Whether Idaho is smack in the middle of a Snowpacalypse or enduring yet another month of below-frigid temperatures, a hint of sunshine is always a welcome sight! But even as you layer up and scrape your car windows for the millionth time, remember that the Gem State is a diverse region – which means there are plenty of places to warm up and forget that the weather outside is frightful. Here in Idaho, we’re not known for our year-round bask-in-the-sun destinations, but if you have visions of sandy beaches and warm sun rays dancing through your head, there are a few places across the state that will help you get into the sizzling summer spirit … even as Old Man Winter continues his icy reign. From the warmest city in Idaho to indoor getaways where the forecast doesn’t matter, here are some fantastic places to enjoy “summer” all year long.

1. The Reef, Boise

Reef, 105 S 6th St, Boise, ID 83702, USA
The Reef/GoogleMaps
When it comes to escaping the harsh realities of winter, what better place than an exotic island? Experience the sights sounds, and smells of the tropics in one of Boise's bustling tiki bars, complete with rustling palm fronds, the fiery glow of tiki torches, and live music to boot. Plus, an eclectic menu of tasty, tropical-themed eats. Winter has no power here!

2. Warm River

Warm River, ID 83420, USA
Cody Diehl/Google Maps
Warm River is a spring-fed river that travels crisp and clear for 26 miles near the Western border of Yellowstone in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. In the upper reaches, it meanders like a small stream, but the entire portion maintains a constant temperature of around 50 degrees, making it fish-able and wade-able year-round.

3. Silver Rapids Indoor Water Park, Kellogg

Silver Rapids Waterpark, 610 Bunker Ave, Kellogg, ID 83837, USA
Silver Mountain/Facebook
The splashing, wading, and playfulness of summer do not have to end when the snow hits. At Silver Mountain, for those staying at the resort, an indoor water park is the perfect place to keep the sun shining all year long. A lazy river, wave rider, obstacle course, water slide, and more await water-loving visitors.

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4. Miracle Hot Springs, Buhl

Miracle Hot Springs, 19073 US-30, Buhl, ID 83316, USA
Miracle & Banbury Hot Springs/Facebook
Warm up at one of Southern Idaho's most "miraculous" set of hot pools. Featuring 15 private hot pools, six VIP pools, and four outdoor public pools, the mineral water of this warm and toasty gem is positively magical. The outdoor pools are temperature adjusted in winter to keep soakers cozy and relaxed, while the private pools will keep you protected from the elements. While there are hundreds of natural hot springs across the state to choose from, there's no doubt that having your own private pool is rather appealing!

5. Bruneau, Idaho

Bruneau, ID 83604, USA
vkbhat/iStock / Getty Images Plus
While perhaps no surprise to locals, Bruneau is "officially" the warmest city in Idaho, with a yearly average temperature of 68 and less than 10 inches of precipitation per year. Not bad, eh? Riggins comes in a close second with an average of 66. While you're visiting Bruneau Dunes State Park, sandboard down the sand dunes, drink in some starry nights at the Bruneau Observatory, or just enjoy the vast open skies of the desert.

6. The Blue Wave, Idaho Falls

Blue Wave, 2060 Rollandet St, Idaho Falls, ID 83402, USA
Jptravelswithfreedom/TripAdvisor
Beach-themed décor, surfboards, painted waves, and a chill cowabunga-style vibe combine to make this hidden gem in Idaho the perfect place to catch some sandy rays even when the weather is far from sunny outside! You'll find tasty chicken sandwiches, burgers, and incredible hand-cut fries - everything you need to enjoy a beach vacay right here in Eastern Idaho.

7. The Cove at Shore Lodge, McCall

Shore Lodge, 501 W Lake St, McCall, ID 83638, USA
Shore Lodge - McCall, Idaho
We've raved about the wonders of McCall's Shore Lodge before, but did you know it's also one of the best places in the state to escape the chill of winter? The lodge may sit along the icy waters of Payette Lake, but step into the nationally-recognized 4-star Cove Spa and you'll be transported into the most magical escape of your life. Toasty fires and candles create a serene ambiance, while multiple hot pools make the perfect end to a chilly day on the water. Add in a hot rock treatment and you have a dreamy day fit for a destination getaway.

Whatever the season, it’s never too early to plan your next winter escape! What are your favorite ways to beat the cold? Are there any other places that should be added to this list? Let us know in the comments! And if you do plan to spend some time outside in the chilly weather, make sure to check out our cold weather essentials packing list.

If you’d like to embrace some of the beauty that winter has to offer, take a scenic winter drive in Eastern Idaho.

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Winter in Idaho & Related Info

Jennifer | December 10, 2022

What is winter like in Idaho?

The Gem State is large and diverse, so winters in Idaho vary from year to year and differ greatly between regions. In general, winters in Idaho are mild; however the state does see plenty of snow and ice, in addition to extreme temperatures when conditions are right. Some of the worst winter storms Idaho has ever seen include:

 

Aside from these notable winter storms, Idaho visitors and residents can expect to see annual snowfall - particularly at higher elevations - average state-wide temperatures between 15 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit, and a winter season that typically lasts from November to February. Stanley, Idaho spends over 260 days each year below freezing, and many parts of the state experience extreme temperature drops as well.

How much snowfall does Idaho get each year?

In general, the southern half of Idaho is warmer and drier than Central and Northern Idaho, but heavy snowfall can be found in every corner of the state due to Idaho's numerous mountain ranges. The snowiest cities in Idaho, measured in average inches of snow per year are:

  • Island Park: 154 inches per year
  • Mack's Inn: 141 inches per year
  • Warm River: 97 inches per year
  • Ashton: 97 inches per year
  • Warren: 95 inches per year

 

However, the rest of Idaho sees snow as well, with very few cities receiving less than ten inches per year. The least snowy cities in Idaho are:

  • Mountain Home: 6.74 inches per year
  • Grand View: 8.03 inches per year
  • Hollister: 8.36 inches per year
  • Melba: 8.71 inches per year
  • Murphy: 9.37 inches per year

 

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