If you pull into Story, Wyoming, expecting a typical high-plains afternoon, you’re in for a surprise. It’s different here. Tucked right into the crease of the Bighorn Mountains, this little town doesn't follow the rules of the surrounding prairies. While Sheridan might be baking in the summer heat just 20 miles north, Story usually feels like it’s tucked inside a cool, pine-scented refrigerator.
The weather in Story Wyoming is a bit of a local legend. It’s a microclimate. That’s the word meteorologists use when a tiny area decides to have its own atmosphere. Here, the elevation sits at about 4,900 feet, but the real secret is the "mountain effect." Cold air drains down from the peaks of the Bighorns at night, pooling among the ponderosa pines. It creates a sanctuary that’s often 5 to 10 degrees cooler than the nearby flats.
The Reality of 138 Inches of Snow
Let’s talk about the white stuff. Most people think of Wyoming and imagine wind-swept plains with tumbleweeds. Story is more of a Narnia situation. On average, the town sees a staggering 138 inches of snowfall annually. To put that in perspective, that is more than double what Cheyenne gets.
Winter here isn't just a season; it’s a commitment.
In January and February, you’re looking at daily highs that struggle to break 38°F. The nights? They routinely dip into the low teens, and "bitter cold" isn't just a phrase—it's the feeling of the air crystallizing in your nose. Historical data from NOAA shows that while the record low is a bone-chilling -27°F, it’s the consistency of the snow that defines the place. It piles up. It stays.
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Because Story is so heavily wooded, the wind doesn't scour the ground bare like it does in Buffalo or Casper. Instead, the snow settles deep in the forest, turning the town into a silent, white cathedral for months on end. If you’re visiting in the winter, honestly, four-wheel drive isn't a "recommendation." It’s a survival tool.
Spring: The Mud and the Magic
Spring in Story is... complicated. You’ve got this tug-of-war between the seasons. April is actually one of the snowiest months, averaging about 24 inches. It’s heavy, wet "heart attack" snow that snaps pine branches and turns dirt driveways into soup.
By May, the precipitation shifts. This is the wettest month of the year, bringing nearly 5 inches of rain and melted snow. Everything turns a shade of green that looks almost fake against the red rocks.
- Late March: The first signs of thaw, though "thaw" is a relative term.
- April: Massive slush piles and unpredictable blizzards.
- May: The creeks start roaring. Piney Creek, which runs through town, becomes a literal torrent of mountain runoff.
Why Summer in Story is the Best Secret in Wyoming
If you hate the heat, Story is your mecca. July is the warmest month, but the "average" high is only about 81°F. Compare that to the 90-degree-plus days down in the basins, and you’ll see why people from all over the state have summer cabins here.
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The humidity is basically non-existent. You can hike the Story Penrose Trail at noon and not feel like you’re melting. But there is a catch: the afternoon thunderstorm.
Around 2:00 or 3:00 PM, clouds usually build over the Bighorn peaks. They turn dark, purple, and heavy. Within twenty minutes, you might get a deluge of rain or even small hail. Then, just as quickly, the sun pops back out, the ground steams, and the air smells like wet earth and pine needles. It’s incredible.
A Quick Seasonal Temperature Snapshot
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| January | 38°F | 15°F |
| May | 60°F | 38°F |
| July | 81°F | 53°F |
| October | 56°F | 31°F |
(Note: These are averages. In 2026, we've seen swings where a January afternoon hits 50°F before dropping to zero by midnight.)
The Autumn "Gold Rush"
September and October are, frankly, the most beautiful months to witness the weather in Story Wyoming. The gamble is the frost. The first killing frost usually hits in mid-September, which triggers the aspens.
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The air gets crisp. It’s that sharp, dry air that makes your lungs feel twice as big. You’ll get "Bluebird Days"—perfectly still, cloudless skies where the sun feels warm on your back but the air is cool. It’s the best time for fly fishing in the local creeks before the ice starts forming on the edges in November.
Surviving the Extremes: Expert Tips
You shouldn't mess around with the weather here. It changes fast. Like, "sunny to blizzard in thirty minutes" fast.
- Layering is the law. Even in July, once that sun drops behind the mountains, the temperature can plummet 30 degrees in an hour. Always have a fleece or a light down jacket in the truck.
- The Sun is a Beast. At nearly 5,000 feet, the atmosphere is thinner. You will burn in 20 minutes without realize it because the air feels so cool. Wear the hat. Apply the SPF.
- Watch the Wind. While Story is protected by trees, the "Chinook" winds can occasionally scream down the mountain canyons. These warm, dry winds can melt a foot of snow in a day, but they’ll also rattle your windows and test your roof shingles.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception? That Story is just like Sheridan. It isn't. Because of the way the town is nestled into the foothills, it misses a lot of the brutal wind that plagues the rest of the state, but it pays for that with significantly more moisture.
If you are planning a trip, don't look at the state-wide forecast. Check the specific mountain reports. The "Story microclimate" is real, and it’s why the town looks like a lush forest in a state that is mostly high-altitude desert.
To get the most out of your visit, keep a physical eye on the Bighorn peaks to the west. If the "cap" of clouds is sitting low and grey on the mountains, the weather is about to turn in town. If you see the peaks clearly, you've likely got a beautiful window for outdoor activities. Pack for three seasons regardless of what the calendar says, and always keep an extra blanket and a shovel in your vehicle if you're traveling between October and May.
Check the latest SNOTEL data for the South Piney Creek station if you’re heading into the backcountry, as snow depths at the higher elevations near Story can be three times what you see at the Post Office.