The climate of the interior area between these two mountain ranges is generally classified as sub-arctic, with exceptionally cold winters, relatively warm summers, low annual' precipitation and generally high winds. The month of March, with its 12 hour long days, abundant sunshine and sparse precipitation, is thought by many local residents to be the finest month of the year. April brings thawing and mud. In fact, July averages about the same as Wyoming's Jackson Hole area. Although daily highs average in the 60's to low 70's, a high of 95 has been recorded.
Thundershower activity is common and, in some years, causes considerable forest fire activity.
Although daily lows average in the 40's, subfreezing temperatures can occur in any month, especially at higher elevations. The period of continuous daylight or twilight ends in late July. By the end of August nights will have six or seven hours of darkness. The transition from summer to winter is rapid. Lasting from October to March, winter is probably the dominant season.