If you’re planning a trip to the base of the Big Horn Mountains, you’ve probably checked the standard forecast. But honestly, weather in Buffalo WY is a bit of a trickster. You might see a sunny 65-degree day on your phone and think you’re set for a light jacket, only to find yourself huddling against a 40-mph gust that feels like it came straight off a glacier.
It’s rugged. It’s moody.
Basically, it's exactly what you’d expect from a high-altitude town in the Cowboy State, but with some quirks that catch even seasoned travelers off guard.
The "Big Horn" Effect: Why the Forecast Lies
Buffalo sits at about 4,645 feet. That sounds high, but the real player here is the massive wall of rock to the west. The Big Horn Mountains don't just sit there looking pretty; they act as a giant atmospheric gatekeeper.
When moist air moves in from the west, the mountains chew it up. By the time it hits Buffalo, it’s often bone-dry. This is why the town only gets about 13 inches of rain a year. However, when a "Upslope" storm hits—where the wind pushes moisture up the eastern face of the mountains—Buffalo gets absolutely hammered with snow.
You’ve gotta realize that the temperature can swing 40 degrees in a single afternoon. It's not uncommon to start a hike in a t-shirt and end it by digging a beanie out of your pack because a front rolled over the peaks.
Winter is a Long-Term Relationship
In Buffalo, winter doesn't just visit; it moves in and stays for dinner. The "cold season" technically kicks off in mid-November and doesn't really loosen its grip until March or April.
December and January are the heavy hitters.
Expect highs that struggle to break 35°F. Nighttime? You’re looking at lows in the low teens or single digits. If you’re coming from the coast, that dry cold is a different beast. It doesn't "soak" into your bones like humid cold, but it will crack your skin and zap your phone battery in ten minutes.
- Snowfall: The town averages about 36 inches a year.
- The Wind: This is the real story. Wyoming is the windiest state in the lower 48. In Buffalo, those winter gusts can hit 50 or 60 mph, turning a few inches of snow into a total whiteout.
- The "Thaw": Occasionally, a Chinook wind—a warm, dry breeze—descends from the mountains and can raise the temperature by 30 degrees in an hour. It’s a temporary gift that melts the slush before the next freeze.
Spring is... Kind of a Myth
Don't come here in April expecting flowers. You’ll mostly find "mud season."
March and April are actually some of the snowiest months. You might get a day that feels like spring, followed by a week of grey, slushy rain-snow mix. The locals know better than to plant a garden before Memorial Day. Even then, you're taking a gamble.
Summer: The Buffalo Sweet Spot
If you can make it to July, you've hit the jackpot.
Summer weather in Buffalo WY is, quite frankly, incredible. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 85°F. Because there’s zero humidity, it feels like a warm hug rather than a steam room.
The nights are the best part. Even after a hot day, the temperature drops into the 50s. You’ll never need an air conditioner if you just open the windows at night. It’s the kind of weather that makes you want to sit on a porch at the Occidental Hotel with a cold drink and just breathe.
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Watch Out for the Afternoon Boom
Around 3:00 or 4:00 PM in the summer, keep an eye on those mountain peaks. Thunderstorms build up fast. They’re usually quick—maybe 20 minutes of intense rain and some impressive lightning—and then the sky clears up like nothing happened. Just don’t get caught on a ridge line above the timberline when the clouds turn purple.
Fall: The Best Kept Secret
September is, hands down, the best month to be here.
The wind dies down. The crowds from Yellowstone and the Black Hills have thinned out. The aspens in the Big Horns start turning that electric gold. Highs hover in the 70s, and the air gets crisp.
By late October, the smell of woodsmoke starts hitting the air. It’s beautiful, but short. By Halloween, you’re usually looking at the first real "sticking" snow of the year.
Survival Tips for the Wyoming Elements
If you want to actually enjoy the weather in Buffalo WY, you have to pack like a local.
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- Layers aren't a suggestion. A base layer of merino wool, a fleece, and a windproof shell will save your life.
- Sunscreen is mandatory. You’re a mile closer to the sun here. Even when it’s 20 degrees in January, the glare off the snow will give you a brutal sunburn.
- Check the WYDOT app. If you’re driving I-90 or trying to take US-16 over the mountain pass, check the road closures. The wind often gets so bad they shut the highway down to light, high-profile vehicles (like RVs) to keep them from literally blowing over.
- Hydrate. The air is incredibly dry. You won't realize how much you're sweating because it evaporates instantly. Drink twice as much water as you think you need.
Actionable Next Steps
If you’re planning a visit, check the National Weather Service (NWS) Billings office—they handle the Buffalo area and are much more accurate than the generic apps. For those heading into the Big Horns, always check the SNOTEL data for the Powder River Pass to see current snow depths before you head up for a hike or a snowmobile run.
Buffalo is a place where nature is in charge. Respect the wind, dress for three seasons at once, and you’ll find it’s one of the most beautiful spots in the West.