow does Coeur d’Alene Idaho get or how bad the winter is because you're hoping to enjoy the outside. Rest assured, you can.
Winters don't seem too bad if you take advantage of all the winter activities available!
