Burns, Oregon Weather by Month

Located in Harney County, Oregon, Burns is a charming city located in the southeastern part of the state. Situated in the high desert region of Oregon, Burns boasts stunning natural landscapes, including expansive prairies, rugged mountains, and beautiful rivers. As part of the United States, Burns is affiliated with the country and serves as the county seat of Harney County. With a population of approximately 2,800 residents, Burns maintains a close-knit community atmosphere while offering access to essential amenities and services. The city is known for its rich history, outdoor recreational opportunities, and abundant wildlife, making it a popular destination for tourists and nature enthusiasts alike.

Geographical Overview

Burns is located in the southeastern corner of Oregon, surrounded by vast expanses of wilderness and natural beauty. The city is situated in the high desert region, characterized by arid landscapes, sagebrush-covered plains, and rugged terrain. Burns is bordered by the Malheur National Forest to the west and the Ochoco National Forest to the north, providing residents and visitors with opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Malheur National Wildlife Refuge is a haven for birdwatchers, boasting over 320 species of birds and diverse habitats, including wetlands, lakes, and marshes. Burns’ central location within Harney County makes it a hub for outdoor adventure and exploration, with countless opportunities for outdoor recreation in every direction.

Population

Burns has a population of approximately 2,800 residents, making it the largest city in Harney County. The city’s population has remained relatively stable over the years, with residents drawn to its small-town charm, natural beauty, and quality of life. Burns is home to a diverse community of individuals, including ranchers, outdoor enthusiasts, and artists, contributing to its vibrant cultural scene and sense of community spirit. The city’s downtown area features locally-owned businesses, restaurants, and shops, adding to its unique character and appeal as a place to live, work, and visit.

Major Landmarks

While Burns may be a small city, it boasts several major landmarks and attractions that showcase its rich history and natural beauty:

• Steens Mountain: Located to the southeast of Burns, Steens Mountain is a prominent landmark and popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Rising over 9,000 feet above sea level, Steens Mountain offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including deep gorges, alpine meadows, and rugged cliffs. Visitors can explore the mountain’s extensive network of hiking trails, go wildlife spotting, or simply enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
• Malheur National Wildlife Refuge: Situated just south of Burns, the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge is one of the premier birdwatching destinations in the United States. The refuge is home to hundreds of species of birds, including waterfowl, shorebirds, and raptors, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the refuge’s scenic drives, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing areas, or participate in guided birdwatching tours and educational programs offered by refuge staff.
• Harney County Historical Museum: Located in downtown Burns, the Harney County Historical Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s history and heritage. Housed in a historic former courthouse building, the museum features exhibits on local history, including Native American artifacts, pioneer homesteads, and the region’s ranching and logging industries. Visitors can explore the museum’s collections, attend special events and lectures, or take guided walking tours of historic downtown Burns.

Climate and Weather Overview

Burns experiences a semi-arid climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. The city typically sees four distinct seasons, with each offering its own unique weather patterns and outdoor activities. Summers in Burns are hot and sunny, with temperatures often exceeding 90°F, while winters are cold and snowy, with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. Spring and fall bring milder temperatures and occasional precipitation, making them ideal times for outdoor exploration and recreation.

Average Monthly Climate Data

Weather by Month

January

January in Burns is typically cold and snowy, with average temperatures around 29.4°F. The month sees an average precipitation of 0.63 inches, primarily in the form of snow, and 14 sunny days on average. Outdoor activities during this month are limited due to the cold weather and snow cover, but residents and visitors can still enjoy winter sports such as skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. Indoor activities such as visiting local museums, libraries, and art galleries provide opportunities for staying warm and entertained during the winter months.

February

February brings continued cold temperatures to Burns, with average temperatures around 36.2°F. The month sees a decrease in precipitation compared to January, with an average of 0.52 inches, and 16 sunny days on average. Outdoor activities may include ice fishing, sledding, and snowshoeing on nearby trails, as well as attending winter festivals and events in the city. Indoor activities such as movie nights, game nights, and craft workshops offer opportunities for residents and visitors to stay active and engaged during the winter season.

March

March marks the transition to spring in Burns, with temperatures beginning to warm up and signs of new growth emerging. The average temperature is around 46.9°F, with an average precipitation of 0.71 inches and 17 sunny days on average. Outdoor activities may include hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife photography in the city’s parks and nature reserves, as well as attending maple syrup festivals and other spring events. March also offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and other water-related activities as the snow begins to melt and rivers and lakes thaw.

