Wyoming Geography & Climate

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Wyoming is a large, sparsely populated, western state encompassing dramatic mountain ranges and vast, high plains. Mountainous geography and a high elevation dictate distinct seasons and a capricious climate.

Bordered by seven states, including Montana to the north and Colorado to the south, Wyoming is the 10th largest state, covering 97,818 square miles (253,348 sq km). Less than 1% of this area is covered by water. According to the 2000 census, Wyoming had a population of 493,782, the lowest in the nation, with a population density of only 5.1 persons per square mile (1.9 persons per sq km). The largest cities in Wyoming are: Cheyenne (53,011 residents), Casper (49,644 residents) and Laramie (27,204 residents).

Wyoming’s topography is defined by the dissection of the Continental Divide. To the west of the divide, Wyoming is a series of Rocky Mountain ranges, such as the Grand Teton Mountains. This area includes the highest elevation point in the state, Gannett Peak, at 13,804 feet (4,207 m). Within this area are also great basins between the mountain ranges, which receive little precipitation. The eastern portion of Wyoming is part of the Great Plains, charcterized by low vegetation and a relatively mean elevation. Great rivers and lakes are found throughout the state, such as the Snake and Bighorn rivers and Yellowstone Lake.

Wyoming’s climate is dictated by both its high elevation and the Continental Divide. With a mean elevation of 6,700 feet (2,042 m), Wyoming has very cold winters and warm to hot summers, often with great daily temperature fluctuations. The weather east of the Continental Divide is generally warmer than to the west. In western Wyoming, average January temperatures range from -1-23 degrees F (-18--5 C), while average July temperatures range from 41-79 degrees F (5-26 C). In mountainous areas, summer temperatures are often drastically cooler at night. To the east of the divide, average January temperatures vary from 9-30 degrees F (-13--1 C), while July temperatures vary from 54-85 degrees F (12-29 C). Average annual precipitation ranges from 14-21 inches (36-53 cm) statewide, but can be significantly higher in the mountains.

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