Fort Washakie is a small community located in Fremont County, Wyoming, United States. It serves as the administrative center of the Wind River Indian Reservation, home to the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes. Named after the revered Shoshone Chief Washakie, the town is steeped in rich cultural history and serves as a hub for the local Native American community. The area covers a relatively small geographic footprint, with the town itself having a modest population of approximately 1,759 residents, according to recent estimates.
Geographically, Fort Washakie is situated at the base of the Wind River Range, a stunning mountain range known for its rugged terrain, alpine scenery, and outdoor recreational opportunities. The region’s natural beauty is complemented by significant historical landmarks, including the original site of Fort Washakie, a U.S. Army post established in the late 19th century. Today, the town hosts the Wind River Tribal College, which provides educational opportunities for both Native and non-Native students, focusing on preserving and promoting the culture and heritage of the local tribes.
Fort Washakie is also near the burial site of Chief Washakie, a notable historical figure known for his leadership and diplomacy. The town serves as a cultural and historical touchstone, with the Shoshone Tribal Cultural Center offering exhibits and educational programs that explore the rich history and traditions of the Shoshone and Arapaho peoples.
Climate and Weather Overview
Fort Washakie experiences a semi-arid climate, characterized by cold, snowy winters and warm, dry summers. The town is located at a high elevation of approximately 5,600 feet, which influences its weather patterns. The area receives moderate precipitation, with snowfall being significant during the winter months. The climate is also shaped by its proximity to the Wind River Range, which can lead to variable weather conditions.
| Month | Average Temperature (°F) | Precipitation (in) | Sunny Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8 – 32 | 0.5 | 20 |
| February | 12 – 37 | 0.4 | 18 |
| March | 20 – 45 | 0.6 | 20 |
| April | 29 – 55 | 1.0 | 22 |
| May | 37 – 65 | 1.2 | 22 |
| June | 45 – 75 | 0.8 | 25 |
| July | 50 – 84 | 0.6 | 27 |
| August | 48 – 82 | 0.5 | 26 |
| September | 39 – 72 | 0.7 | 24 |
| October | 29 – 60 | 0.8 | 22 |
| November | 18 – 45 | 0.5 | 20 |
| December | 10 – 35 | 0.6 | 20 |
January
January in Fort Washakie is marked by cold temperatures, with average highs around 32°F and lows around 8°F. The town receives approximately 0.5 inches of precipitation, primarily in the form of snow. January typically has about 20 sunny days, with the rest being cloudy or snowy.
Snowstorms are common, and while blizzards are rare, they can occasionally occur, leading to significant snow accumulation and challenging travel conditions.
Recommended Activities: Indoor activities are popular during January, including visiting the Shoshone Tribal Cultural Center or enjoying local community events. For outdoor enthusiasts, winter sports such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are available in the surrounding areas.
February
February continues the cold winter weather, with temperatures averaging between 12°F and 37°F. The town sees about 0.4 inches of precipitation, primarily snow. There are around 18 sunny days in February.
Winter storms can bring snow and ice, making road conditions hazardous. However, these events are typically brief and the area enjoys a considerable amount of sunshine.
Recommended Activities: February is a good time for indoor cultural activities like attending local performances or exploring art exhibitions. Outdoor activities such as skiing and ice fishing are also popular, taking advantage of the winter landscape.
March
March marks the transition to spring, with temperatures ranging from 20°F to 45°F. Precipitation increases slightly to 0.6 inches, mostly as snow and rain. The town enjoys about 20 sunny days in March.
The weather becomes more variable, with potential late snowstorms or early thaws. The landscape begins to show signs of spring, with melting snow and emerging vegetation.
Recommended Activities: March is perfect for exploring local parks and nature reserves as the weather warms. It’s also a good time for participating in cultural events and workshops that celebrate the transition to spring.
April
April brings more consistent spring weather, with temperatures averaging between 29°F and 55°F. The town receives around 1.0 inches of precipitation, mostly rain. There are typically 22 sunny days in April.
