What's the Weather Really Like in Boise, Idaho?

You're thinking about moving to Idaho and wondering what the weather is like in the Boise area. Well, my name's Curtis Chisholm, and I moved from San Diego, California, to the Boise, Idaho, area several years ago. As a third-generation Californian who grew up in San Diego and spent my entire life in California, I was very accustomed to that kind of weather. Moving to Idaho was a bit of a change for me, and there were definitely some surprises that came along with it.

In this video, I'll break down what the weather is like throughout the various seasons. How bad do the winters get? How hot do the summers really get? I've been getting a lot of questions about the weather lately. For instance, as I record this at the end of December 2024, it doesn’t feel that cold to me, even though it’s only 38 degrees. As you can see, it’s blue skies behind me.

One of the most common questions I get is about something called “the inversion.” People want to know what it is, what causes it, how long it lasts, and how bad it can be. We'll cover that later in the video, so stay tuned to learn what an inversion is, how bad it really is, and what to do if you’re affected by it.

Now, let’s talk about the seasons here in Idaho and how to navigate them.

Spring

Spring in Idaho is absolutely beautiful. It’s when everything starts to come to life. Behind me, you can see the grass is dormant right now. Grass in Idaho typically goes dormant during late fall and winter. It doesn’t die; it just looks dead until the warmer spring weather brings it back to life.

During spring, you’ll find yourself mowing your lawn frequently—sometimes every five days—especially if you’re using proper fertilizers. There are excellent local products, like those from Zamsos, that help maintain a vibrant lawn. Coming from California, where lawns and water usage are often restricted, it’s refreshing to see how green and lush lawns can be here.

Temperatures in spring vary, with chilly nights sometimes dipping into freezing. However, daytime temperatures usually range from the 50s to 70s. It’s the perfect time for outdoor activities like mountain biking, walking, or biking along the Boise Greenbelt. The scenery is stunning, and it’s a great way to enjoy the season.

Summer

Summer in Boise gets warm, with temperatures often reaching the 80s and 90s, and sometimes climbing into the low 100s. In rare cases, temperatures can go as high as 110 degrees, but that’s unusual. Summers here are characterized by long days, with daylight stretching from around 6–7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

To beat the heat, people often head to the river, which cools the air by 10–20 degrees due to the cold snowmelt from the mountains. Roaring Springs, a local water park, is another popular destination for families. Additionally, heading to the mountains or nearby lakes like Redfish Lake offers a cooler escape.

When considering a home, the orientation relative to the sun is crucial for comfort in both summer and winter. For example, a west-facing front yard can keep your backyard shaded and cooler during the hot afternoons.

Fall

Fall brings cooler temperatures and gorgeous foliage. It’s a fantastic time for camping, fishing, hunting, or simply enjoying the outdoors. The crisp air and changing leaves make it a favorite season for many.

Winter

Winter in the Treasure Valley can get cold, with temperatures often in the 20s at night and 30s during the day. Occasionally, they drop into the teens or single digits. The dryness here makes the cold more bearable compared to humid regions like Southern California.

The most notable winter phenomenon is the inversion. An inversion occurs when a warm pocket of air traps a cold pocket of air in the valley, leading to foggy, cloudy conditions that can last from a few days to several weeks. While it can be gloomy, the frozen trees and brush often create a picturesque winter wonderland.

For those prone to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), it’s important to plan ahead—perhaps by scheduling trips to sunnier places during the winter. On the bright side, there are plenty of winter activities, such as ice skating at Indian Creek Plaza, skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling.

Conclusion

If you’re thinking about moving to Idaho, I’d love to help you. As a real estate agent, I specialize in helping people make the move to the Treasure Valley. Feel free to reach out by phone, text, or email, and we can set up a Zoom call to discuss your timeline and goals.

Thanks for watching, and if you’d like to learn more about the Treasure Valley, check out my other videos. See you next time!