April

April in Burns brings milder temperatures and increasing precipitation, with an average temperature of 56.9°F and 0.77 inches of precipitation on average. The month sees 18 sunny days on average, providing opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and fishing as the landscape comes to life with blooming flowers and budding trees. Residents and visitors can also enjoy exploring local parks and nature reserves, attending outdoor concerts and farmers’ markets, and participating in Earth Day events to celebrate the arrival of the new season.

May

May heralds the arrival of warmer temperatures and abundant sunshine in Burns, with an average temperature of 66.5°F and 1.10 inches of precipitation on average. The month sees 20 sunny days on average, providing perfect conditions for outdoor adventures. Residents and visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and birdwatching in the city’s parks and nature reserves, or take leisurely strolls along the nearby rivers and streams. May also offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing on the rivers, as well as attending outdoor festivals and events to celebrate the arrival of spring.

June

June in Burns is warm and sunny, with temperatures averaging 77.3°F and 0.73 inches of precipitation on average. The month sees 24 sunny days on average, providing ideal conditions for outdoor activities. Residents and visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, and kayaking on the nearby lakes and reservoirs, or explore the city’s parks and trails for hiking, picnicking, and wildlife spotting. June also offers opportunities for attending outdoor concerts, farmers’ markets, and community festivals, as well as camping, barbecues, and stargazing under the clear summer skies.

July

July is the peak of summer in Burns, with hot temperatures and plenty of sunshine, averaging 87.7°F and 0.41 inches of precipitation on average. The month sees 29 sunny days on average, providing ample opportunities for outdoor fun. Residents and visitors can cool off with a dip in the nearby lakes and rivers, relax on the sandy shores, or enjoy water sports such as tubing, rafting, and paddleboarding. July also offers opportunities for outdoor concerts, fireworks displays, and community festivals, as well as fishing tournaments and picnics in the park for residents of all ages to enjoy.

August

In August, summer continues in full swing in Burns, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine, averaging 85.6°F and 0.39 inches of precipitation on average. The month sees 29 sunny days on average, providing perfect conditions for outdoor activities. Residents and visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and tubing on the nearby rivers and lakes, or explore the city’s parks and trails for hiking, biking, and wildlife spotting. August also offers opportunities for outdoor concerts, food festivals, and cultural events, as well as camping, bonfires, and stargazing under the summer sky.

September

September brings mild temperatures and decreasing precipitation to Burns, with an average temperature of 75.7°F and 0.59 inches of precipitation on average. The month sees 25 sunny days on average, providing ideal conditions for outdoor adventures. Residents and visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and leaf-peeping in the city’s parks and nature reserves, or take scenic drives to admire the changing foliage. September also offers opportunities for apple picking, pumpkin patches, and fall festivals, as well as outdoor concerts, art fairs, and historical tours to celebrate the arrival of autumn.

October

October in Burns is characterized by cooler temperatures and colorful foliage, with an average temperature of 61.3°F and 0.70 inches of precipitation on average. The month sees 21 sunny days on average, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Residents and visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and leaf-peeping in the city’s parks and nature reserves, or take leisurely drives through the countryside. October also offers opportunities for apple picking, hayrides, and fall festivals, as well as pumpkin carving, haunted hayrides, and Halloween celebrations to embrace the spirit of the season.

November

November marks the transition to winter in Burns, with cooler temperatures and increasing precipitation, averaging 43.1°F and 0.79 inches respectively. The month sees 17 sunny days on average, providing opportunities for outdoor activities before the arrival of winter weather. Residents and visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and nature photography in the city’s parks and nature reserves, or take scenic drives to admire the changing foliage. November also offers opportunities for Thanksgiving celebrations, holiday markets, and craft fairs, as well as indoor activities such as cooking classes, art workshops, and holiday concerts to prepare for the festive season ahead.

December

December in Burns is cold and often snowy, with an average temperature of 31.8°F and 0.65 inches of precipitation on average. The month sees 14 sunny days on average, providing opportunities for outdoor activities before the arrival of winter weather. Residents and visitors can enjoy ice skating, sledding, and snowshoeing in the city’s parks and open spaces, or take scenic drives to admire the festive holiday lights and decorations. December also offers opportunities for holiday shopping, visits with Santa Claus, and seasonal events such as tree lighting ceremonies, holiday concerts, and Christmas markets to spread joy and cheer throughout the community.