Coeur d’Alene, ID – Northern Idaho enters the holiday window under NOAA’s “equal chances” temperature outlook, but forecasters say the region should still expect multiple opportunities for snow from December 20 through January 2. With Christmas and New Years included in this timeframe, the Panhandle may see several systems capable of affecting travel.
According to NOAA, northern Idaho—including Coeur d’Alene, Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry, Moscow, and the Bitterroot and Selkirk ranges—sits within a broad EC temperature zone stretching across much of the Northwest and northern Rockies. While temperatures may trend slightly warmer or colder depending on storm timing, the region’s late-December climate strongly favors snow, especially in higher terrain.
Northern Idaho is also in an equal-chances precipitation zone, pointing toward near-normal moisture. In this region and season, that typically translates into frequent light to moderate snowfall, with the potential for heavier periods when Pacific systems push inland. Mountain passes—including Lookout Pass, Fourth of July Pass, and Lolo Pass—may experience significant accumulations and hazardous travel.
Communities across Coeur d’Alene, Sandpoint, Hayden, Lewiston, and the Palouse should anticipate slick roads, occasional bursts of heavier snow, and reduced visibility during the holiday period. Elevation differences will play a major role, with lower valleys sometimes seeing a rain/snow mix, while higher elevations see consistent snowfall.
If colder air settles in during one of the expected storms, many northern Idaho communities could experience a White Christmas and enter 2026 with fresh snow on the ground.
Travelers across U.S. 95, I-90, and U.S. 2 are urged to monitor updated forecasts as storm timing and intensity become clearer.
