Soil Temperature in Idaho
The current average 2-inch soil temperature across Idaho is 74°F, based on 4 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 71°F to 79°F. Last updated July 2, 2026.
Current Planting Conditions
Summer conditions across Idaho with soil averaging 74°F at 2 inches. Warm-season grasses are in peak growth; keep cool-season lawns mowed high and watered deep. The next application windows arrive in fall, starting with pre-emergent as soil falls back through 70°F.
Grass Seed Germination in Idaho
Grass seed germination
Grass seed germination temperatures across Idaho. Soil warmth varies by location, so check a city page for the live reading and what germinates there now.
| Grass species | Germination optimum | Days |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky bluegrass | 59–86°F | 14-30 |
| Tall fescue | 68–86°F | 7-12 |
| Perennial ryegrass | 68–86°F | 5-10 |
| Fine fescue | 59–77°F | 7-14 |
| Bermudagrass | 75–85°F | 10-30 |
Monitoring Stations in Idaho (4)
For root-zone timing (fertilizer, aeration, weed control), see the 4-inch soil temperature for Idaho. For accumulated-heat timing, see growing degree days for Idaho. See the Idaho soil temperature map for the full station view.
| Station | 2" Temp | Last Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Jordan Valley Cwma (Owyhee) | 73°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Orchard Range Site (Ada) | 79°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Arco 17 SW | 73°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Murphy 10 W | 71°F | 2026-07-02 |
Cities in Idaho (12)
| City | ZIP | Current Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Boise | 83701 | 79°F |
| Caldwell | 83605 | 71°F |
| Coeur D Alene | 83814 | 67°F |
| Idaho Falls | 83401 | 62°F |
| Meridian | 83642 | 79°F |
| Moscow | 83843 | 65°F |
| Nampa | 83651 | 71°F |
| Pocatello | 83201 | 71°F |
| Post Falls | 83854 | 67°F |
| Rexburg | 83440 | 62°F |
| Sun Valley | 83353 | 73°F |
| Twin Falls | 83301 | 63°F |
Lawn Care Timing Guides for Idaho
- When to Apply Broadleaf Weed Killer on Cool-Season Lawns in Spring
Spring broadleaf timing for Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, perennial ryegrass, and the cool-season blends.
- How to Identify and Kill Nutsedge in Your Lawn
Nutsedge is a sedge, not a grass, which is why standard weed control fails.
- How to Apply Liquid Pre-Emergent Herbicide
Learn how to mix, calibrate, and spray liquid pre-emergent herbicide.
- Grass Seed Germination Soil Temperature by Species
The soil temperature each grass species needs to germinate, from 15+ university extensions: tall fescue and perennial ryegrass 68-86°F, Kentucky bluegrass 59-86°F, fine fescue 59-77°F, cool-season 50°F trigger, warm-season 65°F.
Soil Temperature FAQ for Idaho
What is the current soil temperature in Idaho?
The current average 2-inch soil temperature across Idaho is 74°F, based on 4 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 71°F to 79°F depending on location and elevation.
When should I apply pre-emergent in Idaho?
Apply pre-emergent herbicide when soil at 2 inches reaches 55°F for several consecutive days. Timing varies across Idaho, so check your city's page for station-specific readings and the pre-emergent timing recommendation.
When can I plant grass seed in Idaho?
Cool-season grasses (fescue, bluegrass) can be seeded when soil holds between 50 and 65°F. Warm-season grasses (bermuda, zoysia) need soil above 65°F. Timing varies by location, so check your city's planting window for the dates specific to your area.