weatherbycounty

Bureau County Climate

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec49.5°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

49.5°F

Annual Precip

38.3"

Annual Snowfall

32.2"

Extreme Heat Days

16

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
1.7"
1.9"
2.4"
3.7"
4.8"
4.8"
3.8"
3.9"
3.6"
3.1"
2.5"
2.1"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

5b

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

3,132

Supports most vegetables & fruits

Last spring frost (32°F): 04/24
First fall frost (32°F): 10/17

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring38°61°10.9"Summer71°74°12.5"Fall39°64°9.2"Winter22°27°5.7"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 28% of US counties
Wetter than 41% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 86% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Bureau County

Climate Verdict

Bureau County has a cool, averaging 49.5°F annually, moderate rainfall of 38.3 inches per year, rare extreme heat with only 16.45 days above 90°F annually, moderate snowfall of 32.2 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are very cold — January averages 21.6°F. summers are warm — July averages 73.7°F. Residents experience a substantial 52°F difference between winter and summer.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

Growing season and gardening data is currently limited for Bureau County. Check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map and local extension office for specific guidance.

Regional Context

Bureau County is 3.3°F cooler than the Illinois statewide average of 52.8°F, it is somewhat drier than average for Illinois.

Climate Profile

About Bureau County Weather

A Cooler Northern Continental Profile

Bureau County's annual average temperature of 49.5°F is cooler than the national median. It experiences a classic continental climate with 38.3 inches of annual precipitation.

Colder than the Illinois Average

Bureau is 3.3 degrees cooler than the state average of 52.8°F. It also receives 38.3 inches of precipitation, trailing the state average of 41.7 inches by over 3 inches.

Double the Snow of Adams

Bureau County receives 32.2 inches of snow annually, nearly twice as much as the 17.0 inches recorded in Adams County. This reflects its more northern and winter-prone position in the state.

Brisk Winters and Mild Summers

January is cold with an average temperature of 21.6°F and heavy snow totaling 32.2 inches. Summers are relatively comfortable, averaging 73.7°F with only 16 days reaching 90°F.

Heavy Snow Preparation Required

Homeowners should invest in robust heating and snow-clearing equipment to manage the 32.2 inches of snowfall. The mild summers mean less strain on air conditioning than in southern Illinois counties.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Bureau County?
The average annual temperature in Bureau County, IL is 49.5°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Bureau County get?
Bureau County receives an average of 38.3 inches of precipitation per year, including both rain and meltwater from snow. This is based on NOAA 30-year climate normals.
Does it snow in Bureau County?
Yes, Bureau County receives an average of 32.2 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Bureau County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Bureau County is 71.9°F. The county experiences an average of 16 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Bureau County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Bureau County is 24.9°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 21.6°F.

Track your own weather in Bureau County

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Data sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020. Forecast and alert data from National Weather Service API. Air quality data from Open-Meteo.

Climate normals are 30-year averages of weather variables. Station data is aggregated to county level. Forecasts and alerts are fetched live and may change frequently. Data is informational only — not a substitute for official National Weather Service forecasts or emergency weather warnings.

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
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