April showers help to green the landscape and encourage the growth of wildflowers and other native plants.
Recommended Activities: April is ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and enjoying picnics in local parks. The increasing daylight and warmer temperatures also make it a great time for gardening and exploring the natural beauty of the region.
May
May sees a further rise in temperatures, averaging between 37°F and 65°F. Precipitation increases to around 1.2 inches, with rain showers being frequent. The town enjoys about 22 sunny days in May.
The risk of thunderstorms increases during this month, occasionally bringing heavy rains and strong winds.
Recommended Activities: May is perfect for outdoor sports, visiting local gardens, and enjoying the scenic landscapes. The mild weather also makes it a great time for attending outdoor festivals and community events.
June
June ushers in the summer season with temperatures ranging from 45°F to 75°F. The town receives about 0.8 inches of precipitation, with occasional thunderstorms. There are typically 25 sunny days in June.
The weather becomes warmer and more consistent, with long, sunny days ideal for outdoor activities.
Recommended Activities: June is ideal for water-based activities such as kayaking, fishing, and swimming in local lakes and rivers. The warm weather also makes it a great time for hiking, camping, and exploring the Wind River Range.
July
July is the warmest month in Fort Washakie, with average temperatures between 50°F and 84°F. Precipitation averages 0.6 inches, with occasional thunderstorms. The town enjoys about 27 sunny days in July.
Heatwaves are rare but can occasionally occur, making it important to stay hydrated and seek shade during peak heat.
Recommended Activities: July is great for enjoying water-based activities, including swimming and boating. It’s also a popular time for local festivals, outdoor concerts, and community gatherings. The warm evenings are perfect for stargazing and enjoying the night sky.
August
August continues the warm summer weather with temperatures ranging from 48°F to 82°F. The town receives around 0.5 inches of precipitation, with occasional thunderstorms. There are about 26 sunny days in August.
The risk of severe weather, including thunderstorms, remains but begins to decrease towards the end of the month.
Recommended Activities: August is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and enjoying the many parks and natural areas. The warm evenings are perfect for barbecues, camping, and exploring the outdoors.
September
September marks the transition from summer to fall, with average temperatures between 39°F and 72°F. Precipitation remains steady at 0.7 inches. The town experiences around 24 sunny days in September.
The weather becomes more variable, with cooler nights and the first hints of fall.
Recommended Activities: The cooler weather makes September perfect for hiking, attending local fairs, and enjoying the early fall foliage. It’s also a great time for apple picking and visiting local farmers’ markets.
October
October brings cooler temperatures, ranging from 29°F to 60°F. The town receives about 0.8 inches of precipitation, mainly as rain. There are typically 22 sunny days in October.
The weather can be unpredictable, with occasional rain showers and the onset of cooler fall temperatures.
Recommended Activities: October is perfect for visiting pumpkin patches, attending Halloween events, and exploring fall-themed attractions. The crisp air is also ideal for hiking, photography, and enjoying the natural beauty of the season.
November
November sees temperatures drop further, averaging between 18°F and 45°F. The town receives about 0.5 inches of precipitation, with a mix of rain and occasional snow. There are around 20 sunny days in November.
Early winter storms can bring snow and icy conditions, especially towards the end of the month.
Recommended Activities: Indoor activities become more popular in November, such as visiting museums, attending community events, and preparing for winter holidays. It’s also a good time for cozy indoor gatherings and enjoying the local culinary scene.
December
December is characterized by cold winter weather, with temperatures ranging from 10°F to 35°F. The town receives about 0.6 inches of precipitation, primarily as snow. There are typically 20 sunny days in December.
Snowstorms and cold snaps can occur, making it important to prepare for winter conditions.
Recommended Activities: December is a festive month, with holiday events, light displays, and community gatherings. Indoor activities such as visiting holiday markets, attending concerts, and enjoying warm beverages are popular.